Please note: As of April 15, 2021 we are no longer doing regularly scheduled updates to this page.
April 8, 2021:
On April 7, 2021, Governor Ivey issued the twenty-sixth supplemental emergency proclamation, which transitioned the state from the amended Safer at Home Order to a new Safer Apart Order. The Order goes into effect on April 9 and extends until May 5. Under the Order, masks are no longer mandated statewide but are encouraged whenever people are in close proximity. The Order also encourages businesses to take reasonable steps to protect employees and customers through the use of face masks and by maintaining 6 feet of separation, regularly disinfecting surfaces, encouraging handwashing, and preventing sick employees from coming into contact with other people.
April 5, 2021:
Governor Ivey announced that beginning on April 5, 2021, the Alabama Department of Public Health will expand eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone age 16 and older.
March 22, 2021:
On March 22, 2021, Governor Ivey issued her 25th supplemental emergency proclamation to further amend the recently extended Safer at Home order. The supplemental proclamation specifically amends the paragraph dealing with educational institutions to reflect the CDC’s recommendations regarding physical distancing in primary and secondary schools. The revised order requires that schools take reasonable steps to maintain six feet of separation between people of different households, except that primary and secondary schools, where practicable, should take steps to maintain three feet of separation between students of different households. Additionally, frequently used items and surfaces should be regularly disinfected, and each employee and student in second grade or above should wear face coverings to the greatest extent practicable when within six feet of a person from a different household.
Also on March 22, Alabama Public Health announced the updated schedule for the rural COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The schedule now includes dates for the second dose to be administered to those who received a first dose through this program.
March 18, 2021:
On March 18, 2021, Governor Ivey announced the locations for the Alabama National Guard’s mobile vaccine clinics. The clinics will begin on March 23 and will rotate through 24 rural counties. The clinics will be open Tuesday through Friday each week with the capacity to administer at least 1,000 vaccinations per site, per day. The schedule for the Rural Mobile Vaccination Clinics is as follows:
- Week One
- March 23: Covington & Sumter Counties
- March 24: Coffee & Greene Counties
- March 25: Dale & Hale Counties
- March 26: Henry & Perry Counties
- Week Two
- March 30: Dallas & Lowndes Counties
- March 31: Bullock & Choctaw Counties
- April 1: Macon & Marengo Counties
- April 2: Russell & Wilcox Counties
- Week Three
- April 6: Butler & Conecuh Counties
- April 7: Crenshaw & Monroe Counties
- April 8: Clarke & Pike Counties
- April 9: Barbour & Washington Counties
March 15, 2021:
On March 12, 2021, Governor Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health announced that starting March 22, eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations will expand to include people age 55 and older, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the population defined in the Alabama Vaccine Allocation Plan as Allocation Phase 1c. Additionally, critical workers in the following areas will be eligible:
- Transportation and logistics;
- Waste and wastewater;
- Food service (including restaurant staff);
- Shelter and housing (construction);
- Finance (bank tellers);
- Information technology and communications;
- Energy;
- Legal;
- Media; and
- Public safety (engineers).
March 11, 2021:
On March 9, 2021, Governor Ivey announced that she has activated the Alabama National Guard to assist with ramping up COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts. Specifically, the Guard will be used to set up mobile vaccination sites in at least 24 counties throughout rural Alabama. Beginning on March 23, the mobile teams will rotate throughout the designated counties. It is estimated that the mobile vaccination teams will be able to administer at least 8,000 doses a week. Once the site information is finalized, the Governor’s office will be sharing more detailed information.
March 4, 2021:
On March 4, 2021, Governor Ivey extended the Safer at Home Order until Friday, April 9. The Order continues the statewide mask requirement when individuals are in public and in close contact with others.
February 25, 2021:
The Alabama Department of Public Health announced it is conducting a confidential online survey designed to learn more about the spread of COVID-19 and supplement the Department’s contact tracing efforts. Any Alabama resident who has ever tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 is asked to complete the survey.
February 24, 2021:
As of February 24, 2021, CVS announced that it will be administering the COVID-19 vaccination in select locations in Alabama. Appointments are available for eligible people at select CVS stores in the following cities/towns:
- Bayou La Batre;
- Camden;
- Evergreen;
- Greensboro;
- Jackson;
- Lanett;
- Moulton;
- Tuskegee; and
- Union Springs.
Eligible people include those that are at least 65 years old and frontline essential workers.
February 22, 2021:
Governor Ivey’s Amended Safer at Home Order remains in effect until March 5 at 5:00 p.m. Currently, none of Alabama’s 67 counties are in the High Risk (Orange) or Very High Risk (Red) Risk Indicator Categories. There are, however, 27 Alabama Counties within the Moderate Risk (Yellow) Category, including: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Calhoun, Chilton, Cleburne, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Greene, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lamar, Limestone, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Russell, Shelby, and Talladega.
February 18, 2021:
In February 2021, State Health Officer Scott Harris encouraged Alabama residents without underlying health issues or who have very limited contact with others to delay vaccination to allow those who are higher risk to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine first (particularly because “the supply of COVID-19 vaccine is expected to remain limited in the months ahead”). Alabama’s Vaccine Allocation Plan is accessible here.
On February 18, 2021, The Alabama Department of Public Health announced that the highly transmissible COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant (also known as the United Kingdom variant) has been identified in residents of Autauga, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery counties. The state DPH is asking persons with recent taste or smell disorders or other COVID-19 symptoms who have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 to “collect a specimen as soon as possible for submission to the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories.”
January 28, 2021:
On January 22, Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris issued an order that extended the state’s “Safer at Home” policies. This extends the statewide mask mandate and existing COVID-19 health order until 5:00 p.m. on March 5, 2021.
January 12, 2021:
Alabama’s vaccination rollout plans are as follows:
1a. (Current phase) Vaccines are available for:
- Health-care workers
- Includes: EMS, nurses, nursing assistants, home healthcare personnel, pharmacists, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, students, trainees, contractual staff not employed by healthcare facility, medical supply delivery, mortuary services, and those not directly involved in patient care, but “who could be expected to infection agents” (e.g., admin staff, billing staff, volunteers, etc.)
- Long-term care residents
1b. (Beginning on January 18) Vaccines are available for:
- Individuals older than 75
- First Responders (fire, law enforcement)
- Front-line essential workers
- Grocery store workers
- US Postal Service workers
- Food and agricultural workers
- Public transit workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Those in “congregate settings” – group homes, homeless shelters, prisoners
1c. Vaccines available for:
- Individuals between 65-74
- Other essential workers
- Those 16-64 with other medical conditions that make them at risk for COVID-19.
Phase 2 – All others not yet vaccinated.
For up-to-date information, go to https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/vaccine.html#availability
December 16, 2020:
On December 11, Governor Kay Ivey issued an emergency proclamation that allows exempts recipients of CARES Act funds from paying state taxes on those benefits. It also extends certain tax credits created by the state of Alabama.
The proclamation states that any “tax credits, advance refund amounts, or other direct benefits,” a taxpayer receives under the CARES Act, including amounts of debt forgiveness under section 1106 of the CARES Act, are excluded from Alabama income tax and all calculations for determining deduction of federal income tax for Alabama’s income taxes. Furthermore, the debt forgiveness amounts are excluded from calculation of financial institution excise taxes to the same extent they are exempted from federal income taxes by provisions of the CARES Act. Loan forgiveness will still be considered by the state in determining the deductibility of expenses paid with the CARES Act funds.
The proclamation also extends availability of the Alabama Jobs Act tax credits and Growing Alabama tax credits until the state legislature votes to extend them or the last day of the next regular session of the Legislature. The Alabama Jobs Act tax credits were initially set to sunset on December 31, 2020, while the Growing Alabama tax credits already expired at the end of September 2020. The Alabama Jobs credits incentivize companies to hire employees for construction projects and the Growing Alabama credits incentivize taxpayers to finance local and state economic development programs.
December 9, 2020:
On December 9, Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris issued an order that extended the state’s “Safer at Home” policies. This extends the statewide mask mandate and existing COVID-19 health order until 5:00 p.m. on January 22, 2021.
November 23, 2020:
On November 23, 2020, The State of Alabama opened up applications for $200 million in Revive Plus Grants to businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The program awards up to $20,000 in business expenses to each applicable entity that suffered business interruption losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Revive Plus grants are the second wave of relief offered by the state of Alabama to small business by way of the CARES Act.
The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to businesses who have not also sought relief for the claimed items in the past from the state of Alabama. To be eligible, the entity must be a business with less than 50 employees, a nonprofit entity or a faith-based organization that was in operation on or before March 1, 2020.
More information on the grant program can be found here.
November 10, 2020:
On November 5, 2020, Governor Kay Ivey signed an order that extended the state’s “Safer at Home” policies. This extends the statewide mask mandate and existing COVID-19 health order until 5 p.m. December 11, 2020.
October 15, 2020:
On September 30, Gov. Kay Ivey signed an order that extended the state’s “Safer at Home” policies. This extends the statewide mask mandate and existing COVID-19 health order until 5 p.m. November 8, 2020. In addition, to ensure the safe administration of upcoming elections, Governor Ivey’s order allows training of election workers to be done remotely, additional compensation for poll workers, and counting of absentee ballots starting 7 a.m. on Election Day. It also issued clarifying language regarding certain terms regarding her May 8, 2020 “Safer At Home” proclamation.
(Birmingham): On October 1, 2020, Mayor Randall Woodin amended his Executive Order 87-20 in order to add court employees to the list of those ineligible for benefits under the city’s emergency paid sick and expanded FMLA leave policy. Under the original order, employees of business must self-certify that they do not exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, including but not limited to: fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, chills, or new loss of taste or smell. If the employee begins to show symptoms at work, he/she must report this to his/her supervisor. Supervisors must report this and all potential exposures to the department director. Employees must also follow the City’s Face Covering Protocol adopted in May, which has not been updated by the order.
(Tuscaloosa): On September 17, the City of Tuscaloosa imposed an executive order banning walk-up sale of alcohol at bars (only seated customers may order) and maintaining a 50 percent capacity at all bars. Clubs and Entertainment facilities may only maintain 25 percent capacity. The order was amended on Sept 24, 2020 to extend until October 8.
On September 29, the City of Tuscaloosa rescinded executive orders regarding bar and restaurant operations after the Alcohol Beverage Control Board passed emergency rules mandating that bars maintain six-feet between patrons and only operate at 50 percent capacity.
September 2, 2020:
Governor Ivey issued an amended Safer at Home order to extend the statewide mask mandate and existing COVID-19 health order until October 2. The order requires every person wear a mask or face covering over their mouth and nose when within six feet of a person from another household in public, or in an outdoor space where more than ten people are gathered together.
August 24, 2020:
(Tuscaloosa): On August 24, Mayor Maddox ordered all bars to close for two (2) weeks starting at 5:00 pm.
August 3, 2020:
(Birmingham): Mayor Woodfin issued a revised version of his Executive Order 87-20. Under this order, employees of business must self-certify that they do not exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, including but not limited to: fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, chills, or new loss of taste or smell. If the employee begins to show symptoms at work, he/she must report this to his/her supervisor. Supervisors must report this and all potential exposures to the department director. Employees must also follow the City’s Face Covering Protocol adopted in May, which has not been updated by the order.
July 29, 2020:
Governor Ivey issued an amended Safer at Home Order. This amended order extends Alabama's health order and face mask ordinance through August 31 at 5 p.m. Governor Ivey's order also requires masks to be worn in schools and colleges whenever possible for students and faculty in 2nd grade and above
July 15, 2020:
Governor Ivey amended the Emergency Order Suspending Certain Public Gatherings Due to Risk of Infection by COVID-19 “Safer at Home” Order. Effective July 16, 2020 at 5:00 P.M., each person shall wear a mask or other facial covering all times when within six feet of a person from another household in any of the following places: an indoor space open to the general public, a vehicle operated by a transportation service, or an outdoor public space where ten or more people are gathered. But this facial-covering requirement is subject to exceptions. The order also outlines new guidelines for businesses to follow in order to protect their employees and customers. This order is in effect until 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2020.
July 1, 2020:
Friday, the Emergency Order Suspending Certain Public Gatherings Due to Risk of Infection by COVID-19 “Safer at Home” Order goes into effect until July 31. The Emergency Order extends the current Safer at Home Order but adds that all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall limit the entrance of visitors, as defined by the facility, and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity, end-of-life, and support for persons with disabilities, as well as any other situations where the presence of a caregiver would facilitate appropriate care
June 30, 2020:
Governor Ivey issued an Emergency Order Suspending Certain Public Gatherings Due to Risk of Infection by COVID-19 “Safer at Home” Order until July 31. The Emergency Order extends the current Safer at Home Order but adds that all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall limit the entrance of visitors, as defined by the facility, and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity, end-of-life, and support for persons with disabilities, as well as any other situations where the presence of a caregiver would facilitate appropriate care.
May 11, 2020:
Today Governor Ivey’s Amended Safer at Home Order goes into effect and allows more business to reopen sooner with restrictions. Starting today at 5:00 pm:
- Non-work gatherings are no longer limited to 10 people. All are still required to maintain 6 feet of distance between person not from same household.
- Restaurants, bars and breweries may open with limited table seating, 6 feet between tables and subject to additional sanitation rules and guidelines
- Athletic facilities (such as fitness centers and commercial gyms) may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Specified athletic activities are still not allowed.
- Close-contact service providers (such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo services) may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
- Beaches may open with no limit on gatherings. Must maintain 6 feet of separation.
May 8, 2020:
Governor Ivey issued an Amended Safer at Home Order to allow more business to reopen sooner with restrictions. Starting Monday May 11, 2020 at 5:00 pm the following changes go into effect:
- Non-work gatherings are no longer limited to 10 people. All are still required to maintain 6 feet of distance between person not from same household.
- Restaurants, bars and breweries may open with limited table seating, 6 feet between tables and subject to additional sanitation rules and guidelines
- Athletic facilities (such as fitness centers and commercial gyms) may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Specified athletic activities are still not allowed.
- Close-contact service providers (such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo services) may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.
- Beaches may open with no limit on gatherings. Must maintain 6 feet of separation.
April 28, 2020:
Governor Ivey amended the Safer at Home Order to run through May 15. Under the terms of revised order, beginning Thursday, April 30, at 5 p.m.:
- All retail businesses will be allowed to reopen, with 50 percent occupancy.
- The state’s beaches can open with proper “social distancing” rules.
- All non-work gatherings of 10 or more will be banned, as well as any gathering that cannot ensure people keep 6 feet away from one another.
- Vulnerable people will be encouraged to continue to avoid public interactions.
- People will be encouraged to wear face coverings when outside of their homes.
Restaurants, gyms, barbershops and other personal-service businesses will remain closed.
April 27, 2020:
Governor Ivey worked with State Health Officer Harries to develop a timetable to reopen state businesses. Ivey has called an 11 a.m. new conference for Tuesday April 28, where she is expected to make an announcement regarding Alabama’s plan to reopen businesses. The statewide stay at home order is currently set to expire April 30.
April 21, 2020:
Governor Ivey stated that statewide stay at home order will be reviewed on April 28 but will remain in effect through the expiration date of May 1.
April 5, 2020:
Governor Ivey issued a stay at home order that went into effect on April 3, 2020 at 5:00 pm mandating residents to stay at home unless they're out to provide essential services, obtain necessary supplies, to attend religious services, to take care of others, to work, to engage in outdoor activity, to seek shelter in unsafe conditions, to travel under court order or to see family members. The order also permits work at essential businesses and operations which includes healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, agricultural operations, essential sanitation and safety services, essential retailers, financial services, media, and all federally designated infrastructure outlined in CISA guidance.
April 1, 2020:
On March 28, Governor Ivey issued a State Public Order ordering several types of “nonessential” business including entertainment venues, athletic facilities, and certain retail stores, to be closed until April 17. The Order prohibits all non-work related gatherings of 10 people or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons.
March 25, 2020:
(City of Birmingham): The City of Birmingham announced a Shelter In Place Order effecting until 12:00 am on April 3, 2020 calling all residents to stay at home and closing all non-essential businesses.
Governor Ivey announced she has no plans to issue a statewide “shelter in place” order.
March 14, 2020:
(City of Selma): Mayor Melton issued a statement "requesting all landlords to halt evictions for the next 60 days".