From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham on Friday extended its shelter-in-place order through the end of April, with Mayor Randall Woodfin warning that city parks would also close if residents didn’t comply with the restrictions.
The initial order — approved by the City Council on March 24 — ran until Friday and called on residents only to travel for essential purposes such as work, grocery shopping and appointments with doctors. The order now goes until April 30.
The extension came as the number of coronavirus cases in Alabama climbed to more than 1,300. There have been 34 COVID-19 deaths reported to the state; health officials have so far confirmed 21 of them.
The Birmingham City Council had unanimously voted to approve a Shelter in Place order for the city of Birmingham.
The city council approved the order with a 9-0 vote.
The order is in response to the increasing number of those testing positive for the coronavirus in the Jefferson County area.
“I want to thank the council for working with me to keep the people who work and live in the city of Birmingham safe,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “Shelter in place simply means to stay at home. Don’t go out unless getting food, gas or other essentials. Delivery’s will still be made, services will be delivered and the distribution system to our grocery stores, pharmacies other essential businesses will be uninterrupted.”
The curfew applies to people living within the city of Birmingham.
The order is meant to deter people from leaving their residence for non-essential purposes. However, the order will not prevent people from leaving their homes.
People will be allowed to lawfully leave their residence while the ordnance is active within the first 24 hours to access workplaces to gather belongings and address administrative needs, to engage in essential activities like grocery shopping, to engage in outdoor activities that allow for social distancing, to provide services that are essential and to care for or support a friend, family member or pet.
Violating the ordinance could hold a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and/or paying a fine of up to $500.