April 14, 2020
In advance of storms that swept through the Southern United States, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released an emergency order on Sunday that would temporarily ease social distancing rules to ensure citizen’s safety. While the state has followed others’ leads in restricting large gatherings and closing public spaces, Gov. Ivey announced that storm shelters would remain open, and would be asked to practice safe public health procedures.
The issue has already risen recently; in late March, roughly 700 people arrived at three shelters in Alabama after storm warnings. At two of those shelters, workers provided separate rooms for people who were feeling sick, and suggested that other evacuees continue to follow social distancing guidelines as much as possible. The sheltering lasted for an hour, and as of this writing, no health problems have been reported in the aftermath.
On Monday, the storms touched down in the Southeast, causing widespread destruction and several fatalities. Alabamians took shelter again, this time wearing masks as an extra precaution. As of Sunday, the state health department has confirmed at least 3,579 cases of coronavirus, and 61 deaths; 93 deaths have been reported overall.
Sources:
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2020, April 12. Alabama eases virus restrictions as storms sweep South. Associated Press.
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Reeves, Jay. 2020, April 9. Tornado or virus? Pandemic means tough sheltering decisions. Associated Press.
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Anderson, Brynn and Reeves, Jay. Storms tear through South amid pandemic; more than 30 dead. Associated Press.