Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced a statewide mask order to go into effect on Thursday and remain in place through the end of the month.

Ivey issued an emergency order on Wednesday, mandating that people cover their nose and mouth when in public and unable to social distance at least 6 feet from others. Face coverings will be required on public transportation, in outdoor spaces where 10 or more people are gathered and in indoor public spaces open to the general public.

Exceptions will be made for people aged six and younger, those who have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask or those consuming food at a restaurant, exercising or swimming.

“We are going to need everyone’s help if we are going to slow the spread and turn these trends into a different direction. We are asking everyone to do a better job practicing social distancing, personal hygiene and, now, wearing face masks,” Ivey tweeted.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Ivey said there has been a 50% increase in new COVID-19 cases over the two-week period from June 30 to July 13 and hospital intensive care units are being overwhelmed. There were 2,141 new cases reported in Alabama overnight.

“I still believe this is going to be a difficult order to enforce, and I always prefer personal responsibility over a government mandate, and yet I also know with all my heart that the numbers and the data over the past few weeks are definitely trending in the wrong direction,” she added.