Gov. Ivey, AG Marshall reaffirm COVID-19 concerns as cases continue rising

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — With COVID-19 numbers rising and the CDC giving updated guidance, state officials are turning their focus back to conquering the pandemic.

During a Tuesday law enforcement meeting, Governor Kay Ivey addressed COVID-19 issues to News 19 with Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Last week, Gov. Ivey received national attention for placing the blame of the rise in COVID-19 cases on those who are unvaccinated. On Tuesday, she told News 19 that her stance had not changed.

“COVID-19 virus is being driven by the unvaccinated,” said Ivey. “My message remains clear and simple. Everybody in Alabama oughta, that can get the vaccine, oughta get it.”

Though she’s been encouraging the COVID-19 vaccine since it became available, with cases rising once again, the message is becoming more desperate. The governor reminded Alabamians that she received both doses in December.

When asked about future mandates for Alabama, Gov. Ivey was firm.

“Well, there are not going to be any mandates from the state level about anything,” she said. “We know what works. What works is getting the shot. All other options are temporary. It’s not effective. We need to prevent the disease from taking hold and you do that by getting the shot.”

Attorney General Steve Marshall said that there has been a sharp uptake in vaccine-related complaints and inquiries to his office.

“I can tell you that we’ve received it from not only individuals but also from business, as well as those that work both for government and our educational systems,” said Marshall. Marshall’s office released guidance to remind Alabamians about May’s legislation.

“The legislature has been very clear that we can’t demand proof of vaccination to allow for the delivery of goods and services to consumers, to be able to restrict their admission into private business or governmental business as well.”

Even so, Gov. Ivey states that getting a shot is an individual responsibility.

“We just need everybody to avail themselves of this opportunity,” said the governor. “It’s free, it’s safe. The data proves that it works and we just oughta all do our part and get vaccinated.”