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State-wide restrictions are in effect today through April 5. The announcement was made on Thurs. afternoon in response to the growing number of cases throughout the state.

 “Despite our best efforts, the threat of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread and, unfortunately, we have not yet reached peak impact. The decision to place regulations upon Alabamians living in Jefferson County and its surrounding counties was an effort to contain the area in which the virus has been prevalent in our state,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.

Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris shared the statewide health order to aid in Alabama’s efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) during a press conference on Thurs.

The following statewide restrictions are as follows:

• All gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. This Order shall apply to all gatherings, events or activities that bring 25 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time.

• Any restaurant, bar, brewery or similar establishments shall not permit on-premise consumption of food or drink. Governor Ivey continues to encourage patrons to visit their local eateries for take-out or delivery provided the social distancing protocols include maintaining a consistent six-foot distance between persons are followed.

• All beaches will be closed effective today at 5:00 p.m. For clarification, the term “beach” means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points.

• Preschools and childcare centers will be closed effective at close of school or business today. This shall not apply to licensed childcare centers that provide services exclusively to employees with: State and Local Governments, First Responders (including EMS and Fire Services), Law Enforcement, Hospitals, Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities), End Stage Renal Disease Treatment Centers, Pharmacies and grocery stores.

• Effective immediately, all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall prohibit visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity and end-of-life.

• All elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed, effective immediately.

State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “We understand that the health orders issued will be a hardship on Alabamians.  We must, first and foremost, protect the health and safety of our citizens.  This decision has not been made lightly and will help to prevent the spread of this virus.” Currently there are 68 confirmed cases throughout the state, and no confirmed case in Escambia County.

Editor’s Note: More information regarding the coronavirus in Alabama will shared as it is made available.