A second emergency order issued by Walker County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield requires all non-home based childcare facilities, as defined by the state, and personal care services to close no later than 12:01 am ET on Monday, March 30, 2020.

The order comes as many states and counties are using measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Personal care services covered under the Emergency Order include beauty salons, hair braiding, nail salons, barbershops, cosmetology shops, spas, massage parlors, tanning salons, and tattoo parlors.

“We are trying to stay one step ahead of a truly invisible enemy that is plaguing our community,” said Whitfield. “Several hundred Walker County residents have been sick enough to be tested for COVID-19. In many instances, patients are being told their test results will not be available for up to a week. If we wait until positive results are reported, we will have missed a crucial opportunity to slow the spread of this virus in our community.”

The Emergency Order will remain in effect until 12:01 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on Monday, April 13, 2020. A local state of emergency was issued on March 18, 2020.

Along with the new restrictions, Commissioner Whitfield signed two resolutions waiving certain penalties and interest associated with past due personal property and hotel-motel taxes. The waiver is good through July 31st. The deadline to apply for a 2020 business license without being penalized was also been extended to July 31st.