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What changes, what opens with Alabama's new coronavirus order with looser restrictions?

Krista Johnson
Montgomery Advertiser

Gov. Kay Ivey announced amendments Thursday to her safer at home order, which was set to expire Friday, May 22. The changes lessen the restrictions on Alabamians. 

Here's what changed:

  • Entertainment venues, such as arcades, theaters and bowling alleys, can re-open after 5 p.m. on Friday.
  • Athletic practices can begin Saturday, May 23, and competitions are allowed starting June 15 
  • Schools can open, starting June 1. 
  • Child daycare facilities can re-open after 5 p.m. on Friday.
  • Summer camps can open. 

The changes are subject to social distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Community members are still encouraged to stay home, retail stores can only operate at 50% occupancy and hospitals and nursing homes must restrict visitors. 

More:Montgomery hospitals are down to 1 ICU bed and sending patients to Birmingham

The order lasts through 5 p.m. July 3. 

Along with the amendments, the governor provided guidelines for each area, which are "strongly recommended." 

Entertainment venues are being asked to:

  • Limit group reservations to eight or fewer people 
  • Configure the venue so customers are separated by at least six feet from other groups 
  • Patrons over age 5 should wear a face mask 
  • Prohibit waiting areas 
  • Remove all self-serve items 
  • Allow employees to work from home as much as possible
  • Screen employees reporting to work with questions to gauge whether or not they have symptoms or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case 
  • Screen employees for fever each day 
  • Implement workplace cleaning and disinfection practices 
  • Post extensive signage of health policies, including the CDC guidance to stop the spread of germs and CDC guidance on COVID-19 symptoms 

Athletic activities recommendations: 

  • Players, coaches, officials and spectators over age 5 should wear a face mask 
  • Players, coaches, officials and spectators should refrain from psychical contact except when necessary
  • Players, coaches and officials should not share water coolers, drinking stations, water bottles or cups
  • Keep people off the field six feet from other groups 

School recommendations: 

  • Implement social distancing strategies to maintain six feet between people 
  • Change parent drop-off and pick-up lines to limit contact and building access 
  • Monitor symptoms of students and staff 
  • Establish hand hygiene stations at school entrances 
  • Intensify cleaning and disinfecting efforts 

Daycare facilities recommendations: 

  • Promote healthy hygiene practices 
  • Intensify cleaning and disinfecting efforts 
  • Monitor symptoms 

Summer camp recommendations: 

  • Change parent drop-off and pick-up lines to limit contact 
  • Promote healthy hygiene practices 
  • Intensify cleaning and disinfecting efforts 
  • Monitor symptoms 
  • For overnight camps, reduce the number of campers in each cabin 
  • Personal fans should be pointed at just one camper 

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.