The safer at home order that closed restaurants and bars, gyms, salons and churches in Alabama will end Monday, May 11.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the changes to the safer at home order during today’s Montgomery press conference. The new order will remain in place until May 22.
“Today’s order will hopefully provide another round of hope for all of us,” Ivey said, noting more people in the state had filed for unemployment in the last six weeks than the previous two years behind.
Changes include:
Lifting the ban on group sizes of 10 or more. Effective May 11, all non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a six-foot distance between people from different households are prohibited. This covers church gatherings, though Ivey urged houses of worship consult the Alabama Department of Public Health’s “Guidelines for Places of Worship.”
Restaurants, bars and breweries may reopen as long as they limit the party size to no more than 8 people and maintain at least 6 feet between people seated at different tables, booths, chairs and stools. Self-service by guests at drink stations, buffets or salad bars is prohibited.
Gyms and other athletic facilities such as fitness centers and commercial gyms, spas, yoga, barre and spin facilities can reopen with social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Access must be limited to 50 percent of normal occupancy and employees must wear masks.
Close-contact providers, such as salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and nail salons may reopen with social distancing and hygiene in place.
Gathering size limits for the beaches are eliminated as long as people maintain a 6-foot distance between people from other households.
Not changing:
Daycare facilities are limited to 12 children or less per room.
Retail stores must maintain their 50% occupancy rate.
Night clubs
Bowling alleys
Arcades
Concert venues
Theaters, auditoriums and performing arts centers
Bowling alleys
Arcades
Concert venues
Tourist attractions such as museums
Racetracks
Indoor children’s play areas
Adult entertainment venues
Casinos
Bingo halls
Sports that involve interaction with another person closer than 6 feet
Activities that require use of shared sports equipment
Activities on commercial or public playgrounds
(AL.COM/www.al.com)
