Search

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID

Search
Home
Coronavirus
Community
Sports
Campus
Lifestyle
Opinion
Blogs
Video
Photo
Audio
About Us
Classifieds
Advertise

Auburn's News Source

The Auburn Plainsman

Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Print Edition

Send a News Tip
Donate
  • Plainsman's Choice
  • Community
  • Campus
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Opinion
  • Video
  • Photo
  • About Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Community
  • Campus
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Opinion
  • Video
  • Photo
  • Audio
  • Blogs
  • About Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise

8/13/2021, 5:31pm

Ivey issues state of emergency as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase

By Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief
Ivey issues state of emergency as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase
File Photo

Gov. Kay Ivey has extended the statewide mask mandate until the end of August

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a new state of emergency to address surging COVID-19 numbers across the state. 

The emergency proclamation, which Ivey issued on Friday, gives healthcare facilities more flexibility in their efforts to handle the increase in hospitalizations by removing certain bureaucratic checks typically in place. 

The proclamation allows the Board of Nursing, the Board of Pharmacy, the Medical Licensure Commission and the State Board of Medical Examiners to provide expedited licensures and temporary permits to healthcare practitioners with active and unencumbered licenses in other states.

The proclamation also authorizes the State Health Planning and Development Agency to provide temporary waivers for the “Certificate of Need” process to permit new services, facilities and resources at hospitals that need them to care for COVID-19 patients.

State agencies and local authorities are also free to enter into contracts to purchase goods or services necessary to respond to the pandemic without public advertisement, which is typically needed to fulfill a competitive bid requirement. 

Ivey also issued a statement in which she said there will “be absolutely no statewide mandates, closures or the like.”

“This state of emergency is strategically targeted at removing bureaucracy and cutting red tape wherever we can to allow our doctors, nurses and hospital staff to treat patients that come through their doors,” Ivey said. 


Sign up for our newsletter

Get The Plainsman straight to your inbox.


As of Aug. 13, there are 2,430 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 across Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. At East Alabama Medical Center and EAMC-Lanier, there are currently 54 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

A total of 1,635,311 Alabamians have been fully vaccinated, 32.5% of the state’s population, according to ADPH and U.S. Census data.

“I am really proud that over the last month, Alabama has seen more than a 100% increase — the highest in the country — in COVID-19 vaccines being administered,” Ivey said. “We owe those who have gotten the vaccine a tremendous debt of gratitude. No doubt, this will soon move us in the right direction, but at the current time, we also need to offer our frontline heroes — who are unfortunately treating a new wave of patients in Alabama’s hospitals — a helping hand as they put it all on the line to take care of our people.”

Ivey closed the statement emphasizing that Alabama will remain open and urging residents to get vaccinated. 

“Let me be crystal clear: Alabama remains open for business,” Ivey said. “Alabamians do not need government telling us what to do or how to do it. Unlike last year when we were hoping for a miracle, our greatest weapon against COVID-19 today is the vaccine, so, if you can, roll up your sleeve and get the shot.”

Share

Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.

Support The Plainsman

Evan Mealins | Editor-in-chief


Evan Mealins, senior in philosophy and economics, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.

@EvanMealins

ecm0060@auburn.edu



Related Stories

Johni Broome dunks in Auburn basketball's second game of its Israel tour against the Israel All-Star team. 

Newcomers, veterans unite in strong showing in Israel

By Lily Stewart | Sports Writer

Soccer vs Kennesaw-10.jpg

Auburn soccer takes 'unfinished business' into new season

By Callie Stanford | Sports Editor

Tj-Finley practing throws during warmups

Auburn quarterback arrested, posts bail

By Destini Ambus | Editor-in-Chief and Callie Stanford | Sports Editor


Share and discuss “Ivey issues state of emergency as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase” on social media.

 facebook  twitter

Editor's Picks


8/4/2022, 4:24pm

Auburn quarterback arrested, posts bail

By Destini Ambus | Editor-in-Chief and Callie Stanford | Sports Editor

7/1/2022, 4:56pm

Hovey wins GOP nomination after Whatley withdraws from race


7/1/2022, 11:45am

Celebrating the fourth of July around Auburn


6/27/2022, 1:25pm

The Yard Milkshake Bar opens up in downtown Auburn


Virtual Print Edition


Plainsman Podcasts

The Auburn Plainsman To Homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Corrections
  • Archives
  • Advertise
  • Letters

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2022 The Auburn Plainsman

Powered by Solutions by The State News.