Governor Kay Ivey 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 will end Monday, May 31, 2021, and the state of emergency will end Tuesday, July 6, 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