Gov. Ivey Extends Mask Order 'One Last Time'

MONTGOMERY, AL — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced she is extending Alabama's mandatory mask order until April 9. The current order was set to expire Friday.

"I believe more Alabamians need to get their first shot before we take a step some other states have taken to remove the mask order altogether and lift all restrictions," Ivey said. "Folks, we’re not there yet, but we're getting close."

Neighboring Mississippi allowed its mask order to expire earlier in the week, as did Texas.

Health officials have opposed letting these mandates expire, citing continued spread of the virus as a concern. As of Thursday, 648,686 Alabamians had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 352,749 fully vaccinated.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said Wednesday he wanted to see the mask order expire Friday. “I urge Gov. Kay Ivey to immediately lift the statewide mask mandate and allow citizens and local officials the liberty to make the decisions that best fit their circumstances," Ainsworth said in statement Wednesday. "Rescinding the blanket mask order and lifting capacity restrictions and other limitations will also send the loud, clear, and unmistakable message that Alabama is once again fully open for business."

Ivey said this latest extension of the order will likely be the last.

"Our new, modified order will include several changes that’ll ease up on some of our current restrictions, while keeping our mask order in place for another 5 weeks, until April 9," she said. "After April 9th, I will not keep the mask order in effect."

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