The most recent Order of the State Health Officer may be accessed from the links below.

Orders, Proclamations & Advisories

• August 13, 2021: State of Emergency Proclamation issued by the office of Governor Ivey
• May 31, 2021: As issued by the office of Governor Kay Ivey (click to view press release) Alabama’s COVID-19 public health order has ended effective May 31, 2021; The state of emergency will end July 6, 2021.
• April 7, 2021: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through 5pm CST May 5, 2021.
• March 4, 2021: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through 5pm CST April 9, 2021.
• January 21, 2021: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through 5pm CST March 5, 2021.
• January 5, 2021: A call center has been established to provide information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and to assist with coordinating vaccination efforts for critical populations. Individuals/organizations in Jefferson County who believe they are in the current Allocation Plan phase, and would like more information on accessing the COVID-19 vaccination, may call 205.858.2221, 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Vaccination Allocation Plan 12.23.2020 and JCDH/JCEMA Press Release
• December 9, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through 5pm CST January 22, 2021.
• November 4, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through December 11, 2020.
• August 27, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through October 2, 2020.
• July 29, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer, effective through August 31, 2020; retaining the statewide mask requirement; and adding mask requirements for employees/students in schools and colleges (2nd grade and above).
• July 15, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer issued to require face coverings for individuals, applicable state-wide; no other changes to the current Safer at Home order.
• June 30, 2020: Governor Ivey extended the current Safer at Home effective through July 31, 2020 at 5pm.
• June 26, 2020: Order of the Jefferson County Health Officer will be effective as of Monday, June 29, 2020 at 5pm and will require anyone age 8 and older to wear face covering in public places (with a few exceptions).
• May 22, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer issued to further allow for the opening of some entertainment venues, athletic activities and educational institutions.
• May 8, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer issued to allow for the reopening of some previously closed businesses and amenities.
• April 28, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer issued to amend all previous orders regarding gatherings, business openings, etc.
• April 3, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer suspending certain public gatherings – Stay at Home Statewide Order.
• March 29, 2020: President Trump announced federal guidance urging social distancing will stay in place through April 30.
• March 27, 2020: Amended Order of the Alabama Department of Public Health issuing statewide social distancing measures. Click here for clarification of this ADPH order as it relates to businesses.
• March 25, 2020: FEMA Advisory
• March 23, 2020: Proclamation by the the Governor postponing certain state tax obligations
• March 23, 2020: Order of the Jefferson County Health Officer suspending certain public gatherings and closing non-essential businesses and services.
• March 20, 2020: Amended Order of the Jefferson County Health Officer suspending certain public gatherings and closing non-essential businesses and services
• March 19, 2020: Order of the Jefferson County Health Officer suspending certain public gatherings and closing non-essential businesses and services
• March 19, 2020: Order of the State Health Officer Suspending Certain Public Gatherings
• March 18, 2020: Proclamation by the Governor outlining measures of relief during the state health emergency.
• March 18, 2020: Order of the State Department of Revenue waiving late payment penalties for small businesses.
• March 13, 2020: Order Suspending In-Person Court Proceedings

Adjustments to City Services

• Meetings: For those interested in attending City meetings, adjustments have been made to adhere to state orders requiring attendees to wear face coverings and maintain 6’ social distances. Additional options for virtual meeting attendance and participation continue to be offered. For information regarding participation in public meetings, click here.
• Building Permits & Licenses: Building inspections are continuing as normal, as they have not been deemed to pose a significant health hazard. For assistance, email inspections@vhal.org or call 205.978.0125.
• City Clerk: Applications and all corresponding required documentation for Annexation, Design Review Board, Board of Zoning Approval and/or Planning & Zoning are being accepted in the office of the City Clerk at City Hall. For assistance or additional information, email rleavings@vhal.org or call 205.978.0131.
• Fire: Fire stations remain open and fully operational. For immediate medical assistance, call 911.
• Library in the Forest: The library is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-2pm daily. Curbside service is available Monday through Saturday from 10am-6pm daily. Click here additional information and instructions for utilizing this service. For the most up-to-date information regarding materials checkout, as well as accessing online resources, click here.
• Municipal Court: In-person court proceedings have resumed. For more information, visit the Municipal Court’s web page or email court@vhal.org.
• Parks & Recreation: 
  • Recreation Center: The Rec Center is open. For the most up-to-date information, including hours of operation, visit the Parks & Recreation web page. Please note: All patrons must enter through the main entrance and exit immediately following their program and, in compliance with the most recent state order, all locker rooms and showers remain closed.
  • Playgrounds, Fields & Rec Sports: All City-owned playgrounds are open. (This does not apply to school-owned playgrounds.) Athletic fields are also open. Field reservations MUST BE SCHEDULED IN ADVANCE through Parks & Rec by calling 205.978.0166. Public restrooms are open. Green spaces and trails are open and residents are asked to maintain 6’ social distances.
• Police: Police operations continue as normal. For immediate assistance, call 911.
• Senior Services: All senior centers and activities remain closed until further notice, with the exception of meal provision:
  • Meals on Wheels Program: Those who are served at New Merkel House should have been contacted with instructions to pick up prepacked meals in the New Merkel House parking lot. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Perry at mperry@vhal.org or 205.967.5977. If you are serviced at the Civic Center and have questions, please contact Sandi Wilson at swilson@vhal.org or 205.978.0163.
  • Senior Transportation Program: The Senior Transportation has been suspended at this time. If you have an emergent need, please contact Sandi Wilson at swilson@vhal.org or 205.978.0163.
• Vehicle Tags: Residents may submit tag renewals and new car registrations online – visit http://www.altagrenewals.com to renew your vehicle tag; visit www.easytagal.com to register a new vehicle tag. Residents may also visit City Hall (Finance Department, 2nd floor) to renew/register a vehicle tag in-person, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4pm.
• Yard Sale Permits: To obtain a yard sale permit, call 205.978.0188.

Resources for Businesses & Employers

What Can You Do?

• Do not call 911 for the purpose of being tested for COVID-19. If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of a contagious respiratory illness and you must call 911 for a medical emergency, please inform the 911 dispatcher of your symptoms.
• Wear a mask/face covering when leaving your home.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is 60-90% alcohol-based.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practice social distancing. Try to keep an optimal six-foot distance from other people.
• Stay home if you are not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms. Contact your doctor.

Helpful Links & Information

• Jefferson County Department of Health
• Alabama Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Shop Local Guide: The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce has compiled Restaurant, Retail and Service Guides to assist residents in supporting locally owned and/or operated businesses.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at administration@vhal.org or call 205.978.0100.