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By Kaitlin Holley

The verdict is in regarding Gov. Kay Ivey’s decision to reopen Alabama.

However, there will still be rules in motion as the state slowly reopens.

Ivey, on Tuesday, issued a Safer at Home order to be applied statewide. The order will be effective Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 5 p.m. and will expire on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 5 p.m.

Alabamians have more information regarding statewide stay-at-home order now and can find all of the new rules and regulations by going to http://governor.alabama.gov/.

Alabamians are still encouraged to stay at home and keep using sanitizing precautions.

Businesses may open but must remain keeping social distance, and guidelines in order.However this does not mean all businesses including entertainment Retail stores may open but not the same post COVID-19.

Proceeding with normal life could be a slow process and Alabamians are reminded to take caution even though some restrictions are lifted. Here are some of the restrictions still in effect:

Higher-risk businesses that go under the close contact category include the following businesses, venues, and activities shall be closed to non-employees or not take place:

Closed signs will still be on entertainment venues, theaters, bowling alleys, and nightclubs.

Keep working out at home Alabamians because the gyms and athletic facilities are still on hold to open.

Keep the natural look in mind because barbershops, nail salons, hair salons and tattoo parlors as of now are considered a hazard to the safety of public health. These types of services are under the category of Close Contact Businesses.

Childcare and daycare facilities will be allowed but no more than 12 children are allowed in a room.

Schools are still closed as far as in person instruction.

Hospitals and nursing homes are still required to have no visitation rules.

Local restaurants and bars and brewers will remain doing take out and curbside deliveries.

Social gatherings considered as non work gatherings are limited to fewer than ten people and the six feet apart rule should still be followed.

Alabama beaches will be open but there should be no more than 10 people when gathering and you must be six feet apart.

However the six feet rule does not apply to members of the same household. This does mean that the members of the same household still must not go over the ten people rule. Consequences of violation of the state health order are considered misdemeanors and there will be a $500 penalty. If there are failures to comply with the new beach reopening.

According to the APDH the new rule is part of the State’s gradual approach to re-opening. If the State makes progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19, then additional steps will be taken to loosen restrictions. If the State makes insufficient progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19, then the State may be forced to close the beaches again in the future.

Charter fishing boats do not need to have more than ten people on them at a time. It is recommended that disinfecting and frequently used surfaces takes place.