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: 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