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 should I wash my hands?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has [guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html) for when people should wash their hands, such as: * Before, during, and after preparing food. * Before eating food. * Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea. * Before and after treating a cut or wound. * After using the toilet. * After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet. * After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. * After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste. * After handling pet food or pet treats. * After touching garbage. If you leave your house, you should also [wash](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html) your hands after returning home. It is also important to disinfect high traffic surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and light switches, among other surfaces. Drafted 6 April 2020

When should I wash my hands?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidelines for when people should wash their hands, such as:

Before, during, and after preparing food.
Before eating food.
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
Before and after treating a cut or wound.
After using the toilet.
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
After handling pet food or pet treats.
After touching garbage.

If you leave your house, you should also wash your hands after returning home. It is also important to disinfect high traffic surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and light switches, among other surfaces.

Drafted 6 April 2020