Governor Kay Ivey 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 will end Monday, May 31, 2021, and the state of emergency will end Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Ask a COVID-19 Question

Q: What is COVID-19?

The COVID-19 novel [coronavirus](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html) is a new type of coronavirus that has not been previously identified. Like many emerging pathogens, it jumped from animals to human populations and has caused the current pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is a respiratory pathogen that is highly contagious, and it is far more lethal than the flu virus. The signature symptoms of COVID-19 disease are fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you think you are infected with the COVID-19 virus, call your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss how to proceed. Drafted 18 March 2020

What is COVID-19?

The COVID-19 novel coronavirus is a new type of coronavirus that has not been previously identified. Like many emerging pathogens, it jumped from animals to human populations and has caused the current pandemic.

The COVID-19 virus is a respiratory pathogen that is highly contagious, and it is far more lethal than the flu virus.

The signature symptoms of COVID-19 disease are fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you think you are infected with the COVID-19 virus, call your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss how to proceed.

Drafted 18 March 2020