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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What does the investigation process for a COVID-19 death look like?

When a death occurs in a person who tested positive for COVID-19, the record is reviewed by an Alabama Department of Public Health physician to determine factors related to deaths and whether the death is attributable to COVID-19. An additional investigation is carried out for any infant death in Alabama, regardless of suspected cause. Thus, the process takes additional time and consultation to determine contributory factors and any measures to prevent future deaths. No details on deaths can be provided due to patient privacy and HIPAA compliance.