Washington, D.C. – The last couple of weeks have felt like we’ve been living out the plot of some sort of sci-fi movie. The whole country shut down in order to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. While some governors have already started the process of reopening their states, others have decided to extend the lockdown and stay-at-home orders. Here’s where the states stand on reopening:
Alabama:
The Safer-at-Home order will go in to effect starting 6 pm on April 30th and run through May 15 at 6 pm.
Under this order employers, retail stores, and beaches are allowed to reopen subject to proper social distancing guidelines and sanitation.
Alaska:
Under Phase One of the states reopening process restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses may reopen with restrictions. For instance, restaurants have to keep distance between their tables and are not allowed to exceed past 25% of their normal capacity, while businesses such as hair salons may operate on a reservation basis.
Arizona:
Beginning May 4th, any business that has been deemed as non-essential may operate provided that they do so through delivery services. Elective surgeries will be allowed to resume starting on May 1st.
Arkansas:
Alaska Governor Asa Hutchinson released her reopening plan on April 29.
The reopening allows for restaurants to reopen on Monday, May 11. Restaurants may only operate at 33% of their normal operating capacity and must limits groups to no more than 10.
Gov. Hutchinson explained that “If all goes well, the state would raise that limit to 67 percent in a second phase in the coming weeks and then finally resume 100 percent capacity later this year”.
California:
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued his stay-at-home order for California on March 19. The Governor recently stated that while California is not ready to reopen at this time, hospitals can begin loosening their restrictions and scheduling surgeries.
While there has not been an announced date for the reopening of California, selective surgeries being allowed marks the beginning of the reopening process for the state.
Colorado:
Gov. JD Polis shifted the state of Colorado’s stay-at-home order to a “Safer at Home” order on April 27. Under this phase, residents are still encouraged to stay at home whenever possible.
Beginning on April 27, retail businesses with curbside delivery can reopen. While businesses like gyms and hair salons will require more social distancing.
Connecticut:
Beginning May 20, outdoor spaces at restaurants and bars, along with outdoor museums and zoos may open. Although employers are still encouraged to have their employees work from home if possible.
Delaware:
The current stay-at-home order for the state of Delaware is set to run through May 15, or until the threat of the Coronavirus is eliminated. In an April 23 press release Gov. John Carney outlined a plan for Delaware’s reopening.
Florida:
Florida will begin to reopen certain businesses starting on May 4, except for certain counties like Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. In an announcement on Wednesday, DeSantis said, “We will get Florida back on its feet using an approach that is safe, smart, and step by step,”
Georgia:
Quite a few businesses have already started reopening on April 24, including bowling alleys, gyms and hair salons. Places such as restaurants and bowling alleys were allowed to reopen on April 27.
Businesses were allowed to reopen under the caveat that they adhere to social distancing guidelines and proper screening of illnesses for employees.
Gov. Brian Kemp was one of the first governors to start to ease the restrictions in his state. President Trump criticized Governor Kemp’s decision to reopen Georgia, stating that it was “too soon”.
Hawaii:
The current stay-at-home order in effect for the state of Hawaii which was set to expire on April 30 was extended until May 31. Along with an extended shutdown, Gov. David Ige has announced a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers.
Idaho:
Gov. Brad Little announced Thursday that the state of Idaho was ready to move to the first phase of the four-phase reopening plan.
Illinois:
On April 30, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that he was considering a phased approach to reopen the state’s economy.
The modified stay-at-home order also includes a requirement for masks to be worn by anyone over the age of two whenever social distancing is not possible. The modified order will extend until May 30.
Indiana:
During a news conference on Tuesday, Holcomb noted that the plan would reflect a new normal for the state of Indiana.
Iowa:
The businesses that are allowed to reopen are restaurants, malls, fitness centers, and libraries. These businesses will be allowed to open and operate at 50% of their normal operating capacity.
The governor also lifted restrictions on places of worship that have been in place since March 17, under the caveat that they follow proper social distancing guidelines.
Kansas:
Starting on Monday, May 4 the state of Kansas will move into phase one out of four in reopening.
However, businesses such as movie theaters, bars, and hair salons will remain closed. Governor Kelly explained that “Kansas will approach this process slowly, gradually and cautiously,” continuing on the explain that life would not fully return to normal until a vaccine was released.
Kentucky:
On Wednesday, Governor Andy Beshear announced a four-phase plan to reopen the state of Kentucky.
Restaurants, gyms, daycares, and campgrounds are among the places that will not reopen in phase one.
Louisiana:
Starting Friday, May 1 under the extended order businesses such as casinos, salons, and bars will remain closed. Under the new order, while most things will remain the same, there are three big changes.
While malls will remain closed, the retail stores may reopen for curbside pickup. Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for customers to eat meals with the caveat that there is no tableside service. Additionally, all employees who come into contact with the public will be required to wear a face mask.
Maine:
Governor Janet Mills announced that she would be extending Maine’s Stay-at-Home order until May 31. Governor Mills outlined a gradual four-phase plan for the state of Maine. The first stage will begin Friday, May 1.
Businesses such as hair salons and barbershops will be able to reopen their doors on May 1. The first stage will continue to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people and require any travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Maryland:
Gov. Hogan’s plan comes with four phases. Businesses will be labeled as low, medium, and high risk with the lowest risk being allowed to reopen first.
Small businesses and community activities with a “low risk” such as golfing, boating, fishing and religious services would be allowed to resume in stage one. While there is not yet a current reopening date, Gov. Hogan has suggested that the state could reopen as early as May 1.
Massachusetts:
The Governor also noted that gatherings of 10 or more people will still be prohibited until May 18.
Michigan:
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on April 24 that she was extending her stay-at-home order through May 15.
Minnesota:
On April 30 Gov. Tim Walz announced a two-week extension of Minnesota’s stay-at-home order.
The order which was initially set to expire on Monday, May 4 is now in place until May 18. The new order will relax restrictions on retail businesses such as jewelry and hobby stores and allow for them to operate with curbside pickups and deliveries.
Mississippi:
Starting on April 27, retailers were allowed to reopen as long as they followed guidelines on capacity limits.
Businesses such as theaters, bars, and casinos must still remain closed while restaurants are still able to operate with curbside and delivery options. Reeves expressed that while he wants the state to reopen, they just aren’t there yet.
Missouri:
Gov. Mike Parson extended the state of Missouri’s stay-at-home order until May 3. At which point, on May 4 business can begin to reopen.
During phase one, residents will be able to return back to work and social activities as long as they are following proper social distancing guidelines. Phase one will begin on Monday, May 4, and expire on May 31.
Montana:
The stay-at-home order that was in effect expired on April 26. Places of worship were able to reopen on April 26 as long as they were adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Restaurants, bars, and breweries will be able to start offering dine-in services on May 4 at 50% of their normal operating capacity.
Nebraska:
Gov. Pete Ricketts will be easing the current restrictions on the state of Nebraska starting on May 4. The Governor will be allowing restaurants in some parts of the state to reopen for dine-in service. Though, restaurants will be restricted to operating at 50% of normal capacity.
Nevada:
The state of Nevada will begin it’s journey into the “new normal” around mid-day as Gov. Steve Sisolake announced that he would be extending his stay-at-home order until May 15.
In a press conference on Thursday, the Governor revealed his “Roadmap to Recovery” for the state.
Sisolak explained that reopening the state would happen in phases, just like the closures happen. While smaller businesses will be allowed to reopen in the first phase, businesses like restaurants, bars, and places of worship will still remain closed.
New Hampshire:
The new order will allow for the gradual reopening of the state. Beginning Monday, hospitals will be allowed to start doing MRI or CT scans, as well as knee or hip replacement surgeries.
Campgrounds will be able to reopen, although the Governor stated that local officials can decide whether to keep the campgrounds closed.
New Jersey:
On April 29 Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order to reopen New Jersey’s state parks and to allow golf courses to reopen. The Governor explained that he decided to make the decision that he did only after Pennsylvania and New York took similar steps.
Governor Murphy also released his six-point plan “Road Back” which outlines a plan for recovery for the state of New Jersey. Murphy expressed that before the state can start lifting the lockdown that they need to see 14 days of declines in the spread of the Coronavirus.
New Mexico:
Starting Friday, May 1 businesses that have been closed will be allowed to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery.Golf courses will be permitted to reopen for golfing only. Gun stores will be allowed to reopen for sales by appointment only, while veterinary clinics can resume operations.
New York:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo revealed an outline for a gradual reopening for the state of New York on April 26. Cuomo stated that some of the upstate counties might begin to see a phased reopening on May 15, which is when his current stay-at-home order is set to expire.
North Carolina:
On April 23 Gov. Roy Cooper extended the state of North Carolina’s current shelter-in-place order until May 8. The order will continue to extend the closure of dine-in service for restaurants and bars until May 8 as well.
The Governor outlined a 3-phase plan for reopening the state.
In phase one, stay at home orders will still be in effect, gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people, and restaurants, hair, and nail salons must remain closed. In phase two, the stay at home order will be lifted, restaurants, bars, and other businesses will be able to reopen at reduced capacity. In phase three, the number of people allowed at gatherings will be increased, as well as increased capacity at bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.
North Dakota:
Gov. Doug Burgum didn’t issue a stay-at-home order for Montana. Burgum revealed new guidelines that allowed for the reopening of businesses in the state on Friday, May 1.
Under the new guidelines restaurants, gyms, and personal care businesses were among those allowed to reopen. While the guidelines differ for the businesses, all of the businesses must adhere to proper social distancing guidelines.
Restaurants may open their doors to customers and operate at 50% of their normal capacity, while also maintaining six feet of space between groups. Tables are also limited to groups of 10.
Ohio:
The new order will allow for retail shops across the state to reopen on May 12. Manufacturing, construction, and distribution centers will be able to reopen on May 4, as well as limited office spaces. Employers are encouraged to still have employees work from home if possible.
Oklahoma:
Many businesses reopened their doors on Friday, May 1 following Gov. Kevin Stitt’s announcement for reopening.
On Wednesday the Governor outlined a 3 phase vision for how the state would start to reopen. In the first phase as of May 1, movie theaters, restaurants, and sporting venues are allowed to be open as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines and sanitation protocols as outlined by the CDC.
Personal care businesses such as hair salons, spas, and pet groomers were allowed to open on April 24 as long as the customers made appointments and also followed proper sanitation and social distancing guidelines. State parks and outdoor recreation also reopened on April 24.
Oregon:
Gov. Kate Brown issued a shelter in place order on March 23 which was later extended to a stay-at-home order. Gov. Brown updated the order to allow for non-urgent medical and dental procedures to resume on May 1.
Pennsylvania:
On April 27 Gov. Wolf announced that golf courses, campgrounds, and guided fishing trips were able to reopen on May 1 with the caveat that they follow proper social distancing guidelines. On Friday, May 1 Gov. Wolf announced the reopening of 24 counties that would be moving from the red phase to the yellow phase on May 8.
In the yellow phase, large gatherings of 25 will be prohibited, in-person retail will be allowed curbside pickup, and delivery are still recommended. Businesses such as gyms, hair and nail salon, and movie theaters will remain closed in the yellow phase. Restaurants and bars will continue to be limited to carry out and delivery services.
Rhode Island:
Gov. Gina Raimondo says that she is remaining hopeful about being able to lift the stay-at-home order for the state of Rhode Island on May 9. She explained that reopening the state was not a “flick of a switch.” She continued to warn that, “This is an adaptive recovery. We’re going to be doing a bit of a dance during the next 12 months.”
Gov. Raimondo explained that if residents really hunker down for the next few weeks that she hopes to stand before them again announcing that they will be entering phase 1 of the states economic recovery plan. Phase one would allow social gatherings of no more than 10 people to take place, as well as allowing retail stores to begin in-store pickup along with curbside pickup and delivery.
South Carolina:
Gov. Henry McMaster’s stay-at-home order is set to expire next week. McMaster started allowing some businesses to start reopening their doors on April 20.
The Governor also stated that beaches could reopen on Tuesday, April 21 but ultimately left the decision up to local officials. At this time most of the beaches in the states have been reopened. McMaster has also said that outdoor dining at restaurants can resume beginning Monday, May 4.
South Dakota:
Governor Noem unveiled her Back to Normal plan for the state on April 28. Her plan puts the “power back into the hands of the people”.
“I am not announcing any new government programs, more red tape, more prescriptive phases or tight controls. That is not South Dakota. Rather, the plan I’m unveiling today puts the power into the hands of the people where it belongs,” Noem stated. Her plan would allow for the people to exercise their right to worship, go back to work, or stay at home.
Tennessee:
Gov. Bill Lee allowed for restaurants in Tennessee to begin reopening on April 27, and retail stores on April 29 at 50% of their normal operating capacity. At a news conference on Wednesday Governor Lee announced that salons and barbershops would be permitted to reopen on May 6. The reopenings will come with additional guidelines.
Texas:
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a stay-at-home order for the state of Texas back in March and announced phase one of the state’s reopening plan on April 27. Starting May 1 restaurants, malls, movie theaters, and retail stores were allowed to reopen with customers inside.
Governor Abbott will be allowing restaurants, malls, movie theaters and retails to serve customers inside their buildings starting on May 1. However, the businesses are required to limit capacity to 25% of their normal capacity.
Utah:
While officials in counties such as Salt Lake, Summit, Wasatch, and Davis issued stay-at-home orders for residents and closed all non-essential businesses, there was never a statewide order put in place.
Gov. Gary Herbert allowed businesses such as gyms, salons, and other stores to reopen on May 1. Businesses must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Gatherings of up no more than 20 people will be allowed.
In-person dining was also allowed to resume on May 1 as long as social distancing was maintained, though the state is still recommending take out and delivery.
Vermont:
Gov. Phil Scott issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order that has been extended through May 15. Outdoor businesses such as construction and manufacturing firms have been allowed to reopen on May 1. Farmers markets and outdoor retail spaces can reopen starting May 1 with a 10 person capacity.
On April 17 Governor Scott outlined a five-point plan in order to reopen the state while continuing to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The plan allowed for businesses such as home appraisers, home management and municipal clerks to return back to work on April 20.
Virginia:
Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order for Virginia on March 30 which is in effect until June 30. Governor Northam explained that lifting the restrictions is not as simple as “turning on a light switch”.
In a press conference on April 24, the Governor laid out guidelines in order for the state to meet. Once the criteria in the guidelines have been met, the state can begin shifting into Phase One of Northam’s “Forward Virginia” plan.
Washington:
Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he would be extending the “stay-at-home” order past May 4, although he has not yet announced a new end date. An announcement is expected to be made on Friday, May 1 regarding the state’s extension of the stay at home order.
West Virginia:
Gov. Jim Justice released a 6-week reopening process. The current stay-at-home order in effect will expire on May 4 and will be replaced by a “Safer at Home” order. While the order will encourage residents to stay at home, it will not force them to remain at home.
Beginning May 4 certain businesses such as restaurants, hair salons, and pet groomers may reopen. Small businesses may operate as long as they have 10 employees or less, restaurants will be allowed to offer outside seating, and barbershops, nail and hair salons will be allowed to operate with reservations only.
Wisconsin:
Gov. Tony Evers announced that he would be extending his state’s stay-at-home order until May 26.
On Monday, April 25 Governor Evers announced that some non-essential businesses such as animal groomers and small engine repair shops would be allowed to reopen on Wednesday. The businesses will be allowed to operate with curbside pickup and drop off of animals and goods.
Evers has stated that the state still needs to boost its testing capacity, as well as obtaining more equipment like masks.
Wyoming:
Wyoming is one of few states in the nation that doesn’t have a stay-at-home order.
On Tuesday, April 28 Gov. Mark Gordon said that businesses such as gyms, hair salons, and barber shops will be allowed to reopen on May 1 with exceptions. Child care centers will be allowed to reopen with the condition that there will be no more than 10 people in the room at once.
The Governor extended the states existing health orders through April 30. Gov. Gordon also noted that travelers should quarantine themselves for 14 days.
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