Coronavirus live updates: Columbus government buildings closed to public, more news for April 4

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in the Chattahoochee Valley. Check back for updates.

Columbus closes government buildings to public

Columbus city leaders announced Friday that they are closing all government buildings to the general public while offering alternative ways to access city services.

“General public access to all government buildings will be prohibited; however, all city departments will remain open and will provide services to citizens in a modified/non-traditional way,” the city said in a news release Friday afternoon from Mayor Skip Henderson’s office.

The announcement follows Gov. Brian Kemp’s order that Georgians “shelter at home” for two weeks, avoiding all nonessential travel and any gatherings of 10 or more people. That order does not prohibit trips to buy food, medicine or other necessities.

Alabama governor issues shelter-in-place order

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Friday issued a statewide shelter-in-place order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The order will go into effect starting at 5 p.m. April 4 and expire at 5 p.m. April 30. Under the order all residents must stay home except to perform any essential activities, such as attending religious services so long as the event involves fewer than 10 people and the people maintain a six-foot distance from one another, obtaining necessary supplies, such as food and more.

A full list of of the things that can be done underneath the order can be found online at governor.alabama.gov.