Updated March 28, 2020
NOTE: We are getting several questions about which companies would remain open if more stringent restrictions are issued. We are working to get more clarification on this matter.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced a new public health order on Friday, March 27 that closes certain non-essential businesses effective 3/28/20 at 5 p.m. until April 17 at 5 p.m. It may be amended before that date. Medical, dental and surgical procedures are limited, and restaurants, bars and breweries are limited to carry-out under specific guidelines. Only the businesses listed in the order are impacted by the closure. They are:
a. Entertainment venues as follows: (1) Night clubs (2) Bowling alleys (3) Arcades (4) Concert venues (5) Theaters, auditoriums, and performing arts centers (6) Tourist attractions (including museums and planetariums) (7) Racetracks (8) Indoor children’s play areas (9) Adult entertainment venues (10) Casinos (11) Bingo halls (12) Venues operated by social clubs
b. Athletic facilities and activities as follows: (1) Fitness centers and commercial gyms (2) Spas and public or commercial swimming pools (3) Yoga, barre, and spin facilities (4) Spectator sports (5) Sports that involve interaction with another person of closer than 6 feet (6) Activities that require use of shared sporting apparatus and equipment (7) Activities on commercial or public playground equipment
c. Close-contact service providers as follows: (1) Barber shops (2) Hair salons (3) Waxing salons (4) Threading salons (5) Nail salons and spas (6) Body-art facilities and tattoo services (7) Tanning salons (8) Massage-therapy establishments and massage services
d. Retail stores as follows: (1) Furniture and home-furnishings stores (2) Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores (3) Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores (4) Department stores (5) Sporting goods stores (6) Book, craft, and music stores
In the event of a national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security relies on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to provide guidance on what business and industrial operations must continue to keep the country secure. The current guidance is available here. States refer to this guidance but are ultimately responsible for making their own designations. The Chamber is working closely with state officials to provide accurate, timely information on this process. We are discussing the possibility of an advance survey to have information available should it become necessary.