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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced an extension of the state mask order during a press conference held at the Alabama Capitol on Wednesday morning.

The order, which was set to expire Friday, requires Alabamians to wear face coverings while interacting within six feet of people outside of their household.

Ivey cited rising case numbers across the state as the reason for the extension – over the past week, Alabama reached a record number of hospitalizations, 2,000, and as many as 3,000 new infections are being reported daily.

“These are some of our darkest days,” said the Governor.

Ivey encouraged Alabamians to “use the common sense the Good Lord gave everyone” and continue to wear masks in public and practice social distancing.

“None of this is easy,” she said. “I cannot think the people of Alabama enough for the sacrifices they are making.”

While the number of cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across the state, the Governor made no mention of issuing a statewide lockdown.

With the state’s businesses, restaurants, churches and schools open, Ivey said “the only limitation that remains upon us is the mask”.