Birmingham Will Allow Mask Rule To Expire Friday
By Sam Prickett, BirminghamWatch
Birmingham will allow its face covering ordinance to expire Friday, Mayor Randall Woodfin confirmed Tuesday. The order, which had been in place since May 1, was intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 by requiring residents to wear face coverings — such as masks, bandanas or other fabrics — while in public.
“The City of Birmingham implemented the mandatory face covering ordinance as an additional level of protection as the state began the phased reopening process,” Woodfin said in a press release. “I want to thank the people of Birmingham for following the law. The ordinance raised the level of awareness to the importance of wearing a face covering when in public and within six feet of other people.”
Woodfin added that, while the ordinance will expire Friday, Birmingham residents “must not let our guard down.”
“Public health leaders say that covering your nose and mouth is a critical tool to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. I urge everyone to keep social distancing, wear face coverings in public, and do what you can to limit the spread.”
Representatives for Woodfin did not specifically explain why his administration was choosing to allow the order to expire Friday, but communications director Rick Journey reemphasized that the ordinance “raised the level of awareness” of face coverings’ importance. The Birmingham City Council had, at Woodfin’s urging, twice extended the order’s deadline.
City facilities will continue to require employees and guests to wear face coverings.
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson urged people to continue wearing a face covering regardless of whether it’s required by law, saying, “It’s about caring for others, not just yourself.”
“The City of Birmingham did a good job of getting everyone’s attention about the importance of wearing a face covering when among other people in public,” Wilson said in a statement. “Hopefully, people will continue to understand that this pandemic is far from over and that we all need to protect each other by wearing face coverings, regardless of whether there is an ordinance.”
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
