MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on May 3 that the state's COVID-19 public health order will be allowed to expire on May 31 and the state of emergency will be allowed to expire on July 6.
Gov. Ivey said part of the reasoning for allowing the order and state of emergency to expire is that the infection rates and hospitalization numbers are in better shape and that more than 1.5 million Alabamians have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Alabamians have consistently stepped up to the plate over the course of this pandemic, and I know they will continue to do so," said Gov. Ivey. "I am pleased that we have shown the rest of the country that we are gritty and determined. We are signaling loud and clear that Alabama is open, and we are moving forward.”
According to the Governor's Office, the last remaining requirements of the Safer Apart order should be lifted with the order's expiration on May 31, barring a "great spike in COVID-19 cases."
"As we approach the fourteenth month of this pandemic, we are pleased that two-thirds of Alabama residents age 65 and older have been vaccinated," said State Health Director Scott Harris. "While some barriers such as transportation remain, more than 1,300 providers in the state are administering safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in communities throughout the state.”