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Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. During this period of rapid change as states issue new restrictions, 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 changes in coronavirus restrictions in Pennsylvania and Wyoming, the resumption of in-person classes at schools in West Virginia, and much more. Want to know what we covered Wednesday, Dec. 30? Click here.
Since our last edition
What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.
- California (Democratic trifecta): Health Secretary Mark Ghaly extended the stay-at-home order for the Greater Sacramento region. Restrictions will remain effective until the region’s four-week projected available ICU capacity is equal to or greater than 15%.
- Georgia (Republican trifecta): On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that first responders, firefighters, law enforcement, and individuals 65 and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine under the state’s distribution plan. Previously, only healthcare workers and residents and staff in long-term care facilities were eligible in the plan’s first phase.
- Indiana (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Dec. 31, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the coronavirus public health emergency another 30 days.
- Louisiana (divided government): Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the state is starting Phase 1-B of the vaccine distribution plan on Jan. 4. Vaccines are available by appointment at participating pharmacies to individuals over the age of 70 and most healthcare workers not covered in Phase 1-A.
- Maine (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Janet Mills (D) indefinitely extended an order requiring businesses like restaurants, bars, and indoor and outdoor amusement venues to close nightly by 9 p.m. Previously, the order was scheduled to expire on Jan. 3.
- Massachusetts (divided government): On Thursday, Dec. 31, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program had awarded 1,366 grants totaling $67.4 million to help offset the economic burden of the pandemic. It was the second round of program grants.
- New Hampshire (Republican trifecta): On Jan. 1, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the COVID-19 state of emergency for an additional 21 days.
- Ohio (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Dec. 31, Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud issued an order requiring all residents to stay home between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless engaged in work or essential activities. The order expires Jan. 23, 2021.
- Oregon (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Kate Brown (D) changed the Jan. 1-14 risk level classification for Baker County to High Risk. Brown earlier said Baker County would be in the Extreme Risk category. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here. The state’s school reopening metrics, which determine when schools may open, became advisory instead of mandatory on Jan. 1.
- Pennsylvania (divided government): Gov. Tom Wolf (D) allowed the state’s additional time-limited mitigation measures to expire Jan. 4. Current restrictions on individuals and businesses are the same as they were on Dec. 11, before the time-limited order was implemented. For a list of current restrictions, click here.
- Washington (Democratic trifecta): On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 11.
- West Virginia (Republican trifecta): On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that all elementary and middle schools would reopen to full-time, in-person instruction beginning Jan. 19. Justice also announced that most high schools would reopen unless they are located in counties the Department of Health and Human Resources classified as red.
- Wyoming (Republican trifecta): On Saturday, Jan. 2, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced he was easing coronavirus restrictions effective Jan. 9. On that day, bars and restaurants will be permitted to resume serving alcohol between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gyms will also be permitted to hold fitness classes with up to 25 people, up from 10, under the current restrictions.
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