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: How does the CDC COVID-19 test work?

CDC [recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html) collecting and testing a single upper respiratory sample. This sample is then processed. Using a technique called real\-time reverse transcriptase (RT)\-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the test can detect the COVID\-19 virus RNA genome. In [practice](https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-fast-tracked-a-coronavirus-test/), coronaviruses need to replicate a reasonable amount in order for there to be enough genetic material that can be used for the test. Updated 3 December 2020

How does the CDC COVID-19 test work?

CDC recommends collecting and testing a single upper respiratory sample. This sample is then processed. Using a technique called real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the test can detect the COVID-19 virus RNA genome. In practice, coronaviruses need to replicate a reasonable amount in order for there to be enough genetic material that can be used for the test.

Updated 3 December 2020