MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is extending a statewide mask order that health officials have credited with reducing COVID-19 cases in the state.
The Republican governor announced Thursday that the mask order, which had been set to expire next week, will be extended until Oct. 2. The governor also said she will keep in place other health orders, such as reducing occupancy in stores and limiting table seating in restaurants.
The Republican governor has faced a mix of praise from health officials and criticism from some conservatives for the decision to issue the statewide mask order unlike some Southern governors.