What can you do during Alabama’s stay-at-home order? 

On Friday, April 3 at 4 p.m. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a state-wide stay-at-home order. The order will take effect on April 4 at 5 p.m.  

“The COVID-19 is an imminent threat to our way of life, and you need to understand we have passed urging people to stay at home, it is now the way of life,” stated Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in a press conference. 

Many Alabama residents, however, continue to have questions about what they can and cannot do while the order is under effect. 

What can you do? 

The Governor’s order specifically notes nine reasons that someone is allowed to leave their home: 

• “To obtain necessary supplies” 
• “To obtain or provide necessary services” 
• “To attend religious services” 
• “To take care of others” 
• “To work” 
• “To engage in outdoor activity” 
• “To seek shelter” 
• “To travel as required by law” 
• “To see family members” 

But there are some caveats, that enforce CDC and Federal guidelines for individuals regarding social distancing. 

Grocery stores will be limited to their emergency maximum occupancy limits of 50% of their maximum occupancy. 

Restaurants are still open but are limited to methods of curbside pickup and delivery. Additionally, on Twitter shortly after the announcement Ivey stated that individuals are encouraged to still utilize these take out services to support their local economies.  

Religious services are limited to 10 people, or to “drive-in” services that require attendees to stay in their vehicles for the duration of the services. 

Questions from readers 

Q: I’m an essential worker, can I still go to work?

A: Yes, the order allows individuals who work at essential businesses to continue to travel for their jobs. This also means that if you have to travel for that job you will still be able to. 

Q: Can I take a family member to their job? 

A: Yes, according to the order you are allowed to transport family members, friends or pets. If your family member works at an essential business that means that you will be able to transport them? 

Q: Can I travel to see my family or to bring my grandparents supplies and food? 

A: Yes, the order allows you to travel to see family, and it also allows you to travel to take care of family friends and pets. It’s important to remember that officials are encouraging limiting contact with others to slow the spread of the virus and that the elderly are particularly at-risk of dying from the virus. It’s also important to remember that while you may not be showing symptoms, you might still have it and be able to transmit it to others.  

Q: Can I still order food? 

A: Yes, in fact Ivey encouraged Alabamians both in the televised news conference and on Twitter shortly afterwards to utilize delivery and take out services from local restaurants and businesses. 

Q: Can this stay-at-home order be carried out by law enforcement? 

A: Yes, according to Alabama’s attorney general, Steve Marshall, “It carries the full weight of our law,” the attorney general continued by saying that “yes, this order can be enforced criminally.” Marshall added that he hopes that Alabama’s law enforcement officials do not have to enforce the order, but will if necessary. 

Q: Where can I read the whole stay-at-home order?

A: Right here: