By Joshua Huff, sports editor
BIRMINGHAM – The Jefferson County Department of Health announced on Thursday that all non-essential businesses and services will be closed for the foreseeable future due to the risk of infection by the coronavirus.
The order goes into effect on Friday at 5 p.m.
The response is an effort to curtail the continued spread of the virus and to protect people, as well as to protect businesses that remain essential.
“The last few days have been extremely turbulent,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said following the announcement. “But I’d like to personally thank the City of Birmingham employees who have worked tirelessly under hectic circumstances. Birmingham is a city of survivors. With your help and dedication, we’ll survive this.”
The order, which takes affect Friday at 5 p.m., applies to the following:
- Night clubs, bowling alleys, arcades, racetracks, indoor children’s play places, pool halls, adult gaming and entertainment venues
- Recreation facilities, including gyms and fitness centers, swimming pools and spas, excluding licensed physical therapy services
- Nail salons and spas
- Casinos
- Concert venues and auditoriums
- Theaters
- Tourist attractions (including museums, planetariums, parades)
- Body art facilities and tattoo services
- Tanning salons
- Massage parlors
- Waxing salons/threading salons
- Museums and Galleries
- Performing Arts centers/events/rehearsals
- Social clubs
- Fraternity and Sorority meetings and events
- Proms, formals and other similar events