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Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. 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. Today we look at the return of full-time, in-person instruction at schools in Iowa, indoor dining in Michigan, and much more. Want to know what we covered Friday? Click here.
The next 24 hours
What is changing in the next 24 hours?
- Kentucky (divided government): Regional vaccination centers will begin administering doses on Feb. 2. Individuals in Phase 1B (including people age 70 and older) of vaccine distribution are prioritized starting Feb. 1. Previously, individuals in Phase 1B and Phase 1C were scheduled to be eligible for vaccines.
Since our last edition
What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.
- Alabama (Republican trifecta): Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced individuals age 65 and older and certain frontline essential workers (including corrections officers and grocery store staff) will be eligible to receive vaccinations starting Feb. 8. Currently, individuals age 75 and older are eligible to get vaccinated.
- Colorado (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced individuals age 65 and older and school staff will be eligible to be vaccinated starting Feb. 8. Currently, only people age 70 and older are eligible.
- Iowa (Republican trifecta): On Friday, Jan. 29, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a bill requiring school districts to provide students in-person instruction five days a week. Under the law, parents can still request a hybrid or all remote option for their children, and schools can request a waiver from the Department of Education based on factors such as the number of teachers quarantining because of the virus. According to the bill, which passed the state House and Senate with the support of all Republicans and one Democrat, schools have until Feb. 15 to offer full-time in-person instruction.
- Maine (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Janet Mills (D) is ending the order requiring businesses like restaurants, bars, and indoor and outdoor amusement venues to close nightly by 9 p.m., effective Feb. 1. The order was first implemented Nov. 20.
- Maryland (divided government): Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is ending the order requiring bars and restaurants to close nightly by 10 p.m. effective Feb. 1. The order was first implemented Nov. 17.
- Massachusetts (divided government): Residents age 75 and older can begin receiving a coronavirus vaccine on Feb. 1. Fenway Park is also scheduled to join Gillette Stadium as a mass vaccination site on Feb 1.
- Michigan (divided government): Indoor dining resumed Feb. 1 with restrictions. Masks must be worn when not eating or drinking, and restaurants must restrict capacity to no more than 25% and allow no more than two households per table.
- New York (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced if the state’s infection rate stays on its current trajectory, indoor dining in New York City can reopen at 25% capacity starting Feb. 14. Cuomo also said marriage receptions can resume statewide starting March 15.
- Nebraska (Republican trifecta): On Friday, Jan. 29, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced the state would move from the “blue” to the “green” phase of reopening, effective Saturday, Jan. 30. The green phase removes capacity limits for indoor events with fewer than 500 people. Individuals or businesses planning events with more than 500 people will still need to receive approval from the local health department. Ricketts also updated the state’s quarantine requirements for people who’ve been exposed to the virus. The updated requirements say people who’ve recovered from the virus within the last three months or received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine do not need to isolate. They should self-monitor for symptoms and wear a mask for 14 days.
- Ohio (Republican trifecta): On Friday, Jan. 29, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) released the vaccination schedules for K-12 teachers at public and private schools. DeWine announced last week that vaccine eligibility would expand beginning Feb. 1 to people 70 and older and K-12 staff and teachers who want to return to in-person instruction.
- Tennessee (Republican trifecta): Gov. Bill Lee (R) is lifting restrictions on spectators and participants at indoor and outdoor school sporting events beginning Feb. 1. On that day, cheerleaders will be permitted to perform at games, and the general public will be allowed to attend them.
- Washington (Democratic trifecta): Effective Feb. 1, two of the state's eight regions automatically moved to Phase 2 of the Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan after Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was changing the criteria for regions to move between phases. Under the new plan, regions only need to meet two of the four public health metrics to move into Phase 2. Previously, regions had to meet all four of the metrics. Under Phase 2, most businesses, including restaurants, bars, gyms, and theaters, can offer indoor services at 25% capacity.
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