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Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. Today we look at:
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Changes in coronavirus restrictions in Nevada
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A Wisconsin Supreme Court decision on emergency powers
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COVID-19 policy changes from this time last year
We are committed to keeping you updated on everything from mask requirements to curfews to vaccine-related policies. We will keep you abreast of major developments—especially those affecting your daily life. Want to know what we covered yesterday? Click here. |
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BALLOTPEDIA |
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The next 24 hours
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What is changing in the next 24 hours?
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California (Democratic trifecta):
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Indoor venues can reopen for events beginning April 15. Capacity limits will be based on the county’s color tier and whether the event has testing and vaccination requirements.
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All residents age 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 15.
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Washington (Democratic trifecta): Residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 15.
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Since our last edition
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What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.
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Delaware (Democratic trifecta): On April 13, all medical providers (including primary care physicians and hospital systems) started vaccinating all residents 16 and older. Previously, medical providers could only vaccinate adults with state-defined high-risk health conditions. Only pharmacies could vaccinate all residents 16 and older.
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Michigan (divided government): On Tuesday, April 13, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (MIOSHA) extended COVID-19 workplace emergency rules through Oct. 14. The rules require businesses that allow in-person work to create a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan. Those businesses must also have procedures in place for cleaning and disinfection and for dealing with sick employees. The emergency rules also include industry-specific guidelines.
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Minnesota (divided government): On Wednesday, April 14, the Minnesota Executive Council, which is composed of the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, and attorney general, approved a 30-day extension of Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) emergency powers. The governor is the chairman of the Minnesota Executive Council, whose members are all Democrats.
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Montana (Republican trifecta): Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) issued an executive order prohibiting the state and private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of service or entry to a facility.
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Nevada (Democratic trifecta): On Tuesday, April 13, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced that he was ending statewide social distancing requirements on May 1, with the goal of removing all restrictions on businesses by the beginning of June. Sisolak said the statewide mask mandate would remain in effect indefinitely. He also announced that, on May 1, county school districts would gain control over all COVID-19 mitigation measures.
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Tennessee (Republican trifecta): On Wednesday, April 14, the Tennessee Senate voted 27-3 to pass Senate Bill 0858. The bill prohibits government officials or agencies from mandating that private businesses require customers to show proof of vaccination. The bill now goes to the House.
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Texas (Republican trifecta): On Tuesday, April 13, the Texas Senate approved two measures that would limit the governor’s power to issue state of emergency declarations. The Senate voted 30-1 to pass Senate Bill 1025, which would limit emergencies to 30 days unless extended by the legislature. The bill would also prohibit governors from issuing orders that close businesses or impose occupancy limits unless first debated and approved by the legislature. The Senate also voted 30-1 to approve Senate Joint Resolution 45, which would amend the state Constitution to allow the changes in Senate Bill 1025 to take effect. Both bills now go to the House. If the House approves both bills, Senate Joint Resolution 45 will go on the ballot, and Senate Bill 1025 will only take effect if a majority of voters approved the measure.
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Wisconsin (divided government): On Wednesday, April 14, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Gov. Tony Evers (D) cannot issue capacity limits on businesses without the legislature’s approval.
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This time last year: Wednesday, April 15, 2020
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The first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was confirmed on Jan. 21, 2020. But it wasn’t until March when the novel coronavirus upended life for most Americans. Throughout March and April, many states issued stay-at-home orders, closed schools, restricted travel, and changed election dates. Many of those policies remain in place today. Each week, we’ll look back at some of the defining policy responses of the early coronavirus pandemic.
Here's what happened this time last year. To see a list of all policy changes in each category, click the links below.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020:
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Travel restrictions:
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Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) issued an order requiring out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. The restriction was included in Little’s extension of the stay-at-home order that went into effect March 25 and was set to expire on April 15. The travel restriction exempted essential workers.
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School closures:
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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) recommended that schools close for the remainder of the academic year. Schools in the state were previously ordered closed from March 20 through April 24.
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Election changes:
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Susan Swecker, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, announced that the party would conduct its state convention, scheduled to take place on June 20, 2020, remotely.
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