COVID-19 coronavirus infections continue to climb in Alabama as residents are now under an emergency order to stay home as much as possible.

More than 40 deaths have been reported as of Sunday among more than 1,600 cases in the state.

Gov. Kay Ivey’s order took effect at 5 p.m. Saturday and is scheduled to last until at least April 30.

Ivey said she felt compelled to require people across Alabama to shelter at home as cases of the new coronavirus continued to rise and too many people ignored calls to isolate voluntarily.

The emergency order allows people to leave home to get medicine, health care, food and other essentials. It also allows church services, weddings and funerals as long as long fewer than 10 people are present and they stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.