Gov. Ivey extends Alabama's mandatory mask wearing order

And i'm najahe sherman.

Alabama's mask order is now in place until november 8th... that's part of the extended safer at home order.

That order also loosens restrictions in other areas - like nursing homes and hospital visitation.

Waay 31's breken terry explains what state officials have to say about alabama's coronavirus situation.

Ivey- for those who want to see the mask go away i'm just asking you to please please please be patient.

Wednesday - governor ivey explained her decision to extend the statewide mask order to november 8th.

Ivey- the number of new cases each day has been consistently dropping since dr. harris and i implemented the mask order.

Doctor scott harris said in the past 2 weeks - the state's seen fewer new cases and hospitalizations.

He also said the state's risk indicator map is showing improvement as well - with only half a dozen counties considered "very high risk."

Harris- at this time we only have six red counties in the state those are counties were cases are increasing so six out of 67 is encouraging to us.

This mask ordinance is working.

Harris said masks are making the biggest difference when it comes to taking counties from high risk to low.

Harris- there has been nothing added in our state other than the mask mandate and yet that's when we saw cases improve and they've improved since that time and we believe that's the main reason were seeing an improvement.

State health officer dr. scott harris said the number of people testing positive in the state is dropping.

He and the governor said while it's important to celebrate the small victories - the masking order