Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a letter to the heads of all state government agencies on Tuesday with guidance on how to deal with the likely eventuality of coronavirus making it to Alabama.

Ivey asked each department head to make sure they have a plan to continue the offering of services should the virus be detected in Alabama.

“It is important to note there are currently no known cases in Alabama, but we must be vigilant in our efforts to be as prepared as possible should this illness affect our state,” wrote the governor.

Ivey is issuing the following recommendations:

1. Notify your department head, supervisor and human resource officer immediately if you have recently traveled in areas affected by the coronavirus. A full list of these locations can be found under the CDC’s Travel Advisory Zones at coronavirus.gov
2. Please stay home when you are exhibiting symptoms of a cold or flu and avoid contact with individuals who exhibit symptoms. If you are sick, please practice common-sense guidelines for the benefit of yourself and others. The most serious cases of coronavirus have been when someone who was infected has been in contact with a person whose immune system is already compromised.
3. Please wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water are better than hand sanitizers. However, if you are unable to use soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based. Also, please avoid touching any part of your face with unwashed hands.
4. Practice common sense in traveling to areas within the U.S. that have known cases of coronavirus. Using technology to conduct meetings may be a better option. Your Agency/Department/Board may develop additional travel guidelines regarding overseas travel.

“Clearly, the safety and well-being of all Alabamians is our paramount concern. Working with other leaders throughout state government, my administration will do everything humanly possible to limit exposure of this illness,” Ivey concluded.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.