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 people infected with COVID-19 spread the disease before appearing to be ill?

Yes. Everyone should wear face coverings because around [40 percent](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/06/health/coronavirus-asymptomatic-transmission.html) of those infected with SARS\-CoV\-2 may not show symptoms, so it's not clear who is or is not infected and capable of spreading COVID\-19 at any one time. People should also keep distance (six feet or more) from one another, avoid crowded indoor spaces, ventilate homes and buildings, and practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands. Drafted 14 September 2020

Can people infected with COVID-19 spread the disease before appearing to be ill?

Yes. Everyone should wear face coverings because around 40 percent of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not show symptoms, so it's not clear who is or is not infected and capable of spreading COVID-19 at any one time.

People should also keep distance (six feet or more) from one another, avoid crowded indoor spaces, ventilate homes and buildings, and practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands.

Drafted 14 September 2020