Ivey to allow restaurants, churches, gyms, barbershops, more to open starting Monday

MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced that she is amending her administration’s current “Safer-At-Home” order effective Monday, May 11.

This amended order will expire on Friday, May 22, at 5:00 p.m.

Key changes in the amended order include the governor allowing restaurants to provide onsite dining and close-contact services such as barbershops and salons to reopen.

Athletic facilities such as gyms will also be allowed to reopen. Ivey is also removing the ban on non-work gatherings of 10 or more people, which will allow in-person church services to legally resume.

Certain social distancing and sanitation measures will be in place for all businesses affected by the revised order, which can be read here.

Ivey encouraged each faith leader to make the right decision for their respective congregation. The governor stressed the continued importance of social distancing.

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who has been a vocal leader in support of safely and responsibly reopening the state, reacted to the amended order in a statement.

“I commend Gov. Kay Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris for leveling the playing field for small business owners and employees by allowing restaurants, gyms, barber shops, and other job providers to resume operations,” Ainsworth said.

“Countless employers and workers who simply want to return to their jobs have reached out to me through email, texts, and social media over the past several weeks, and I have passed along their concerns and shared their frustrations,” he continued. “Even with increased testing, the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases in Alabama has declined or remained stable since early April. Evidence clearly indicates that the worst is behind us.”

Ainsworth concluded, “It is now time to rebuild Alabama’s economy, reenergize our workforce, and redouble our efforts to Reopen Alabama Responsibly. I look forward to working alongside Gov. Ivey to accomplish each of those important goals.”

Governor Ivey is starting her press conference now along with Dr. Scott Harris.

Beginning May 11

She is OPENING (with precautions):
Restaurants
Bars
Gyms
Barbershops
Nail Salons

Still CLOSED:
Movie theatres
Bowling Alleys
Schools

More info here: pic.twitter.com/CndKbS7yp2

— Henry Thornton (@HenryThornton95) May 8, 2020

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.

Ivey was joined by State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris at a press conference to make the announcement.

“We are trying to be thoughtful and careful as we ease back in,” said Ivey.

“People are frustrated. I understand… We hear your voices… today’s order will hopefully provide a ray of hope,” she commented.

“Our new amended safer-at-home order that is expanding reopening will still require social distancing,” Ivey stressed.

Members of the public are “encouraged to wear face coverings” when they leave home for a task that will require being near other people.

When restaurants open their dining rooms they will be restricted to 50% of normal capacity and must maintain a six-foot distance between customers.

“Friends I can’t say this more clearly, the threat of COVID-19 continues to exist,” added Ivey.

Another update on further steps in the reopening process will occur next week, according to the governor.

“I want to thank the good people of our great state for remaining vigilant. Your efforts are paying off,” Ivey said of Alabamian’s sacrifices.

“As we move to getting back to more activities… it is more important than ever for people to understand the need for social distancing,” advised Harris.

“As we get to normal activities we will have outbreaks that will occur,” he said.

Harris believes the state is well equipped to handle those events when they occur.

He described Alabama’s COVID-19 numbers as “fairly flat” over the last several days but cautioned that disease transmission was still occurring.

“The governor has the responsibility of looking after the well being of the economy as well as the people’s health and safety,” noted Ivey about the decision to reopen while cases are flat but not declining.

“I’m banking on Alabamians being responsible,” said Ivey about current and future reopenings.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston), another advocate for safely and responsibly reopening Alabama, reacted to the announcement in a statement. Marsh is an executive committee member of the governor’s Coronavirus Task Force.

“I am glad to see that the science-based recommendations of the Executive Committee of the Coronavirus Task Force are being implemented,” Marsh said. “It is welcome news to all that we can begin restart what had previously been the strongest economy in state history.”

This is breaking news and will be updated.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95