Alabama The Latest State To Issue Face Mask Requirement As Coronavirus Cases Climb

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a statewide face mask requirement, following a growing number of states that have announced mandates. The face mask order runs until July 31 at 5 p.m.

Under the order, face masks must be worn when in public and in close contact with other people if social distancing can not be maintained.

Exceptions to the order fall under “practical necessitates,” and include children under the age of six, when eating and drinking, exercising, religious worship, speaking to an audience, or voting. Those with medical conditions or disabilities that are prevented from wearing a face mask are also exempt from the order.

The order replaces all other local orders and does not affect any reopening guidelines or gathering size limits. Alabama does not have a size limit on public gatherings.

Ivey issued the order as the state had 18,717 coronavirus cases over a 14-day period, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. The state has a total of 58,225 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,183 deaths.

Alabama began reopening business on April 30.

NPR noted on July 10 that more than 20 states had mask mandates.