Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued her twenty-sixth supplemental emergency proclamation transitioning the state from an amended Safer at Home Order to a new Safer Apart Order, the third phase of COVID-19 pandemic health orders. Masks will no longer be mandated statewide, but individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people. This order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 and extends until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

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Q: Can the coronavirus infect fruits or vegetables?

No, coronaviruses are not [known](https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-019-1182-0) to infect fruits or vegetables. Plant cells are built differently than animal cells, with the former having very tough cell walls. Viruses that infect animals or humans are typically not adapted to infect plants. However, the coronavirus can be present on [surfaces](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses) for a few hours to several days so proper food preparation techniques are advised. Drafted 16 March 2020

Can the coronavirus infect fruits or vegetables?

No, coronaviruses are not known to infect fruits or vegetables. Plant cells are built differently than animal cells, with the former having very tough cell walls. Viruses that infect animals or humans are typically not adapted to infect plants. However, the coronavirus can be present on surfaces for a few hours to several days so proper food preparation techniques are advised.

Drafted 16 March 2020