MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama on Thursday ordered the closure of day cares, beaches and on-site dining in restaurants as the state tries to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
The sweeping measure expands restrictions that had been in place for six counties surrounding Birmingham to all 67 counties in the state, and closes state beaches during the busy spring break season. The health officer in Jefferson County, which has nearly half of the state’s 78 cases of COVID-19, on Thursday ordered additional restrictions, including the closure of “non-essential businesses and services” such as theaters, hair salons and proms.
“We fully acknowledge that we are imposing hardship on people,” state Health Officer Scott Harris said at a news conference. “Please take this seriously. This virus is serious and can kill. It is particularly deadly for our seniors and those people who have chronic health problems,” Harris said.
The statewide order requires:
– All preschools, child care centers and private schools to close beginning Thursday. Alabama had already closed public K-12 schools until April 6. There are exceptions for day cares that exclusively serve hospitals and first responders