Reopening America: A state-by-state breakdown of the status of coronavirus restrictions

Across the country, states have shut down businesses and ordered people to work from home if they can and stay indoors as much as possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, with cases beginning to level off, states are looking to jump-start economies hit hard by the virus. Millions of Americans who have been put out of work by lockdown efforts are also eager to get back in the work force.

Governors have taken different tactics in developing plans to loosen stay-at-home orders in their states, each taking different paths in removing social-distancing restrictions. States in the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast have formed coalitions to usher in a regional recovery. Other states have faced criticism for already allowing nonessential businesses to resume in-person operations. Some governors have yet to release any sort of reopening plan.

Here is a rundown of how every state in the U.S. has responded to Covid-19 in terms of lifting restrictions on citizens and businesses. This list will be updated each day with new developments.

• Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide stay-at-home order that went into effect April 4.
• “We’ve got to take this order dead serious; otherwise, the fact is more people will end up dying,” Ivey said in a tweet sent April 3.
• The order limited religious services to fewer than 10 people, while worshipers stand at least 6 feet apart.
• Ivey closed nonessential services but gave a broad range of businesses that are considered essential, including gun retailers and bookstores.
• Alabama also ordered all schools to close for the remainder of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Ivey issued a safer-at-home order on April 28 that reopened parts of the state’s economy starting April 30.
• The state’s safer-at-home was amended May 8 to allow for more restrictions to be lifted on May 11.
• Non-work gatherings of any size will be allowed as long as social distancing of 6 feet apart is maintained.
• Gyms, athletic facilities, barber shops and nail salons can also reopen.
• Restaurants and bars can allow on-site dining as long as certain guidelines are followed, but casinos, theaters and night clubs will remain closed.

• The stay-at-home order issued by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy went into effect March 28.
• Nonessential businesses were closed. Services or organizations that violate the state order may have to cease operations and pay a $1,000 fine per violation.
• Individuals who violate the stay-at-home order could face a prison term of up to a year and may have to pay a fine of up to $25,000.
• Alaska closed schools through the rest of the school year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Dunleavy announced his state’s reopening plan on April 22.
• Restaurants, retail, personal services and other public-facing businesses were allowed to begin reopening in a limited fashion starting April 24.
• With the second phase of the state’s reopening plan now implemented, more restrictions were lifted on May 8.
• Retail, restaurants and personal care services can operate at 50% capacity.

• The “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” executive order issued by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey went into effect March 31. It will be in effect until April 30, unless it is extended.
• “Keeping Arizonans safe and healthy as we slow the spread of Covid-19 remains our top priority,” Ducey said in a statement.
• Arizona also closed nonessential businesses and ordered those that remain open to implement social distancing guidelines when possible, including spacing employees at least 6 feet apart.
• Ducey also extended the closure of Arizona schools until the end of the year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Arizona’s stay-at-home order expired May 15, but the state still has multiple social-distancing guidelines for businesses in place.
• Businesses resumed under partial openings on May 8 if they were able to incorporate social distancing and sanitation measures.
• Restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in service May 11.
• The state opened pools and gyms on May 13.
• Professional sports can resume in Arizona without fans in attendance beginning May 16.

• California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order on March 19.
• “Home isolation is not my preferred choice … but it is a necessary one. … This is not a permanent state, this is a moment in time,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a press briefing announcing the order.
• It shuttered nonessential businesses, including dine-in restaurants, bars and gyms.
• Schools are expected to remain closed until the end of the school year but may reopen as soon as July.

Reopening Plan:

• Along with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Newsom announced a regional partnership to coordinate the reopening of the West Coast. Nevada and Colorado also joined.
• Newsom provided a four-phase plan for reopening the state.
• Newsom said certain low-risk retailers may reopen in a limited fashion beginning as soon as May 8 and released specific guidelines for them to follow.
• Sellers of items such as clothing, books, music, toys and sporting goods, as well as florists, would be allowed to offer curbside pickup if they follow health guidance set forth by the state.
• With the state now in stage two of its reopening plan, offices, pet grooming, car washes, malls and outdoor museums can operate under certain limitations.
• Restaurants are able to open under specific restrictions in select counties.

• Colorado Gov. Jared Polis enacted an executive order mandating residents to stay at home.
• Polis ordered the closure of nonessential businesses.
• The order went into effect March 26 and its end date was extended from April 11 until April 26.
• Colorado schools are closed through the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Polis released a “Safer at Home” order on April 26 that outlines how certain businesses can safely reopen. It is in effect for 30 days.
• Retail businesses were allowed to reopen for curbside delivery on April 27. The order also gave the green light for real estate home showings and voluntary and elective medical procedures, as long as safety protocols are followed.
• Nonessential retailers could publicly open on May 1, and offer curbside pickup, drive-thru and delivery service.
• Noncritical commercial businesses can operate with 50% reduced in-person staffing as long as there are safety measures in place beginning May 4.
• The order recommends that Colorado residents, particularly senior citizens, should remain home as much as possible.

• All Delaware residents were ordered to shelter in place starting March 24 after Gov. John Carney declared a state of emergency.
• Carney also closed nonessential businesses, including casinos, movie theaters and fitness centers. However, religious organizations are exempt from the order.
• Violation of Carney’s state of emergency declaration could constitute a criminal offense, according to the declaration.
• Delaware schools are currently closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• The first phase of the state’s reopening plan is set to begin June 1.
• In the meantime, certain small business retailers were allowed to reopen May 8 with limited operations, including clothing stores, hair salons and bookshops.
• Delaware’s beaches will be open for Memorial Day weekend with modified access.
• Delaware is part of a coalition with Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island that is focused on resuming working operations in these states.

• After taking measures such as mandating travelers from New York and New Jersey self-isolate for 14 days, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a stay-at-home order that went into effect April 3.
• DeSantis faced criticism for not issuing the order sooner. Many Florida counties had already implemented their own stay-at-home orders.
• Nonessential businesses were shuttered, but there were religious exemptions.
• The order said that “religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship” are among the “essential activities” allowed to stay open.
• Florida schools are directed to remain closed through the academic year.

Reopening:

• DeSantis said Florida will be taking “baby steps” toward reopening, and that the process may happen at different paces in different regions.
• The state, excluding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, began phase one of its reopening plan on May 4, DeSantis said April 29.
• He met with President Donald Trump on April 27 and they both praised the state’s Covid-19 response.
• DeSantis also allowed certain beaches in the state to reopen on April 17.
• DeSantis said on May 13 that he plans to allow professional sports to play and practice in Florida, but that fans may not be in attendance.

• Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a statewide shelter-in-place order that went into effect April 3 and extends through May 13.
• “All of us know that this fight is won at the community level,” Kemp said at the time.
• Kemp closed nonessential businesses such as fitness centers, bowling alleys and bars.
• Businesses that are not considered “critical infrastructure” are only allowed to engage in “minimum basic operations” such as letting employees work from home, according to the order.
• Those who violate the policy could be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Schools will remain closed until the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Kemp allowed certain businesses in Georgia to reopen beginning April 24.
• Gyms, hair salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors were allowed to reopen as long as they followed certain social distancing guidelines like keeping customers 6 feet apart and requiring employees to wear face coverings. The reopening of these spaces drew criticism and concern.
• Kemp released summer camp guidelines in a tweet on May 13. Overnight camps are allowed to move forward as long as certain restrictions are in place, such as limiting bunks to 20 people.
• Kemp extended restrictions closing bars and nightclubs through May 31.

• All Hawaii residents were ordered to stay at home starting March 25.
• Hawaii Gov. David Ige also closed nonessential businesses but allowed essential services such as grocery stores, medical cannabis dispensaries and pharmacies to remain open.
• Those who violate the order could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined at most $5,000 and face a year in prison.
• Schools in Hawaii will remain closed through the end of the year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Florists were allowed to resume operations on May 1.
• Ige allowed businesses considered “low-risk” to reopen on May 7, including car dealerships, pet groomers, clothing retailers and childcare services.
• Honolulu County is not allowed to have retail open until May 15.

• Idaho’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 25. The order also closed the state’s nonessential businesses.
• “Idaho is now in a new stage with confirmed community transmission now occurring in Idaho’s most densely populated areas,” Gov. Brad Little said in announcing the order.
• Little also signed an “extreme emergency declaration” that he said would help the state increase its health-care capacity.
• Violation of the policy could result in being convicted of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both.
• Schools are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Idaho’s stay-at-home order went through April 30.
• May 1 marked the beginning of the first stage of Little’s reopening plan in which places of worship are allowed to reopen.
• Businesses such as restaurants, hair salons and gyms are allowed to begin developing plans for reopening during the plan’s second stage, which is scheduled to begin mid-May.

• Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 21. Originally slated to end April 7, the order was extended until April 30.
• Pritzker closed nonessential businesses, but exempted organizations that provide charitable and social services.
• Enforcement of orders of eviction for residential premises were ceased for the duration of Pritzker’s disaster proclamation.
• The state extended school closures through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Pritzker announced that a modified stay-at-home order would extend through the end of May.
• However, starting May 1, some restrictions were lifted.
• Nonessential retailers could reopen to fulfill telephone and online orders through pickup outside stores and delivery. Certain parks were allowed reopen as well.
• Beginning May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face covering when in a public place where they cannot keep a 6-foot distance from others. Face coverings are required in indoor public spaces such as stores.

• Indiana’s stay-at-home order was issued March 24.
• “Stay at home unless you’re going out on an essential errand or essential work or essential business,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said in announcing the order.
• Nonessential businesses were required to cease all activities aside from “minimum basic operations” and have employees work from home if possible.
• Indiana schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Indiana is part of a Midwest coalition with Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Kentucky working on a plan to reopen the region’s economy.
• Holcomb provided a multi-stage reopening plan on May 1.
• In most counties, manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential will be allowed to open May 4.
• Retailers and shopping malls will be able to open at 50% capacity starting May 4 in most counties.
• Restaurants and bars that serve food may open beginning May 11 at 50% capacity.
• Personal services such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors can open on May 11, but cannot take walk-ins.

• The state’s stay-at-home order from Gov. Laura Kelly went into effect March 30, closing nonessential businesses.
• Religious institutions were originally exempted from a rule that public gatherings could include no more than 10 people, but Kelly revised guidance April 7 to ensure that places of worship had to comply with this policy.
• “As Holy Week gets underway — and with Kansas rapidly approaching its projected ‘peak’ infection rate in the coming weeks — the risk for a spike in Covid-19 cases through church gatherings is especially dangerous,” Kelly said in a statement. “This was a difficult decision, and not one I was hoping to have to make.”
• Kansas schools will remain closed until the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• The first phase of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” began May 4.
• Non-prohibited businesses, including restaurants, can reopen as long as they maintain at least 6 feet of distance between customers and follow other health requirements.
• Kelly plans to lift several restrictions on May 18.
• Personal care services will be allowed to reopen with pre-scheduled appointments.
• Gyms and fitness centers can reopen with closed locker rooms and cannot hold classes.
• Outdoor drive-thru graduations and 10-person indoor ceremonies can take place under certain social-distancing requirements.

• Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards enacted a stay-at-home order that went into effect March 23.
• The state closed also closed nonessential businesses.
• Individuals are still allowed to attend religious services under the order.
• Louisiana’s school closures will continue through the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Edwards extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 15.
• The extended order included key changes enacted on May 1.
• Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for patrons to eat in without table service.
• All employees who have contact with the public will be required to wear masks.
• While malls will remain closed, stores can open for curbside delivery.

• Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ “Stay Healthy at Home” mandate went into effect April 2.
• “We are in the midst of one of the greatest public health crises this world has seen in more than a century,” Mills said in a statement. “This virus will continue to sicken people across our state; our cases will only grow, and more people will die.”
• The state closed nonessential businesses and instituted specific limits on the number of customers allowed inside essential stores based on the size of the store.
• Those who violate the mandate could be subject to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Maine schools were recommended to remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Mills extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 31.
• Starting May 1, Maine entered the first stage of its reopening plan.
• The plan allowed for the limited reopening of non-coastal state parks, drive-in religious services, car washes, auto dealerships and personal services such as nail salons.

• Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home order that went into effect March 30. The state previously closed nonessential businesses on March 23.
• “We are no longer asking or suggesting that Marylanders stay home; we are directing them to do so,” Hogan said at a press conference.
• Those who violate the order could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• Maryland schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Hogan released a three-stage recovery plan on April 24.
• The plan’s first stage includes reopening certain small businesses and personal services. Ahead of the first stage’s start, Hogan gave the green light to elective medical procedures as well as recreational activities like golf, tennis and boating.
• Stage Two will involve raising the cap on social gatherings and resuming normal public transit schedules, among other measures.
• The final stage will include instituting higher-risk activities, such as reopening bars and restaurants.
• Maryland’s stay-at-home order will be lifted on May 15.
• Manufacturing can resume and retail stores, barbershops and hair salons will be able to reopen with up to 50% capacity under social-distancing guidelines.

• Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker ordered all nonessential businesses to close and directed the Department of Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory. The order went into effect March 24.
• Businesses and organizations that do not provide “Covid-19 essential services” had to shut down in-person operations.
• “We will always allow all grocery stores, pharmacies and other types of businesses that provide essential goods and services to Massachusetts residents to continue to operate,” Baker said.
• Massachusetts schools will stay closed through the end of the school year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Massachusetts joined Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island in forming a coalition that is focused on resuming working operations in these states.
• Baker unveiled a four-phase reopening plan for the state on May 11.
• Limited industries will be allowed to resume operations with severe restrictions during the first phase.

• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order that went into effect March 24.
• “If we all stay at home, except for critical work and needs, we can mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” Whitmer said in a tweet announcing the order.
• The order also prohibited in-person work that “is not necessary to sustain or protect life” and contained certain exemptions for religious institutions.
• Michigan’s schools will remain closed until the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• In addition to being part of the Midwest recovery coalition, Michigan lifted some restrictions when Whitmer extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 15. The order was later extended on May 7 through May 28.
• Landscapers, lawn-service companies and nurseries were allowed to return to work, subject to strict social distancing.
• Nonessential retailers can reopen for curbside pickup and for delivery.
• The order also allows for golfing and motorized boating.
• People are required to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces.
• Michigan has experienced protests against Whitmer’s policies.

• Minnesota’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 27.
• “While the virus will still be here when this order ends, this action will slow the spread of Covid-19 and give Minnesota time to ready for battle,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement.
• A person who violates Walz’s executive order could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for 90 days.
• Minnesota schools will use distance learning through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Minnesota is part of the Midwest coalition and allowed certain noncritical businesses to return to work.
• Walz estimated that the action allowed 80,000 to 100,000 Minnesotans to return to work in industrial, manufacturing and office settings on April 27.
• Protesters had previously congregated outside of Walz’s residence as a statement against his policies.
• Elective surgeries will be allowed in Minnesota starting May 11.
• Retail stores can reopen May 18 at 50% capacity.

• Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves enacted a stay-at-home order for the state that went into effect April 3 and will remain so until April 30.
• Reeves also closed all nonessential businesses, but exempted religious entities as long they adhere to guidelines from the state and Centers for Disease Control and Protection.
• All schools in Mississippi are currently closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Reeves issued a new “safer-at-home” order on April 27.
• Under the new order, businesses such as gyms, bars, clubs and tattoo parlors will remain closed but retailers can offer delivery and curbside pickup services.
• Reeves extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 15, but allowed barbershops and hair salons to reopen under certain restrictions.

• Missouri’s stay-at-home order went into effect April 6.
• “I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians,” Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement.
• The order stated that businesses that do not employ workers in essential functions must adhere to social distancing requirements by maintaining 6 feet between individuals and limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people.
• School districts in Missouri are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• The first phase of Parson’s “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan began May 4.
• During phase one, residents can resume economic and social activities as long as they adhere to social distancing requirements, including maintaining distances of 6 feet.
• All businesses can be open under the plan, provided they follow social distancing guidelines.

• Montana Gov. Steve Bullock implemented a stay-at-home directive that went into effect March 28.
• “I have determined that to protect public health and human safety, it is essential, to the maximum extent possible, individuals stay at home or at their place of residence,” Bullock said.
• Bullock ordered all nonessential businesses cease in-person operations.
• Starting May 7, Montana schools may return to in-classroom teaching at the discretion of the local school boards.

Reopening Plan: 

• Bullock released a plan for Montana’s reopening on April 22.
• Retail businesses can be operational as long as they can adhere to social distancing practices.
• Places of worship are also allowed to resume services.
• Restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries can provide in-establishment services starting May 4.
• Gyms, movie theaters and museums were allowed to reopen May 15 with certain social-distancing guidelines in place.

• Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak mandated that residents should remain in their homes unless leaving for essential services on March 31.
• The state also closed nonessential businesses, including casinos.
• Places of worship were prohibited from holding in-person services with 10 or more people, according to a tweet he sent April 8.
• Nevada schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Nevada is a part of the Western state coalition working on a regional recovery plan.
• Sisolak announced a set of criteria that the state will have to meet in order to reopen.
• This criteria includes seeing a downward trend in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations.
• “The reopening of our economy is highly dependent upon expanded testing and tracing capacity,” Sisolak said in a statement.
• On May 1, all retail businesses, including cannabis dispensaries, were allowed to begin operating under “curbside commerce models, similar to curbside pickup currently allowed for restaurants and eateries,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.
• Outdoor activities such as golf and tennis were also given the green light to go ahead.
• Sisolak tweeted that Nevada will be able to move into the first phase of reopening on May 9, which will lift certain restrictions on restaurants, personal care services and other businesses.

• New Hampshire’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 27. Gov. Chris Sununu also ordered nonessential businesses to close.
• “We can’t stress this enough – you should stay at your house unless absolutely necessary,” Sununu said in a statement on Twitter. “Of course, we won’t prevent you from leaving your home to go for a walk, or when heading to the store for groceries, or going to an essential job.”
• Religious institutions are still able to have gatherings that are less than 10 people.
• Schools in the state will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Sununu announced a new “Stay at Home 2.0” order on May 1. It is in effect until the end of the month.
• It provides new guidance for specific business sectors.
• Certain health-care services can begin to phase in service starting May 4.
• Retail stores, drive-in theaters, golf courses and hair salons can expand services on May 11, while restaurants can do the same on May 18.

• New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order mandated that residents remain in their homes and went into effect March 21.
• Murphy also closed nonessential businesses.
• “If you are not needed as part of our response efforts, stay home and practice social distancing,” Murphy said.
• Murphy announced May 4 that New Jersey schools will remain closed through the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• New Jersey is part of the Eastern coalition of states working on an economic recovery plan.
• Murphy announced a reopening plan on April 27 called “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health.”
• The state’s stay-at-home order will remain in effect until further notice. Murphy extended New Jersey’s public health emergency order on May 6 for another 30 days.
• New Jersey reopened state parks and golf courses on May 2.
• Murphy announced on May 13 that nonessential construction projects can resume and nonessential retailers can open for curbside pickup beginning May 18.
• He said on May 14 that New Jersey’s beaches will be able to reopen under social-distancing guidelines by Memorial Day weekend.

• New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said residents should remain in their homes except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare. The restrictions went into effect March 24.
• “The only way for us to stop the spread of this virus is for New Mexicans to stop interacting with each other,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
• New Mexico Secretary of Health Kathy Kunkel also issued an order closing all nonessential businesses.
• Schools will remain closed through the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Starting May 1, nonessential businesses were allowed to partially reopen with curbside pickup and delivery services.
• State parks could reopen on a modified, day-use-only basis.
• Golf courses and pet services were allowed to open as well, though golf courses are still not allowed to provide dine-in service.

• New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all nonessential businesses to keep 100% of their workforce at home starting March 22.
• “When I talk about the most drastic action we can take, this is the most drastic action we can take,” Cuomo said at a press conference.
• New York also increased the maximum fine for violations of the state’s social distancing protocol from $500 to $1,000. The measure was taken to help address the lack of adherence to social distancing protocols.
• New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced April 11 that the city’s schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.
• In response, Cuomo said that the announcement was de Blasio’s “opinion” and there was not yet an official decision on school closings at that time.
• Cuomo announced May 1 that schools in New York will remain closed through the end of the academic year.
• New York has the most coronavirus cases of any state.

Reopening Plan: 

• Cuomo on April 28 outlined a 12-step plan to reopen parts of the state.
• He announced May 11 that certain low-risk businesses and activities can resume and reopen across New York on May 15, including landscaping and gardening, tennis and drive-in theaters.
• Cuomo announced on May 14 that five regions in New York can enter the first phase of reopening, not including New York City.
• These regions can resume manufacturing, construction and agricultural operations and allow curbside pickup at non-grocery retailers.
• Cuomo announced May 15 that the state’s beaches will reopen with 50% capacity for Memorial Day weekend.
• Concession stands will be closed and contact activities, including sports, will be prohibited.

• North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 30.
• “It’s what we have to do to save lives,” Cooper said.
• Cooper also ordered nonessential businesses to close, but religious entities are allowed to remain open under certain limitations.
• Violation of the state order could result in being convicted of a misdemeanor.
• North Carolina schools are closed through the end of the school year.

Reopening Plan:

• Cooper extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 8.
• He also revealed a three-phase plan that will allow North Carolina to reopen after May 8.
• Retail can now operate at 50% capacity with social-distancing practices in place. Restaurants still cannot have in-person dining and personal care services remain closed.

• Ohio’s stay-at-home order became effective March 23. The mandate was enacted by Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of Health, rather than Gov. Mike DeWine.
• The order also closed all nonessential businesses.
• “We haven’t faced an enemy like we are facing today in 102 years – we are at war,” DeWine said in a statement. “In the time of war, we must make sacrifices.”
• Ohio schools have been ordered to remain closed through the school year.

Reopening Plan:

• In Ohio, business sectors have specific guidance on reopening.
• Retail businesses can reopen as long as they follow health criteria such as requiring employees to wear facial coverings.
• Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons can reopen on May 15. Restaurants can also resume outdoor dining on that date, but cannot implement dine-in service until May 21.

• Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a stay-at-home order that went into immediate effect on March 23. The order remains in effect until terminated by Brown
• The order also closed all nonessential businesses.
• Brown announced April 8 that all schools in the state will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Oregon is part of the Western state coalition working on a regional recovery plan.
• Brown introduced criteria for reopening Oregon, including ramping up testing and establishing a quarantine and isolation program for new cases.
• She also gave the green light for nonurgent medical procedures to resume on May 1.
• Brown announced that counties will be allowed to enter the first phase of the state’s reopening plan on May 15 as long as they meet certain requirements.
• In phase one of the plan, restaurants can reopen sit-down dining as long as they implement safety measures such as spacing tables six feet apart and requiring employees to wear face coverings.
• Personal care services can also resume under certain restrictions, such having customers undergo a pre-appointment health check.

• After issuing stay-at-home orders for select counties, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf mandated all of the state’s residents to remain at home starting March 23.
• Originally slated to end April 6, the order was extended through April 30.
• Wolf also ordered the closure of businesses that were not “life-sustaining.”
• Pennsylvania schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Pennsylvania is part of the Eastern state coalition collaborating on an economic recovery plan.
• Wolf offered a plan for reopening the state which began May 8. The administration categorized reopening into three phases: red, yellow and green.
• Regions and counties are likely to move into different phases at different times.
• The construction industry resumed work in the state on May 1, and limited recreational activities were allowed starting that day as well.

• Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo ordered the state’s residents to remain at home on March 28. She also mandated that “all noncritical retail businesses” must cease in-person operations.
• Raimondo also ordered all travelers to Rhode Island from New York state to self-quarantine for 14 days, which caused controversy.
• “I don’t think the order was called for,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said regarding the order. “I don’t believe it was legal. I don’t believe it was neighborly … I understand the point, but I think there were different ways of doing it.”
• Rhode Island school are closed through the rest of the academic year.

Reopening plan:

• Rhode Island is part of the Eastern coalition working on a regional recovery plan.
• Raimondo extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 8.
• Raimondo released a set of six indicators that the state will have to meet before reopening, including decreasing the rate of the virus’ spread.
• The first phase of the state’s reopening plan began May 9. Nonessential retailers were allowed reopen under capacity limits. Manufacturing and construction operations were also able to resume.
• Restaurants will be allowed to offer outdoor dining on May 18 as long as they follow social-distancing guidelines such as spacing tables at least 8 feet apart.

• South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order mandating that residents must stay at home except for essential reasons. It went into effect April 7.
• McMaster also ordered the closure of nonessential businesses such as night clubs, fitness centers and clothing retailers.
• “All residents and visitors of the State of South Carolina are required to limit social interaction, practice ‘social distancing’ in accordance with CDC guidance, and take every possible precaution to avoid potential exposure to, and to slow the spread of, Covid-19,” the order stated.
• The state’s schools are to remain closed through the end of the school year.

Reopening plan:

• McMaster declared a new state of emergency for South Carolina on April 27, so the state could continue responding to Covid-19.
• He previously announced an economic revival plan called “accelerateSC” on April 20.
• Certain retail stores, including clothing, furniture and jewelry shops were allowed to reopen on April 20 as long as they follow social distancing requirements, and operate at 20% occupancy or five customers per 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
• Beaches were allowed to reopen April 21.
• Restaurants can now offer outdoor seating under certain guidelines.

• Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued an executive order telling residents to stay at home. He also mandated the closure of nonessential businesses for public use.
• The order went into effect March 31.
• People are still allowed to leave their home to attend religious services.
• Lee recommended that schools in Tennessee remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Lee has tailored the state’s reopening plan to specific business sectors.
• Restaurants were able to reopen April 27 at 50% occupancy.
• Tennessee retailers were allowed to reopen on April 29 at half their occupancy.
• The state recommended that employees in both industries wear face coverings and that business owners follow federal guidelines for workplace sanitation standards related to the pandemic.
• Gyms were able to open May 1 under state recommendations that include certain restrictions such as keeping pools, showers and locker rooms closed.
• Personal care services like barbershops and beauty salons are allowed to resume operations as are bowling alleys, arcades, dance classes and water sports.

• Vermont’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 25.
• “I need all Vermonters to understand that the more quickly and closely we follow these stay-at-home measures, the faster and safer we can get through this and get our daily lives, and our economy, moving again,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement.
• The order included the closure of in-person operations for all nonessential businesses.
• Schools in Vermont are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• The state’s stay-at-home order is still in effect, but has been modified to allow some to return to work.
• Scott is taking “a measured, phased approach” to reopening the economy.
• Certain businesses were allowed to resume operations under certain conditions starting April 27.
• Outdoor businesses, construction operations and recreation maintenance work are allowed to operate with a maximum of five total workers per location.
• Manufacturing and distribution operations, as well interior construction on uninhabited structures, can occur with five employees in one location who maintain distances of 6 feet apart.
• Outdoor retail space can allow in-person shopping with a maximum of 10 total people.
• Farmers markets were allowed to open May 1 as long as they prevent congregating.

• Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order, effective March 30.
• The order extends until June 10, making it one of the longest statewide mandates implemented so far.
• “Don’t go to the store for just one thing,” Northam said at a press briefing. “Wait until you have a list. If you’re traveling from out of state, stay in quarantine for 14 days. Every age group needs to act responsibly and stay home.”
• Northam also closed nonessential businesses.
• Virginia’s schools are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Northam released the “Forward Virginia” plan for easing public health restrictions in the state on April 24.
• Northam released criteria for the first phase of the state’s reopening plan, which will begin May 15.
• Outdoor dining at restaurants and business at nonessential retailers will be allowed to resume at 50% occupancy.

• Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home proclamation on March 23 telling residents to “stay home, stay healthy.”
• “The less time we spend in public, the more lives we will save,” Inslee said in a statement.
• The statewide order also included the closure of nonessential businesses.
• Violation of Inslee’s stay-at-home order could be classified as a gross misdemeanor and result in a $5,000 fine and up to 364 days in jail, according to the order.
• Schools remain closed in Washington through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Washington is part of the Western States Pact working to establish a regional recovery.
• Inslee announced April 24 that he will be lifting some restrictions on outdoor recreation.
• Starting May 5, people will be allowed to fish and hunt, as well as visit state parks and state public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources.
• Public gatherings, events, team sports and camping will not be resuming at that time.
• Inslee signed a new order May 4 that includes the state’s “Safe Start” plan and extending the state’s stay-at-home order through the end of May.

• West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice implemented a stay-at-home order for the entire state that went into effect March 24.
• “This order asks West Virginians to stay at home and limit movements outside beyond essential needs,” Justice said in a tweet.
• Nonessential businesses were told to temporarily cease operations, but religious entities were exempted as long as congregants maintain distances of 6 feet apart.
• The state’s schools will remain closed through the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Justice released a six-week reopening plan called “West Virginia Strong – The Comeback” on April 27.
• The first week begins April 30 and involves resuming elective medical operations and outpatient health care.
• During the second week, any small business with fewer than 10 employees may resume operations, including hair salons, nail salons, barbershops and pet grooming.
• Guidance will be made available addressing specific business sectors.
• In weeks three to six, additional businesses will be allowed to reopen, including office/government buildings, specialty retail stores and casinos.

• Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers directed the state’s Department of Health Services to issue a “Safer at Home” order prohibiting nonessential travel that was effective March 24.
• “Issuing a Safer at Home order isn’t something I thought we’d have to do and it’s not something I take lightly, but here’s the bottom line: folks need to start taking this seriously,” Evers said in a statement.
• Nonessential businesses were shuttered, but grocery stores, gas stations and banks as well as other essential businesses were allowed to remain open.
• Wisconsin held its primary election during the stay-at-home order, causing controversy. Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders referred to the situation as “dangerous.”
• Violation of the order is punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment, or up to a $250 fine.
• The state’s schools will have distance learning until the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan: 

• Wisconsin Supreme Court declared Evers’ stay-at-home order invalid on May 13.
• Bars and restaurants reopened throughout the state after the order was thrown out.
• Trump praised the court ruling as a “win.”

• Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the nation’s capital that went into effect April 1.
• Residents are allowed to leave their homes to perform an essential job and for essential activities such as obtaining food or medicine.
• Those found guilty of violating the order, which is considered a misdemeanor, could be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and face imprisonment of no more than 90 days.
• The city also ordered nonessential businesses such as barber shops, fitness centers and libraries to close.
• “We have virtually shut down economic activity in our city in an effort to contain the spread of the virus,” Bowser said at a press briefing regarding the order.
• Schools in Washington, D.C. will be closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Bowser extended the city’s stay-at-home order and closure of nonessential businesses through June 8.
• However, Bowser announced a new program on May 15 that will allow academic and educational retail shops to apply for waivers that will allow them to partially reopen and employ curbside pickup.

• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order closed nonessential businesses on March 23.
• Lamont also gave strong recommendations for residents to remain safe at home when he issued the order.
• “At this critical time it is essential that everyone just stay home so we can contain the spread of this virus while keeping essential services running,” Lamont said in a statement.
• Connecticut schools are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Connecticut is part of the Northeastern coalition working on an economic recovery for the region.
• Lamont said the state will reopen in phases.
• The first phase of the state’s reopening will begin May 20. Retailers, zoos, museums, hair salons and barbershops will be able to reopen under certain guidelines. Restaurants can offer outdoor dining.
• The state’s beaches will be open for Memorial Day weekend under social-distancing guidelines.
• Summer day camps can open June 29 under social-distancing guidelines that include limiting groups to 10 children.

• Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s “Healthy at Home” order closed nonessential businesses, but only encouraged residents to remain at home.
• The order was issued March 25 and shuttered all businesses not considered “life-sustaining.”
• Beshear recommended schools stay closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Beshear’s four-phase reopening plan for the health industry was enacted April 27. The first phase includes allowing nonurgent medical and dental procedures to resume under certain conditions.
• He also released certain public health criteria the state will have to meet before reopening parts of the economy, including having 14 days where coronavirus cases are decreasing.
• Once these criteria are met, the state’s economy will reopen under Beshear’s “Healthy at Work” initiative.
• Beshear issued an additional timeline with key dates for the state’s second phase of reopening, including allowing restaurants to reopen May 22 at 33% capacity.
• Multiple businesses were allowed to reopen in Kentucky on May 11, including manufacturing, construction and horse racing with no fans in attendance.

• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order stating that residents should minimize social gatherings and in-person contact whenever necessary except when providing or obtaining essential services. The order went into effect April 2.
• However, Abbott declined to refer to the new measure as a stay-at-home order when announcing it at a press conference. “This is not a stay-at-home strategy,” he said. “This is a standard that is based on essential services and essential activities.”
• The order also stated that people should not visit gyms, massage establishments, tattoo studios, piercing studios or cosmetology salons.
• Failure to comply with any executive order issued during the COVD-19 pandemic “is an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both fine and confinement,” according to the order.
• Texas schools are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Certain businesses in Texas were allowed to reopen on May 1 under an executive order issued by Abbott on April 28.
• These measures are part of the first phase of Abbott’s reopening plan.
• In-store retail services, dine-in restaurant services, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums and libraries will be able to open with 25% occupancy under certain conditions.
• Golf course operations are also allowed to resume.
• Hair salons could reopen May 8 under certain restrictions, such as maintaining 6 feet between beauty stations.
• Gyms and exercise facilities, nonessential manufacturing plants and office buildings will be able to reopen with 25% capacity and other social-distancing guidelines on May 18.

• Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a stay-at-home directive on March 27 urging individuals to stay at home as much as possible.
• “These directives are not to be confused with a shelter-in-place order,” the directive said.
• Restaurants were also ordered to close dining services in their establishments.
• Schools in Utah will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Herbert released an updated version of his “Utah Leads Together” plan on April 17, which breaks down the state’s recovery in multiple phases based on risk assessment.
• Starting May 1, restaurants in the state can have customers dine in again as long as they use “extreme precautions,” according to a tweet sent by Herbert.
• Certain counties in Utah will have restrictions lifted on May 16.
•  The size limit for private social gatherings will move from 20 to 50 people, according to a tweet from Herbert.
• Team sports have been given the green light and can allow spectators who practice social distancing.

• Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not issue a stay-at-home order for Arkansas.
• “The continued spread of Covid-19 throughout the nation does not give me confidence that our educators, parents, and, most importantly, our students would be safe if schools were to resume on-site instruction in April,” Hutchinson said in a statement.
• Hutchinson did place restrictions on businesses including requiring them to limit the number of customers in the store so that they can maintain distances of 6 feet apart. Restaurants were only able to do takeout or delivery under the order.
• He also mandated the closure of personal services like barbershops and nail salons, as well as gyms.
• Schools are closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Arkansas has established a set of dates for when restrictions will be lifted on businesses.
• Restaurants had their restrictions dropped on April 29.
• Starting April 30, gyms and indoor recreational facilities can resume operations.
• Beauty salons and barbershops had restrictions lifted on May 1.
• State parks were able to begin opening certain facilities starting May 1 as well.
• Restaurants can offer limited dine-in service beginning May 11.

• While Iowa has closed nonessential businesses, the state has not issued a stay-at-home order.
• Gov. Kim Reynolds has enacted multiple orders closing various nonessential businesses. She issued a proclamation that went into effect April 7 that closed malls, vaping stores, museums and other entities.
• Reynolds ordered Iowa schools to be closed through the end of the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• All counties in Iowa now have certain restrictions lifted.
• Restaurants will be able to offer dine-in service under specific guidance, including operating at 50% capacity.
• Fitness centers, malls and libraries can also reopen at 50% capacity.
• Bars, theaters, pools and other facilities will continue to remain closed.
• The state allowed dental practices, campgrounds, drive-in theaters and tanning facilities to reopen on May 8 under certain guidelines.

• Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has not yet issued a stay-at-home order or closed nonessential businesses in the state.
• “As we look at the data, we are seeing that we are different from other states,” Ricketts said at a press briefing April 6.
• He urged residents to “stay home whenever possible, stay healthy and stay connected” in a statement.
• Restaurants were ordered to cease dine-in operations.
• The state’s schools are to remain closed through May 31.

Reopening Plan: 

• Ricketts met with restaurant and dental professionals on April 28 to discuss reopening guidelines.
• Restaurants in Nebraska can resume dine-in service on May 4 at 50% capacity.
• Dental facilities can also resume normal operations as long as they have enough personal protective equipment.

• North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has not enacted a statewide stay-at-home order.
• Certain businesses, including barber shops and fitness centers, are closed. But Burgum has not yet mandated a statewide closure of nonessential businesses.
• “This isn’t as much about what government says, it’s more about what individuals do,” Burgum said at a press conference.
• North Dakota schools are closed until further notice.

Reopening Plan:

• Closed businesses in North Dakota reopened May 1.
• The state recommends that these businesses limit the number of people in their facilities and encourage employees to wear face coverings.

• While Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered the closure of nonessential businesses for 30 days on April 1, he has yet to issue a stay-at-home mandate.
• Stitt also ordered all travelers to Oklahoma from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, California and Louisiana to quarantine for 14 days.
• The state’s schools will remain closed through the academic year.

Reopening Plan:

• Stitt released a plan for Oklahoma’s reopening on April 24.
• Personal care businesses such as hair salons and barbershops were allowed to reopen on April 24, as well as state parks.
• Dining facilities, gyms, theaters and places of worship were allowed to reopen May 1, as long as they adhered to certain health guidelines.
• The state entered the second phase of its recovery plan on May 15.
•  Bars can operate under reduced capacity.
• Organized sports games are now allowed, and weddings and funerals can now have more than 10 people.

• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has not yet issued a stay-at-home order or mandated the closure of the state’s nonessential businesses.
• Noem did issue an executive order stating that “an enclosed retail business that promotes public gatherings” should suspend or modify business practices that involve 10 or more people to be in an enclosed space where a separation of 6 feet is not possible among individuals.
• South Dakota schools are likely to remain closed for the rest of the year, according to Noem.

Reopening Plan:

• South Dakota released a “Back to Normal” plan that allowed businesses to “resume operations in a manner that allows for reasonable physical distancing, good hygiene and appropriate sanitation.”

• Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has not yet issued a stay-at-home order for the state or closed all nonessential businesses.
• However, Gordon did issue three separate orders that closed public spaces including schools, prohibited gatherings of 10 or more people in a single room or confined space and shuttered bars, restaurants, coffee shops and personal services. He limited food services to delivery and pickup.
• Gordon has also stated that “people need to stay home whenever possible to prevent or slow the spread of the virus.”
• Wyoming schools will remain closed through May 15.

Reopening Plan:

• Gordon announced that barbershops, hair salons and other personal care services could reopen May 1 under specific operating conditions that prevent the spread of Covid-19.
• He extended the ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people through May 15.