Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris issued additional restrictions on gatherings and businesses Friday to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“Rather than shutting the entire state down, I propose a different solution,” Ivey said. “Today, I join Dr. Harris in announcing a specific list of businesses that will close until April 17.”

The new public health order prohibits non-work related gatherings of 10 people or more, or gatherings of any size where people cannot maintain a consistent 6-foot social distance. 

Specific businesses and activities restricted by the order include entertainment venues such as bowling alleys, casinos and indoor play areas; athletic facilities including fitness centers, swimming pools and spas; close-contact services including barber shops, nail salons and tattoo studios; and retail stores including home furnishings, clothing and sporting goods. 

On Thursday, Ivey and State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey announced Alabama public schools would remain closed through the end of the school year. Individual school systems were encouraged to develop plans for students to complete classwork at home.

In both news conferences, Ivey emphasized these decisions related to public health, students and the economy were not made lightly. 

“Folks, this is incredibly disappointing news to deliver, but this is a matter of life and death,” she said Friday. “If you can stay home, you are safer at home.”

The March 27 public health order and other COVID-19 information is available on the governor’s website at: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/covid-19/. The Alabama Department of Public Health dashboard with continual updates on confirmed cases, deaths and tests performed can be found at: https://alpublichealth.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6d2771faa9da4a2786a509d82c8cf0f7.