MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In an effort to support Alabama’s frontline heroes and cut red tape relating to the surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Kay Ivey today issued a limited, narrowly-focused state of emergency. The goal is to give health care providers greater flexibility to offer care for their patients as more Alabamians are choosing to get vaccinated, the Governor’s press office explained.
The emergency proclamation relaxes regulatory burdens to allow expanded capacity in healthcare facilities, additional liability protections, increased authority for health care personnel, and easier shipment of emergency equipment and supplies. Further, it will enable government to adapt to the COVID-19 surge, allowing, for example, expedited purchases and again allowing governmental bodies to meet remotely subject to transparency rules.
“I am really proud that over the last month, Alabama has seen more than a 100% increase – the highest in the country – in COVID-19 vaccines being administered,” said Ivey. “We owe those who have gotten the vaccine a tremendous debt of gratitude. No doubt, this will soon move us in the right direction, but at the current time, we also need to offer our frontline heroes – who are unfortunately treating a new wave of patients in Alabama’s hospitals – a helping hand as they put it all on the line to take care of our people.”
“I want to be abundantly clear: there will be absolutely no statewide mandates, closures or the like,” the Governor added. “This state of emergency is strategically targeted at removing bureaucracy and cutting red tape wherever we can to allow our doctors, nurses, and hospital staff to treat patients that come through their doors.”
The state of emergency is not accompanied by a public health order.
“Let me be crystal clear: Alabama remains open for business,” according to Gov. Ivey. “Unlike last year when we were hoping for a miracle, our greatest weapon against COVID-19 today is the vaccine, so, if you can, roll up your sleeve and get the shot.”
