In an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health issued statewide shutdowns of all public and private beaches, dine-in restaurants and bars and childcare facilities.

The order will close beaches at 5 p.m on Thursday. It also bans all public gatherings of 25 people or more. All child care and daycare facilities will also close, except for facilities that serve emergency personnel and health care providers.

The health order will do the following: 

— Prohibit all gatherings of 25 people or more

— Prohibit all non-emergency dental and medical procedures

 — Close all of Alabama's beaches, including private beaches

— Mandate that every bar and restaurant to go to take-out or delivery only

— Close all preschools and childcare centers with exceptions made for healthcare and emergency personnel

"Despite our best efforts, the threat of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread and, unfortunately, we have not yet reached peak impact,” Ivey said in a press release.

At a press conference, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said cases will likely continue to rise.

Click here to see The Plainsman's full coverage of COVID-19 in the Auburn-Opelika area.