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On Tues., Gov. Kay Ivey updated the state regarding the stay at home order.

Encouraged by Alabamians, Ivey extended many thanks to the state for following the guidelines in place.

“Neighbors helping neighbors, Staying at home and taking the order to heart, it is working,” said Ivey. She emphasized the need to continue to follow the order.

“It is imperative that we keep doing what we are doing. Now is not the time to let our guard down,” she firmly announced from the state capitol.

Currenlty, Ivey said she is working with Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth to look at a plan and recommendations for small businesses. An update is expected by the end of the week.

Ivey also announced that the COVID-19 task force for the state and a House lawmakers delegation will provide recommendations for Dr. Scott Harris and Ivey to proceed on when and how to open the state back up.

This answer should be announced in late April.

“This is not a simple process like flipping on a light switch,” said Ivey.

“As governor I have the responsible to look after the health of our people and our economy. I am confident we can handle both of these tasks at the same time,” she added.

Alabama Department of Public Health State Officer Dr. Scott Harris provided an update. “I would say that this is where we expected we would be. Our predictions look a lot better than they did a month ago,” he said.

According to Harris the ICU and hospital peak is expected April 20-22.

“We know we will continue to see cases. We are working very hard to make sure people that need to be tested, get tested.”

Currently there are approximately 3,800 cases statewide and Harris reported around 100 deaths due to COVID-19 that will be confirmed in the coming days.