Today, the Governor’s office and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) issued a statewide health order to aid in Alabama’s efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) through April 5.
These changes primarily don’t effect our options at The Law Offices of Kyle D. Pierce. However, I know they will materially change the way that a number of our clients do business. We’ll start with a series of posts tomorrow outlining resources available to small business and individuals in light of the crisis, but I wanted to get these new regulations up today.
Changes to life in Alabama as a result of the Governor’s order are:
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- All gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. This Order shall apply to all gatherings, events or activities that bring 25 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time.
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- Any restaurant, bar, brewery or similar establishments shall not permit on-premise consumption of food or drink. Governor Ivey continues to encourage patrons to visit their local eateries for take-out or delivery provided the social distancing protocols include maintaining a consistent six-foot distance between persons are followed.
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- All beaches will be closed effective today at 5:00 p.m. For clarification, the term “beach” means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points.
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- Preschools and childcare centers will be closed effective at close of school or business today. This shall not apply to licensed childcare centers that provide services exclusively to employees with: State and Local Governments, First Responders (including EMS and Fire Services), Law Enforcement, Hospitals, Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities), End Stage Renal Disease Treatment Centers, Pharmacies and grocery stores.
- Effective immediately, all Hospitals and Nursing Home/Long Term Care Facilities (including Assisted Living and Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities) shall prohibit visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations such as maternity and end-of-life.
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- All elective dental and medical procedures shall be delayed, effective immediately.