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: When is someone infectious?

Generally, those infected with SARS\-CoV\-2 are most likely to be highly [infectious](https://theconversation.com/covid-19-when-are-you-most-infectious-150760) a few days before COVID\-19 symptoms start and the [following](https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/11/covid-19-most-contagious-first-5-days-illness-study-finds) five days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-options-to-reduce-quarantine.html) quarantining for 14 days if an individual may have been exposed to the coronavirus so that that person does not spread COVID\-19 to others. This is because COVID\-19 symptoms may [appear](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html) 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, and there is the potential to spread COVID\-19 that entire time. Updated 3 December 2020

When is someone infectious?

Generally, those infected with SARS-CoV-2 are most likely to be highly infectious a few days before COVID-19 symptoms start and the following five days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends quarantining for 14 days if an individual may have been exposed to the coronavirus so that that person does not spread COVID-19 to others. This is because COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, and there is the potential to spread COVID-19 that entire time.

Updated 3 December 2020