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: 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