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Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. Today we look at:
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Changes in Maine’s travel restrictions
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A bill to prohibit vaccine passports in Florida
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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 72 hours
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What is changing in the next 72 hours?
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Connecticut (Democratic trifecta): Outdoor business restrictions will be lifted May 1. The seating limit of eight people per table will end and alcohol sales without food will be permitted outside. Indoor and outdoor businesses subject to the 11 p.m. curfew (including bars and restaurants) will be able to stay open until midnight each night.
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Nevada (Democratic trifecta): County governments will assume control over most COVID-19 mitigation policies on May 1. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed the directive on April 20. Counties will be permitted to set social distancing measures and restrictions on schools and large events. The Nevada Gaming Control Board will continue to have control over mitigation in casinos until June 1, when all state mitigation policies—with the exception of the statewide mask mandate—will end. County commissioners are required to approve a Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan and submit it to the state for approval before May 1. County school districts will also gain control over all COVID-19 mitigation measures.
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New York (Democratic trifecta):
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced graduation and commencement ceremonies will be permitted with capacity restrictions starting May 1. To read the state’s full guidance, click here.
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Catered events can also resume at private residences May 3. Bar seating can resume in New York City on the same day.
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West Virginia (Republican trifecta):
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Summer camps will be allowed to reopen starting May 1.
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Fairs and festivals can also resume May 1 in accordance with state restrictions and guidelines.
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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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Florida (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, April 29, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 2006, which would prohibit businesses, schools, and government agencies from requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order banning those organizations from requiring proof of vaccination on April 2, but Senate Bill 2006 would make that ban permanent. Senate Bill 2006 would also limit local emergency orders unrelated to hurricanes or other weather events to a maximum of 42 days. Currently, local emergencies can be extended indefinitely in seven-day increments. The Florida House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2006 78-36, while the Senate passed it 23-15. It now goes to DeSantis.
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Indiana (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency through May 31.
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North Carolina (divided government): On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended an order allowing bars, restaurants, and hotels to serve to-go cocktails through June 1.
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Rhode Island (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Dan McKee (D) lifted the outdoor mask requirement for fully vaccinated people who can still maintain three-foot distancing.\
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Virginia (Democratic trifecta): On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) updated the statewide mask mandate to no longer require people to wear masks while outdoors in small groups. A mask mandate remains in effect for indoor settings and crowded outdoor events like concerts and graduation ceremonies. Northam also amended an order that caps outdoor gatherings to allow up to 1,000 spectators at outdoor sporting events.
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This time last year: Friday, May 1, 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.
Friday, May 1, 2020:
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Travel restrictions:
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South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced he was ending the executive order requiring visitors from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and New Orleans to self-quarantine for two weeks.
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School closures:
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that public, private, and collegiate schools would remain closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Before the announcement, schools were closed through May 15.
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North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that public schools would remain closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Before the announcement, schools were closed indefinitely.
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