Area cities tighten restrictions on public parks; supports Health Officer’s order for non-essential businesses
MADISON, HUNTSVILLE – The cities of Madison of Huntsville stated this morning they will enforce the Alabama Department of Public Health’s order announcing the closure of non-essential businesses, venues and athletic facilities through April 17. The State order takes effect at 5 p.m. on March 28.
“This is a tough decision but we believe it’s the right decision in a rapidly evolving situation,” said Huntsville Mayor Battle. “We need to heed the warnings of our healthcare experts. Working together, Huntsville can blunt the curve of this virus, and that includes maintaining a six-foot separation and frequent hand-washing.”
Effective immediately, no contact sports or activities will be allowed in public parks. This includes football, soccer, kickball, basketball, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and any similar activities where participants or observers come in close proximity.
Additionally, all pavilions, shelters, and playgrounds in City parks are closed immediately.
Outdoor activity such as walking, hiking, biking or running is permissible provided that individuals maintain at least six feet of social distancing.
Law enforcement and City staff will be closely monitoring the parks for compliance.
Gov. Ivey’s order states all non-work related gatherings of 10 persons or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited. Employers shall take all reasonable steps to meet these standards for employees and customers.
The following “non-essential” businesses, venues, and activities shall be closed to non-employees or not take place:
a.Entertainment venues as follows:
(1)Night clubs
(2)Bowling alleys
(3)Arcades
(4)Concert venues
(5)Theaters, auditoriums, and performing arts centers
(6)Tourist attractions (including museums and planetariums)
(7)Racetracks
(8)Indoor children’s play areas
(9)Adult entertainment venues
(10)Casinos
(11)Bingo halls
(12)Venues operated by social clubs
b.Athletic facilities and activities as follows:
(1)Fitness centers and commercial gyms
(2)Spas and public or commercial swimming pools
(3)Yoga, barre, and spin facilities
(4)Spectator sports
(5)Sports that involve interaction with another person of closer than 6 feet
(6)Activities that require use of shared sporting apparatus and equipment
(7)Activities on commercial or public playground equipment
c.Close-contact service providers as follows:
(1)Barber shops
(2)Hair salons
(3)Waxing salons
(4)Threading salons
(5)Nail salons and spas
(6)Body-art facilities and tattoo services
(7)Tanning salons
(8)Massage-therapy establishments and massage services
d.Retail stores as follows:
(1)Furniture and home-furnishings stores
(2)Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores
(3)Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores
(4)Department stores
(5)Sporting goods stores
(6)Book, craft, and music stores
