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 will a vaccine be developed?

Many organizations are working on [developing](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/28/us-fast-tracks-coronavirus-vaccine-hopes-to-start-trial-in-three-months.html) a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Public health officials estimate that a safe and effective vaccine may be ready for the public in 12-18 months. Efforts are also underway to develop antiviral treatments that could help those infected by the COVID-19 virus. The Milken Institute is curating a [resource](https://milkeninstitute.org/covid-19-tracker) that tracks COVID-19 treatments and vaccine progress. Drafted 26 March 2020

When will a vaccine be developed?

Many organizations are working on developing a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Public health officials estimate that a safe and effective vaccine may be ready for the public in 12-18 months. Efforts are also underway to develop antiviral treatments that could help those infected by the COVID-19 virus.

The Milken Institute is curating a resource that tracks COVID-19 treatments and vaccine progress.

Drafted 26 March 2020