Alabama Republican Governor Kay Ivey announced that she will extend the requirement to wear facemasks in public as a measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus even though she’s facing pressure from within the state to repeal the public health measure, the Associated Press reports.

“We need to get past Easter and hopefully allow more Alabamians to get their first shot before we take a step some other states have taken to remove the mask order altogether and lift other restrictions. Folks, we are not there yet, but goodness knows we’re getting closer,” Ivey said at a news conference.

Ivey consulted with state and private medical and public health professionals prior to making the announcement, saying that mask wearing continues to be “one of our greatest tools” in fighting the spread of the virus.

The Republican governors of Mississippi and Texas announced earlier this week that they will be lifting all restrictions relating to the pandemic even as their states see a recent rise of new cases.  Reportedly, Texas Governor Greg Abbott did not consult his state’s own medical and public health commissioners to discuss his decision.

“Even when we lift the mask order, I will continue to wear my mask while I’m around others and strongly urge my fellow citizens to use common sense and do the same,” Ivey said, demonstrating leadership frequently lacking in the GOP.

Ivey’s announcement was met with praise from members of the state’s medical community.

“This is very good news. This gives us a month to vaccinate more people and to get a better handle on the role of the UK variant,” said Dr. Don Williamson, the former state health officer who now heads the Alabama Hospital Association.