Coronavirus
Ivey Stresses Personal Responsibility as COVID-19 Cases Shoot Up in Alabama
Gov. Kay Ivey’s office said this morning that the governor and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris are closely monitoring the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
“Until our next update, Gov. Ivey continues to reiterate that the threat of this virus is not behind us,” her press secretary, Gina Maiola, said in an emailed response to BirminghamWatch. She said Ivey continues to stress the need for personal responsibility during the pandemic.
“Our health care workers are doing their part. We are seeing businesses make sacrifices, and Gov. Ivey has faith in the people of Alabama to be smart as we wade through this health crisis,” Maiola added.
Alabama is among 21 states that have seen increases in their average daily coronavirus cases this week, according to data compiled by the Washington Post. Alabama, Oregon and South Carolina are among the states with the biggest increases.
Alabama reported a 92% increase in its seven-day average; Oregon was up 83.8% and South Carolina, 60.3%, according to the Post data.
Ivey and Harris routinely have discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic, her press secretary said.
The governor’s safer-at-home order, which has allowed stores, businesses and entertainment venues to re-open with limitations, expires July 3. Maiola quoted the governor as saying on-the-record multiple times that you cannot have a life without a livelihood.
“She urges every Alabamian to do their part as we continually work to combat this virus and regain the footing and momentum we had just a few months ago,” Maiola said.
The Safer-at-Home order encourages everyone, particularly people who are more vulnerable to COVID-19, to minimize travel outside their homes, wear face coverings when they do leave home, and frequently wash their hands and sanitize objects. It also requires people who have tested positive for the coronavirus to quarantine themselves for 14 days.
“If we do not take it upon ourselves to keep ourselves and others safe by taking smart health precautions, we cannot expect to make progress,” Maiola said.
