John Merrill confident polling places prepared for COVID Election Day
Mobile county was allotted the most funding, receiving $498,431.26.
State resumes normal driver license operations; record number of Alabamians served
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Driver License Division has been working hard to serve the citizens of the state of Alabama despite limited in-person operations. The division was forced to close its offices to the public on Friday, March 27, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Kay Ivey issued a Safer at Home Order, ALEA’s Driver License Division began a “soft opening” at 13 locations across the state on Monday, May 4. In weeks that followed, the agency gradually reopened other offices. By Monday, June 29, 95% (69 of its 73 locations) will be open to the public. “We meticulously and strategically developed a plan to reopen our Driver License offices to avoid putting anyone at risk during this precarious time. The absolute last thing we wanted was to contribute to the spread of the coronavirus,” ALEA’s Secretary Hal Taylor said. “In addition, ALEA’s Driver License Division is striving to alleviate the accumulation of a COVID-19-related backlog, and it will continue to utilize new and innovative procedures to reduce the congestion at Driver License offices throughout the state.” Since the soft opening in early May, 66,244 customers have received face-to-face service in Driver License offices, and 98,167 online customers were served between March 16 and June 19. ALEA saw a significant increase in online transactions, whereas, in 2019, only 33,337 were served. On Monday, June 2, the agency resumed Class D Road/Skills tests on a limited basis. Between June 2 and June 19, 5,544 road tests were completed, which is an increase of 115% as compared to the same period in 2019. Currently, Driver License personnel have administered 6,922 Class D Road/Skills tests for regular driver licenses and 706 Commercial Driver License Skills tests. Another 8,000 customers have been served through ALEA’s partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education. This partnership helped streamline the Yellow Card/Vessel License process for 16-year-old students who pass the required road test with an instructor. The State Department of Education also has resumed Drivers Education programs to allow students to catch up from the spring semester. “We continue to ask everyone in need of Driver License services to adhere to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s guidelines and use masks during visits to Driver License locations,” Taylor added. “It is important we all follow guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.”
The clear choice for conservatives: Hypocrisy or personal responsibility
It’s infuriating and perplexing to see so many conservatives gleefully blowing what should be a game-changing opportunity for us to take personal responsibility.
Here are Alabama’s non-essential businesses that are closing until April 17
Friday morning the state of Alabama ordered all “nonessential” businesses to close until April 17 in order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), becoming the latest in a growing number of states to order similar closures. Alabama has decided the following businesses are non-essential and will be closed beginning Saturday, March 28 at 5 p.m.: Entertainment venues • Night clubs• Bowling alleys• Arcades• Concert venues• Theaters, auditoriums and performing art centers• Tourist attractions (including museums and planetariums)• Racetracks• Indoor children’s play areas• Adult entertainment venues• Casinos• Bingo halls• Venues operated by social clubs Athletic facilities and activities • Fitness centers and commercial gyms• Spas and public or commercial swimming pools• Yoga, barre and spin facilities• Spectator sports• Sports that involved interaction with another person closer than 6 feet• Activities that require use of shared sporting apparatus and equipment• Activities on commercial or public playground equipment Non-essential “close-contact” service establishments • Close-contact service providers as follows:• Barbershops• Hair salons• Waxing salons• Threading salons• Nail salons and spas• Body-art facilities and tattoo services• Tanning salons• Massage-therapy establishment and massage services Non-essential retail stores • Furniture and home-furnishing stores• Clothing, shoe and clothing-accessory stores• Jewelry, luggage and leather goods store• Department stores• Sporting goods stores• Book, craft and music stores If the business is not listed, it’s not included in the new order. Violations of Ivey’s new order can result in fines of up to $500.
Kay Ivey closes non-essential businesses statewide through April 17
Friday morning the state of Alabama ordered all “nonessential” businesses to close until April 17 in order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), becoming the latest in a growing number of states to order similar closures. Gov. Kay Ivey made the announcement during a news conference after the Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed more than 580 cases of COVID-19 and three deaths statewide. There, she explained that all non-work related gatherings of 10 people or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited in the Yellowhammer State. “This decision has not been made lightly, but has been made with a tremendous amount of concern and discussion,” said Ivey. “This is incredibly disappointing news to deliver, but this is a matter of life and death.” Ivey’s decision comes in the wake of her Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth criticizing the state’s response to the virus. On Wednesday, Ainsworth sent a memo to Alabama’s COVID-19 Response Team in which he explained he does not believe the task force has taken a “realistic review” of what lies ahead and “doubts” the state’s preparations. The closures are scheduled to take effect on Saturday, March 28 at 5 p.m.
Alabama K-12 schools to remain closed through academic year
All K-12 schools in Alabama will remain closed through the academic year, Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday afternoon as the state took a dramatic step to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Ivey announced the extension to a previous two-and-a-half-week closure as the coronavirus spreads across the state. Yellowhammer State students have already been out of school for over a week, as the state closed all K-12 schools on March 19. “We must be serious about eliminating this virus,” Ivey said during a press conference. Ivey’s announcement comes in the wake of the news that the state has topped 501 cases of the coronavirus, a day after the state reported its first death related to the disease. How schools will handle this unprecedented situation remains unknown. “Beginning at the start of school on April 6, 2020, all public K-12 schools shall implement a plan to complete the 2019-2020 school year using alternate methods of instruction as established by the State Superintendent of Education,” Ivey explained. Many schools are expected to move teaching online. School officials say the school year will now end on June 5th. Most schools in the state typically run through mid-May.
Will Ainsworth bravely questions Alabama’s coronavirus crisis response
Governor Kay Ivey is facing criticism from within her own administration over what many are calling a ‘passive’ handling of the Chinese Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth on Wednesday sent a memo to Alabama’s COVID-19 Response Team in which he criticized the state’s response to the virus, explaining he does not believe the task force has taken a “realistic review” of what lies ahead and “doubts” the state’s preparations. “A tsunami of hospital patients is likely to fall upon Alabama in the not too distant future, and it is my opinion that this task force and the state are not taking a realistic view of the numbers or adequately preparing for what awaits us,” Ainsworth wrote in the memo. “Every health specialist with whom I have spoken is anxious about surge capacity and has expressed doubts about our preparations.” According to the memo, has spoken with officials at both UAB Hospital and Huntsville Hospital and had several discussions with Dr. Don Williamson, the former state public health officer and current president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association, and his staff in hopes of having a comprehensive statewide plan drafted that will help prepare for the impending spread of the virus. Ainsworth is calling on the task force to take a more proactive approach to the virus and make a plan now. “I believe that the public’s safety and simple common sense demand that we create a formal plan to double or even triple hospital capacity and also provide for adequate staffing levels. Even with the help of federal government and FEMA assistance, building capacity takes time, which is why we need to take action now,” he explained. “No one will ever fault us for being over prepared for the worst case scenario, but blame will be well deserved if we chose to wait for whatever comes and do nothing to prepare.” Read Ainsworth’s full memo below:
Doug Jones, Terri Sewell call on Kay Ivey to extend unemployment amid coronavirus pandemic
As thousands of employees across Alabama are impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19), U.S. Senator Doug Jones and his House colleague, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell on Thursday urged Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and her administration to extend unemployment benefits for Alabamians impacted by the spread of the novel COVID-19. As a result of the economic and public health crisis caused by the pandemic, workers across the Yellowhammer State have had their hours cut or lost their jobs completely as businesses struggle to meet payroll. In a letter to Ivey, the lawmakers wrote: “We urge you to work with the State Legislature to make available twenty-six weeks of unemployment benefits for all eligible individuals for the duration of this public health and economic crisis. This action would be an impactful step to maintaining economic stability during this challenging time.” “Alabama’s economy relies on workers across a variety of sectors and industries who will be impacted by the spread of COVID-19. We are facing unprecedented economic upheaval, and families will increasingly rely on these funds to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, and medication. One of our top priorities must be to support workers and families facing difficult financial circumstances due to the pandemic,” they continued. Read the full letter here.
John Merrill requests emergency opinion from AG’s office to postpone runoff election
Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State of Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has requested an emergency opinion from the Attorney General’s Office related to the possible postponement of the March 31 runoff election given the fact that President Donald Trump has declared a National Emergency and Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency. Merrill’s request seeks to keep Alabamians safe from the potential spread of the virus. He has asked whether, under the emergency powers granted to the Governor under Section 31-9-1 et seq. Ala. Code, the Governor has the authority to postpone the election. Currently, neither the Code of Alabama nor the Constitution of the State of Alabama allow for the suspension, delay, or postponement of an election once the date has been set. According to Merrill’s office, “the health and well-being of the people of this state are of paramount importance. In order to effectively practice social distancing, as recommended by the President of the United States, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Department of Public Health, etc., the March 31 runoff election must be postponed.” Since absentee ballots have yet to be mailed out, Merrill’s office confirms that votes in the runoff election would not be affected.
Alabama Community College System to temporarily discontinue on-campus instruction
In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) on Friday announced it will temporarily discontinue on-campus instruction at its 23 institutions across the state for the period of March 17 – April 3. All events scheduled at the state’s community colleges during this time frame are also cancelled. “Our students are our number one priority, and while our decision today to suspend courses is unprecedented it is a necessary precaution to ensure the health and safety of the more than 174,000 students we serve across the state,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker. “Our ACCS response team continues to work closely with the Alabama Department of Public Health on this evolving issue and will continue to do everything we can to help stop the potential spread of COVID-19 in the state of Alabama.” Alternative instruction plans are being developed by each ACCS college. These plans will be communicated directly to students by their respective institutions next week.
Alabama prepares for possible arrival of coronavirus COVID-19
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Wednesday assured the public that as of February 26 there are no known cases of the new coronavirus COVID-19 reported in Alabama. ADPH is a partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners in preparing Alabama communities for the spread of COVID-19. Interim guidance has been sent to the state’s post-secondary schools, the State Department of Education, independent schools and businesses based on the most recent information. ADPH held a webinar to assist hospitals by providing screening guidance and other precautions for staff and the public. While there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Alabama, there are several types of common respiratory viruses circulating across the state including common coronavirus types and influenza. Since current respiratory outbreaks could make it hard to identify an outbreak of this new coronavirus, the public is asked to get flu vaccine if they have not done so. “The best way to avoid infection is what we already know is effective in reducing the risk of transmission,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre. “These are the everyday precautions to help stop the spread of germs, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you have fever, taking flu antivirals if prescribed, and using appropriate equipment the right way every time.” “Do 10 – Fight the Flu” describes the top 10 things to do to fight the flu and avoid infection that also apply to COVID-19. Recommendations are as follows: Get Vaccinated Wash Your Hands Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes Stay Home With Fever Stockpile Supplies Clean and Disinfect Know Your Office Emergency Plan Learn Home Care Call Your Doctor If Symptoms Get Worse Stay Informed ADPH has been receiving names and contact information from CDC of returning travelers from China for the past several weeks. All people being monitored for COVID-19 have been at either moderate or low risk and have practiced voluntary self-isolation. Monitoring has been completed on dozens of individuals with none testing positive.
