Documenting America's Path to Recovery timelines, 2020

Three most recent editions

August 5

• Arkansas (Republican trifecta): On Aug. 3, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) called the Arkansas General Assembly into special session. Hutchinson wants lawmakers to create an exemption in Act 1002. The existing law bans state and local governments from imposing mask requirements. Hutchinson wants an exemption that will allow school boards to require masks for students 11 years old and younger who can't receive the coronavirus vaccine. The special session began on Aug. 4.
• Illinois (Democratic trifecta): On Aug. 4, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced masks would be required in all Illinois public schools for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
• Massachusetts (divided government): On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all nursing home staff. The state will begin enforcing the requirement Oct. 10, and staff will be required to have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine by Sept 1.
• Nevada (Democratic trifecta): On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an order requiring staff and students at public, private, and charter schools in counties with more than 100,000 people to wear face masks while in school buildings or buses. Sisolak’s initial directive applied to schools in all counties. School superintendent objections prompted him to issue an additional order later in the afternoon exempting schools in counties with fewer than 100,000 people.
• Oregon (Democratic trifecta): On Aug. 4, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that healthcare workers would be required to receive a coronavirus vaccination or be tested weekly for the coronavirus.

August 3

• Arkansas (Republican trifecta): On July 29, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) reinstated Arkansas’ coronavirus public health emergency.
• Florida (Republican trifecta): On Friday, July 30, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order prohibiting K-12 public schools from requiring that students wear masks in schools.
• Indiana (Republican trifecta): On Friday, July 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency through Aug. 31.
• Louisiana (divided government): On Aug. 2, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) reinstated the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals through at least Sept. 1.
• New York (Democratic trifecta): On Aug. 3, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that proof of vaccination will be required for patrons and staff at indoor businesses, such as restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues, starting on Sept. 13.
• Oregon (Democratic trifecta): On July 29, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that masks would be required indoors at K-12 public schools in the state.
• Tennessee (Republican trifecta): On Friday, July 30, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency through Aug. 31.

July 29

• Arizona (Republican trifecta): On July 28, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Cara Christ announced the state would adopt recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• Illinois (Democratic trifecta): On July 27, the Illinois Department of Public Health adopted recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• Kentucky (divided government): On July 28, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask in state buildings. The requirement applies to both employees and visitors. The requirement went into effect July 29.
• Maine (Democratic trifecta): On July 28, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state would follow recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• New Jersey (Democratic trifecta): On July 28, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli recommended all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings where there is increased risk of coronavirus transmission.
• Ohio (Republican trifecta): On Wednesday, July 28, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced a new vaccine incentive initiative for state employees. Employees who get a vaccine will receive $100, while spouses who get a vaccine will get $25.

Alabama

Most recent five updates

• July 8: On July 6, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) ended the coronavirus state of emergency.
• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Kay Ivey (R) made the announcement May 10.
• May 25: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed a bill prohibiting the government from issuing “standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying immunization status.” The bill also prohibits state agencies, schools, and businesses from requiring individuals to prove their vaccination status to access facilities or services.
• May 11: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Alabama is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• May 4: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the Safer Apart public health order until May 31 and the coronavirus emergency order until July 6. Ivey said she will not extend the orders further.

July 2021

• July 8: On July 6, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) ended the coronavirus state of emergency.

June 2021

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Kay Ivey (R) made the announcement May 10.

May 2021

• May 25: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed a bill prohibiting the government from issuing “standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying immunization status.” The bill also prohibits state agencies, schools, and businesses from requiring individuals to prove their vaccination status to access facilities or services.
• May 11: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 19. Alabama is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• May 4: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the Safer Apart public health order until May 31 and the coronavirus emergency order until July 6. Ivey said she will not extend the orders further.

April 2021

• April 9: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) issued a Safer Apart order that takes effect April 9 and runs through May 5. It replaces the Safer at Home order, which was extended and modified several times since it was implemented on April 30, 2020. The Safer Apart order lifts most restrictions on businesses and individuals, including the statewide mask requirement. The order recommends people continue mitigation practices like wearing masks in public and social distancing. The mask order took effect July 16, 2020. For more information on the Safer Apart order, click here.
• April 5: On April 2, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announcedthe state would expand vaccine eligibility to all residents 16 years of age and older on April 5. The Alabama Department of Corrections announced it would begin vaccinating inmates on April 12.

March 2021

• March 22: Residents age 55 or older and people ages 16-64 with state-defined, high-risk underlying conditions are eligible for vaccination starting March 22.
• March 15: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced residents age 55 or older and people ages 16-64 with state-defined high-risk underlying conditions will be eligible for vaccination starting March 22.
• March 10: A federal vaccination site is opening at United Center on March 10. The site can administer up to 6,000 vaccines a day. Residents age 65 and older started scheduling appointments to receive vaccinations at the site on March 4. Other people in Phase 1b, including anyone with high-risk conditions and some frontline essential workers, started scheduling appointments on March 7.
• March 4: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order, including the mask requirement, until 5:00 p.m. on April 9. Ivey said she will let the mask order expire on April 9.

February 2021

• February 8: Individuals age 65 and older and certain frontline essential workers (including corrections officers and grocery store staff) are eligible to receive vaccinations starting Feb. 8. Previously, appointments were limited to individuals age 75 and older.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 22: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s Safer at Home order, including the requirement that people wear a face-covering in public spaces when social distancing with non-household members cannot be kept, until 5 p.m. on March 5.
• January 11: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced individuals age 75 and older and first responders (including police officers and firefighters) will be eligible to receive a vaccine starting Jan. 18. Ivey said the change was not a full expansion into Phase 1b. Phase 1a currently includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff.

December 2020

• December 10: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s Safer at Home order, including the requirement that people wear a face-covering in public spaces when social distancing with non-household members cannot be kept, until 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2021.

November 2020

• November 23: The state released a contact tracing app that can notify users of possible coronavirus exposure.
• November 19: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced a $200 million relief program. Organizations with 50 or fewer employees, including small businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based groups, can apply for up to $20,000 to offset expenses from interruptions to normal operations.
• November 6: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s mask requirement through Dec. 11. Ivey also amended the Safer at Home order to remove occupancy limits on gyms, retailers, and entertainment venues.

September 2020

• September 30: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s Safer at Home order, which includes the public mask requirement, through Nov. 8.

August 2020

• August 27: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s mask mandate through Oct. 2. At a press conference, Ivey said, “I understand you don't want to wear a mask; I don't either . . . But we are seeing significant drops (in COVID-19 infections) that are no doubt due to the mask order.”
• August 4: The Alabama Department of Public Health released an 85-page school reopening toolkit. It contains recommendations and guidelines for school districts to incorporate into their reopening plans.

July 2020

• July 30: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended her Safer At Home Order through Aug. 31. She modified the order’s existing mask mandate to extend to students at schools (second grade and older) and colleges.
• July 27: In a July 24 discussion with U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D), Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said he expected about half of the state’s public school students to attend classes remotely in the fall.
• July 16: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced a mandatory mask order effective at 5 p.m. on July 16. Face coverings are required in public when interacting within six feet with people of another household. The order has a penalty of $500 or jail time.
• July 1: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended the state’s safer at home order through July 31. The order first went into effect on May 22 and is effectively the first phase of the state’s reopening plan. The order was initially scheduled to end on July 3.

June 2020

• June 26: Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey released reopening guidance for schools. The guidance allows local school officials to determine face-covering requirements and physical distancing protocols.

May 2020

• May 22: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced that an amended safer at home order would take effect at 5 p.m. on May 22. The amended order allows entertainment venues, athletic activities, educational institutions, child care facilities, and summer camps to open under social distancing and sanitation guidelines. The amended order is set to last until July 3.
• May 11: On Friday, May 8, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced that restaurants, hair and nail salons, and gyms could begin limited operations as of today. Restaurants, bars, and breweries can open with table limits of 8 people and six-foot distances between dining groups. Gyms and salons can open at 50% capacity and with social distancing and sanitation rules.
• May 4: Superintendent of Schools Eric Mackey released a phased reopening plan for public schools in the state. The plan allows children older than 13 to hold athletic practice or summer school in groups smaller than 10 starting June 8. Summer literary camps could start July 6, and full band and athletic practices could begin in early August. Alabama is one of 48 states that closed schools to in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. It is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 28: Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced the state would transition from a “Stay At Home” order to a “Safer At Home” order beginning on April 30 at 5 p.m. and lasting until May 15. The new order will allow some businesses to reopen under sanitation and social-distancing guidelines, retail stores to open at 50% max occupancy, and beaches to reopen with gatherings limited to 10 and required social distancing. Restaurants will remain limited to takeout and delivery. Alabama is a Republican trifecta.

Alaska

Most recent five updates

• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) made the announcement May 14.
• May 3:
  • Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) lifted the state’s coronavirus emergency order on April 30. Dunleavy’s emergency powers originally expired Feb. 14, causing his emergency declaration to end. But the emergency order’s expiration prevented the state from accessing an additional $8 million of federal food assistance benefits for April.
  • In response, the legislature passed House Bill 76, and Dunleavy signed the legislation on April 30. The bill retroactively extended the disaster emergency from Feb. 14 through the end of 2021. The retroactive extension allowed the state to access the federal food assistance benefits.
  • The bill also allowed Department of Health and Social Services Director Adam Crump to issue a limited disaster emergency order April 30 to secure future federal assistance. After Gov. Dunleavy signed the legislation and Crump signed the limited order, the governor re-ended the state’s emergency order, effective April 30.
  • HB 76 passed the state Senate April 28. The state House approved the legislation April 29. The new law also enacts legal immunity for businesses against claims related to COVID-19.
• April 28: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) issuedAdministrative Order 321, prohibiting the state from requiring proof of vaccination for people to travel to or within Alaska.
• March 10: On March 9, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) removed all eligibility requirements to receive vaccines. Alaska is the first state to allow anyone age 16 or older who lives or works in the state to make appointments.
• March 4: On March 3, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced people in Phase 1c of the distribution plan became eligible for vaccinations. The phase includes everyone age 55 and older. Anyone 16 or older can get vaccinated if they work in an essential industry, have state-defined high-risk health conditions, live in a state-defined multigenerational household, or reside in communities with limited plumbing.

June 2021

• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) made the announcement May 14.

May 2021

• May 3:
  • Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) lifted the state’s coronavirus emergency order on April 30. Dunleavy’s emergency powers originally expired Feb. 14, causing his emergency declaration to end. But the emergency order’s expiration prevented the state from accessing an additional $8 million of federal food assistance benefits for April.
  • In response, the legislature passed House Bill 76, and Dunleavy signed the legislation on April 30. The bill retroactively extended the disaster emergency from Feb. 14 through the end of 2021. The retroactive extension allowed the state to access the federal food assistance benefits.
  • The bill also allowed Department of Health and Social Services Director Adam Crump to issue a limited disaster emergency order April 30 to secure future federal assistance. After Gov. Dunleavy signed the legislation and Crump signed the limited order, the governor re-ended the state’s emergency order, effective April 30.
  • HB 76 passed the state Senate April 28. The state House approved the legislation April 29. The new law also enacts legal immunity for businesses against claims related to COVID-19.

April 2021

• April 28: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) issuedAdministrative Order 321, prohibiting the state from requiring proof of vaccination for people to travel to or within Alaska.

March 2021

• March 10: On March 9, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) removed all eligibility requirements to receive vaccines. Alaska is the first state to allow anyone age 16 or older who lives or works in the state to make appointments.
• March 4: On March 3, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced people in Phase 1c of the distribution plan became eligible for vaccinations. The phase includes everyone age 55 and older. Anyone 16 or older can get vaccinated if they work in an essential industry, have state-defined high-risk health conditions, live in a state-defined multigenerational household, or reside in communities with limited plumbing.

February 2021

• February 16: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) allowed the state’s coronavirus emergency order to expire on Feb 14. Four health advisories replaced the order, including recommendations for mitigating virus spread among individuals (like wearing a face-covering and social distancing). Alaska’s interstate pre-travel testing requirements also expired with the emergency order, but individuals who have COVID-19 are still prohibited from entering the state. Pre-travel testing is still encouraged. Click the interstate and intrastate travel links to read more about Alaska’s travel advisories.

January 2021

• January 15: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Feb. 14.

December 2020

• December 16: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Jan. 15, 2021.
• December 11: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced he will extend the state’s coronavirus emergency order no later than Dec. 14. The new order will be effective Dec. 16, 2020, until Jan. 15, 2021.

November 2020

• November 17: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) issued eight new health orders, effective Nov. 16. Included in the orders is updated guidance for interstate, intrastate, and international travel.
• November 10: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) issued a new coronavirus emergency order, effective through Dec. 15.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) signed legislation expanding the state’s AK CARES grant program to include businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds from the federal government. The AK Cares program was introduced on June 1 to provide relief for small businesses that did not receive federal aid.
• August 17: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced the state accepted President Donald Trump’s (R) partial extension of unemployment benefits. Alaska will pay $300 per week in unemployment benefits while the federal government provides an additional $300 per week.

May 2020

• May 21: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced on May 19 that Alaska will move to Phase Three of its reopening plan on May 22 at 8 a.m. Phase Three will lift all coronavirus restrictions on businesses and allow them to operate at full capacity. "It will all be open, just like it was prior to the virus," Dunleavy said. Local governments may choose to open at a different pace than the statewide order.
• May 7: Bars and gyms will be allowed to open at 25% capacity Friday. Limits on social and religious gatherings will be increased to 50 people. Businesses will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity and restaurants will be allowed to serve walk-in customers.

Arizona

Most recent five updates

• July 29: On July 28, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Cara Christ announced the state would adopt recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• July 13: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on July 10. Gov. Doug Ducey (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 21: In-person visits resumed at correctional facilities June 19. Inmates are allowed up to three visitors - two adults and one minor. Additionally, attorney visits and in-person volunteer activities will be allowed.
• June 16: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed an executive order prohibiting vaccination and mask requirements at public universities and community colleges.
• June 4: On June 3, the Arizona Health Department announced state-run vaccination sites would be closing by June 28. Vaccines will continue to be administered after that date at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, community health centers, and pop-up vaccination sites.

July 2021

• July 29: On July 28, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Cara Christ announced the state would adopt recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• July 13: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on July 10. Gov. Doug Ducey (R) made the announcement May 13.

June 2021

• June 21: In-person visits resumed at correctional facilities June 19. Inmates are allowed up to three visitors - two adults and one minor. Additionally, attorney visits and in-person volunteer activities will be allowed.
• June 16: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed an executive order prohibiting vaccination and mask requirements at public universities and community colleges.
• June 4: On June 3, the Arizona Health Department announced state-run vaccination sites would be closing by June 28. Vaccines will continue to be administered after that date at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, community health centers, and pop-up vaccination sites.

May 2021

• May 28: The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry announced on May 27 that in-person visits would resume at correctional facilities beginning June 19. Inmates will be allowed up to three visitors - two adults and one minor. Additionally, attorney visits and in-person volunteer activities will also be allowed.
• May 14: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning July 10. Ducey also announced the Back To Work bonus, which will give $2,000 to eligible residents who return to the workforce full time and $1,000 to people who return part-time. For more information on the unemployment changes and Back To Work bonuses, click here.

April 2021

• April 20:
  • Gov. Doug Ducey (R) ended the executive order requiring masks on all K-12 school campuses.
  • Ducey also signed an order prohibiting all state and local government agencies from requiring individuals to provide their vaccination status to access facilities and services. Private businesses can still require proof of vaccination as a condition of service or entry.

March 2021

• March 26: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) lifted restrictions on businesses and gatherings on March 25. All previous business restrictions are now recommendations. Businesses may enforce mask-wearing and social distancing, if they choose. Events larger than 50 people no longer need state approval. Ducey’s order also preempts the enforcement of local mask mandates, except in government buildings and on public transportation. Residents are still encouraged to wear masks.
• March 24: State-operated vaccination sites can startadministering vaccines to residents 16 or older on March 24. Previously, people 55 and older could make appointments at state sites.
• March 15: Gov. Doug Ducey’s (R) executive order requiring public schools to offer in-person instruction takes effect March 15. High schools and middle schools in high-transmission counties are exempt from the order. Parents can still keep their children in virtual classes.
• March 8: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) lifted the state’s capacity limits on businesses, including restaurants, bars providing dine-in services, gyms, theaters, and bowling alleys. Masking and distancing requirements remain in place.
• March 3:
  • On March 3, Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an executive order requiring public schools to offer in-person instruction by March 15. High schools and middle schools in high transmission counties will be exempt from the order. Parents will still be able to keep their children in virtual classes.
  • Vaccination centers in the Phoenix Metro Area can start vaccinating individuals age 55 and older and frontline essential workers starting March 4. People in those groups started making appointments on March 2. Centers in other parts of the state still have to vaccinate at least 55% of residents age 65 and older before they can expand eligibility.
• March 2: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced vaccination centers in the Phoenix Metro Area can start vaccinating individuals age 55 and older and frontline essential workers starting March 4. People in those groups can start making appointments on March 2. Other parts of the state still have to vaccinate at least 55% of residents age 65 and older before they can expand eligibility.

February 2021

• February 23: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced the state is opening a vaccination site at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on March 3. At full capacity, the site will administer 12,000 vaccinations a day.
• February 18: The state is partnering with the University of Arizona to operate a mass vaccination site, starting Feb. 18. Registration opened on Feb. 16. At full capacity, the site can administer 6,000 vaccines daily.
• February 10: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced the state is partnering with the University of Arizona to operate a vaccination site, starting Feb. 18. Registration will open on Feb. 16. At full capacity, the site will be able to distribute 6,000 vaccines daily.

January 2021

• January 19: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced people age 65 and older are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Phase 1B. Previously, the phase made the vaccine available to individuals age 75 and older.

December 2020

• December 30: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced individuals age 75 and older will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines in phase 1B of the state’s distribution plan. School staff and first responders are also included in the phase, which is expected to start in mid- to late Jan. 2021.
• December 3: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced an additional $60 million for increasing staffing at hospitals. Ducey also signed an order allowing restaurants to temporarily expand their outdoor dining premises with local approval.

October 2020

• October 1: The Arizona Department of Health Services announced all 15 counties in the state meet the requirements to allow businesses and activities like movie theaters, gyms, and food service at bars to reopen.

September 2020

• September 4: State health officials announced that 10 of the state’s 15 counties met the requirements to move to a hybrid learning model. Two of those counties, Greenlee and La Paz, met the benchmarks to resume full-time in-person education.
• September 2: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) extended an executive order that adds 365 days to a driver's license expiration date. The executive order now runs through March 2021. Ducey said that the reason for the initial order was to eliminate the need for residents to visit DMV offices for license renewals.

August 2020

• August 28: Bars, gyms, movie theaters, and water parks were allowed to begin reopening in Apache, Cochise, Coconino, La Paz, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, and Yavapai counties. Gyms were allowed to reopen at 25% capacity while the other businesses were allowed to reopen at 50% capacity.
• August 24: On Aug. 21, Arizona Education Association President Joe Thomas sent a letter to Gov. Doug Ducey (R) requesting the governor issue a statewide mask mandate for students in schools and on buses.
• August 21: Officials from the Arizona Department of Health Services announced that each of the state’s 15 counties met at least one of the three benchmarks for reopening. Two counties—Apache and Yavapai—met all three, while Pima was the only county to meet just one.
• August 20: The Arizona Department of Health Services approved reopening plans for two movie theaters, 31 fitness centers, and five bars. Businesses in these industries are allowed to reopen in counties based on community spread metrics.
• August 17: Beginning Aug. 17, school districts were allowed to reopen to in-person instruction if they meet metrics the state Department of Health released the week of Aug. 3. For a district to reopen, its county must have a two-week drop in the number of COVID-19 cases, a two-week period where the percent of positive cases is below 7%, and less than 10% of hospital visits must be COVID-19 related.
• August 14: Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Kathy Hoffman criticized districts choosing to reopen fully in-person on Aug. 17 despite not meeting the state’s reopening metrics released last week. Gov. Doug Ducey (R) defended the districts, saying local leadership was responsible for making them.
• August 11: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) released guidelines from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for reopening businesses that are currently not allowed to reopen. The guidelines apply to gyms, theaters, water parks, tubing, bars, and nightclubs. The guidelines use a red, yellow, and green benchmark system based on county coronavirus figures. The ADHS recommended that current restrictions be kept in place for now, but provided the guidelines to help businesses and industry decide when to reopen once the state rescinds its restrictions.
• August 7: The state health and education departments released guidelines for public schools to use when determining whether it is safe to reopen for full, in-person learning. The county metrics that form the guidelines include the number of cases per 100,000 people, positivity rate, and rates of COVID-like illness.
• August 4: Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman
• August 4: Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said she believed schools in Arizona should not reopen for in-person instruction yet. Hoffman wrote, “As school leaders, we should prepare our families and teachers for the reality that it is unlikely that any school community will be able to reopen safely for traditional in-person or hybrid instructions by August 17th.”

July 2020

• July 27: On July 24, the Arizona Department of Health Services released guidelines for gyms and fitness clubs to follow when allowed to reopen. Health Director Dr. Cara Christ said gyms were still required to remain closed until Gov. Doug Ducey (R) permits them to reopen.
• July 24: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) ordered bars, gyms, and water parks to remain closed for two additional weeks. Ducey issued an executive order closing those businesses on June 29 that was set to expire July 27. Ducey also ordered public schools to reopen for on-site learning on Aug. 17 for students who have nowhere else to go. Superintendent Kathy Hoffman clarified that the order meant each school district must open at least one site for students to go, but did not have to open every school or require every teacher to work in-person.
• July 10: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that restaurants would be limited to 50% capacity for indoor dining, effective at 10 p.m. on July 11. Restaurants had previously been allowed to reopen at full capacity.

June 2020

• June 30: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) ordered bars, movie theaters, and water parks to close for at least one month. He also ordered public schools to delay the start of the school year until at least August 17. According to KTAR, most of the state’s public school systems traditionally begin their school years in early August.
• June 1: The Department of Education released its 36-page “Roadmap for Reopening Schools.” The document covers four different scenarios: in-person instruction from the beginning of the year, some students distance learning and some students learning in-person at the start of the year, all students distance learning at the start of the year, and intermittent distance learning throughout the year, depending on local conditions.

May 2020

• May 29: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that schools would reopen in the fall and that the state would release guidelines to schools on June 1. Schools in the state have been closed to in-person instruction since March 15.
• May 18: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) released guidelines on cleaning and social distancing for casinos and movie theaters in the state to reopen. According to ABC 15, several casinos opened on May 15, while major theater chains are expecting to reopen in June or July. See today's Featured Plan for more on Arizona's reopening.
• May 15: Statewide stay-at-home orders in five states—Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Vermont—ended on May 15. These became the 19th through 23rd states where stay-at-home orders have ended. Of those five states, three have Republican governors and two have Democratic governors.
• May 13: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that he would not extend the state’s stay-at-home order, which is scheduled to end on May 15. He said that gyms and pools could reopen on May 13 if they follow recommendations provided by health officials and that professional sports teams could begin playing on May 16 without fans.
• May 5: Gov. Doug Ducey's (R) April 29 executive order permitted nonessential retail businesses to open for curbside pickup Monday. He announced that salons and barbershops could reopen on May 8, and restaurant dine-in services could resume May 11. Arizona is a Republican trifecta.
• May 4: Gov. Doug Ducey's (R) April 29 executive order allowed nonessential retail businesses to open for curbside pickup Monday. Arizona is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Doug Ducey (R) extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 15. The order was set to expire today. Ducey also announced that several nonessential retail businesses could begin providing drive-thru services on May 4. State parks, golf courses, and postal services will also be allowed to open on that date. Beginning May 8, those same businesses can begin offering in-store services as long as social distancing requirements are met. Arizona is a Republican trifecta.

Arkansas

Most recent five updates

• August 5: On Aug. 3, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) called the Arkansas General Assembly into special session. Hutchinson wants lawmakers to create an exemption in Act 1002. The existing law bans state and local governments from imposing mask requirements. Hutchinson wants an exemption that will allow school boards to require masks for students 11 years old and younger who can't receive the coronavirus vaccine. The special session began on Aug. 4.
• August 3: On July 29, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) reinstated Arkansas’ coronavirus public health emergency.
• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) made the announcement May 7.
• May 10: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits programs starting June 26.
• March 31:
  • Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) lifted the state’s mask requirement on March 30. The requirement first took effect July 20. Businesses can still require patrons to wear masks. Arkansas is the seventh state to lift a statewide public mask requirement.
  • On March 30, Hutchinson also expanded vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older. Previously, individuals in Phase 1-C (including residents 65 and older) were eligible for vaccination.

August 2021

• August 5: On Aug. 3, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) called the Arkansas General Assembly into special session. Hutchinson wants lawmakers to create an exemption in Act 1002. The existing law bans state and local governments from imposing mask requirements. Hutchinson wants an exemption that will allow school boards to require masks for students 11 years old and younger who can't receive the coronavirus vaccine. The special session began on Aug. 4.
• August 3: On July 29, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) reinstated Arkansas’ coronavirus public health emergency.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) made the announcement May 7.

May 2021

• May 10: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits programs starting June 26.

March 2021

• March 31:
  • Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) lifted the state’s mask requirement on March 30. The requirement first took effect July 20. Businesses can still require patrons to wear masks. Arkansas is the seventh state to lift a statewide public mask requirement.
  • On March 30, Hutchinson also expanded vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older. Previously, individuals in Phase 1-C (including residents 65 and older) were eligible for vaccination.
• March 9: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced the remaining categories in Phase 1-B of distribution are now eligible for vaccination. The expansion includes essential government workers, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, correctional officers, and grocery store employees. People age 65 and older, educators, and some food and agriculture employees were already eligible.
• March 5: On March 4, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) said he will not comply with an Arkansas Supreme Court order declaring certain court employees (including security officers, district court judges and their staffers, and all circuit, district, and county clerks and staffers) as essential workers eligible for vaccination under Phase 1-B of the state’s distribution plan. Hutchinson said: “I appreciate the Supreme Court’s concern for judges and staff members of the court system and for attorneys whose cases require them to work in person at a courthouse. Our schedule for vaccinations takes into account the needs and risk level for all Arkansans, and this group is not yet eligible in the 1B phase. As our allocation of vaccine increases, we will be able to move more quickly, but currently, court employees who don’t otherwise qualify for a shot will have to wait for their eligibility.”
• March 2: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order and mask mandate for 30 days through March 31. Hutchinson also changed all other public health directives to non-mandatory public health guidelines, including capacity limits on bars, restaurants, and gyms.

February 2021

• February 17: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) lifted the requirement that indoor event gatherings of more than 10 people must obtain state approval. Indoor events larger than 100 people still need state approval.
• February 3: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced he is allowing the order requiring bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to close nightly by 11 p.m. to expire, effective Feb. 3.

January 2021

• January 19: The state started Phase 1-B of vaccine distribution on Jan. 18. Individuals age 70 and older and school staff are eligible to receive the vaccine.
• January 6: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) added first responders to the list of individuals currently able to receive a vaccine. Hutchinson also said the second (next) phase of vaccinations would include residents over the age of 70. Previously, the state planned to vaccinate individuals over the age of 75 in the second phase.

November 2020

• November 20: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced restaurants, bars, and clubs that serve alcohol will have to close by 11 p.m. every night, starting Nov. 20.

August 2020

• August 24: Schools in Arkansas reopened to in-person instruction on Aug. 24. The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement announced that district-level data on testing rates and active coronavirus cases would be made available online.
• August 14: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) released the Arkansas Ready to Learn Healthy School Guide. The document is a support guide for teachers and administrators created in partnership with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The guide outlines best practices for in-person learning. Schools are allowed to reopen on Aug. 24.
• August 5: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) said that public schools in the state were still on track to reopen beginning Aug. 24. “We need to have school this year. Absolutely. I'm firm on that. The educators are firm on that. Public health is firm on [that]. We need to have school,” he said.
• August 3: On July 31, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced that high school football and volleyball practices could begin on Aug. 3. Hutchinson also announced the creation of the High School Sports Advisory Group, a 14-person committee meant to advise the governor and state Department of Health on how to approach school sports for the fall 2020 season.

July 2020

• July 16: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear masks in public when social distancing is not possible. The order will take effect on July 20.
• July 10: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced that the reopening of schools would be delayed until Aug. 24. Schools were previously set to open Aug. 13.

June 2020

• June 26: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced that the state would not proceed with a new phase of its reopening, citing the increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases.
• June 18: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced that long-term care facilities could accept visitors beginning July 1. Facilities will have to meet state guidelines to accept visitors.
• June 15: The state entered into Phase Two of its reopening plan. Phase Two allows open businesses with a capacity limit to increase that limit, although they are not allowed to operate at full capacity.
• June 11: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced the state would enter Phase Two of its reopening plan on June 15. Phase Two will allow businesses with a capacity limit to increase that limit, although they will not be allowed to operate at full capacity. Hutchinson also said he expects schools to re-open to in-person instruction in the fall.
• June 5: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced the state would be split into five regions for Phase Two of reopening. Hutchinson said a region will have to show no evidence of an increase in coronavirus cases to proceed to phase two.
• June 1: The Arkansas Department of Health announced that community and school-sponsored team sports could resume beginning June 1. Bands are allowed to resume marching activities without wind instruments. College athletics are not included in this reopening.

May 2020

• May 27: A directive from the state Department of Health took effect on May 26 allowing bars to reopen. Bars may operate at 33% of seating capacity with social distancing guidelines for table service and bar service. Patrons must wear a mask until food or drink is served.
• May 15: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced the state would not be ready to move to phase two of the state’s reopening plan on May 18 as originally anticipated. The announcement came after the state saw an increase in patients and hospitalizations in the last two days.
• May 8: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced that the state's six casinos could reopen beginning May 18. The casinos will only be allowed to open at 33% capacity and must follow social distancing guidelines.
• May 4: Gyms and fitness centers can reopen Monday. Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) said gyms must screen staff before work and require patrons to maintain a distance of 12 feet. Arkansas is a Republican trifecta.

California

Most recent five updates

• July 27: On Monday, July 26, the state of California announced that all state employees and healthcare workers would be required to show proof of vaccination or be tested at least once a week for COVID-19. The policy will take effect Aug. 2, for state workers, and Aug. 9, for healthcare workers. The deadline for full compliance for health care facilities is Aug. 23.
• July 15: On July 13, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the passage of the California Comeback Plan. Included in the law are provisions for direct payments to California residents, and appropriations for renter assistance and small business relief programs.
• June 17: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the state is partnering with Six Flags to offer 50,000 free amusement park tickets to residents who receive their first or second dose of a vaccine starting June 16. For more information and a list of all participating healthcare providers, click here.
• June 15:
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is ending the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and lifting most state restrictions on business activity statewide June 15. Social distancing restrictions and all remaining capacity limits are ending. Indoor events with more than 5,000 people have to require proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test from all attendees.
  • Fully vaccinated residents are exempt from the statewide mask mandate starting June 15. Fully vaccinated residents still have to wear masks on public transit (and in transportation hubs like airports), in indoor childcare and K-12 school settings, in healthcare settings, and in congregate settings (including prisons and homeless shelters). Masks are still required for unvaccinated people in all indoor public settings and businesses.
• June 4: On June 3, the California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board passed rules requiring masks to be worn in workplaces where not all employees are fully vaccinated beyond June 15, the planned date for California to end its statewide mask mandate.

July 2021

• July 27: On Monday, July 26, the state of California announced that all state employees and healthcare workers would be required to show proof of vaccination or be tested at least once a week for COVID-19. The policy will take effect Aug. 2, for state workers, and Aug. 9, for healthcare workers. The deadline for full compliance for health care facilities is Aug. 23.
• July 15: On July 13, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the passage of the California Comeback Plan. Included in the law are provisions for direct payments to California residents, and appropriations for renter assistance and small business relief programs.

June 2021

• June 17: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the state is partnering with Six Flags to offer 50,000 free amusement park tickets to residents who receive their first or second dose of a vaccine starting June 16. For more information and a list of all participating healthcare providers, click here.
• June 15:
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is ending the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and lifting most state restrictions on business activity statewide June 15. Social distancing restrictions and all remaining capacity limits are ending. Indoor events with more than 5,000 people have to require proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test from all attendees.
  • Fully vaccinated residents are exempt from the statewide mask mandate starting June 15. Fully vaccinated residents still have to wear masks on public transit (and in transportation hubs like airports), in indoor childcare and K-12 school settings, in healthcare settings, and in congregate settings (including prisons and homeless shelters). Masks are still required for unvaccinated people in all indoor public settings and businesses.
• June 4: On June 3, the California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board passed rules requiring masks to be worn in workplaces where not all employees are fully vaccinated beyond June 15, the planned date for California to end its statewide mask mandate.

May 2021

• May 28: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a vaccine incentive program called Vax for the Win on May 27. Californians ages twelve and up who have received at least one vaccine dose can participate in a drawing for $50,000, for which 30 winners will be selected, and a drawing for $1.5 million, for which ten winners will be selected. Additionally, beginning May 27, the next two million people to begin and complete their vaccination will receive a $50 prepaid card—for use online or in-stores wherever major debit cards are accepted—or grocery gift card.
• May 18: Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly announced the statewide mask order will end June 15.

April 2021

• April 15:
  • Indoor venues can reopen for events beginning April 15. Capacity limits are based on the county’s color tier and whether the event has testing and vaccination requirements.
  • All residents age 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 15.
• April 7: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced he is targeting June 15 to fully reopen the economy statewide. If Blueprint for a Safer Economy restrictions are lifted on June 15, masks will still be required. Newsom said the state will reopen if the vaccine supply is sufficient for anyone who wants a vaccine to get an appointment within two weeks and the state considers hospitalizations stable and low. To read more about reopening and the state’s criteria, click here.
• April 5: On April 2, the state announced that 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.
• April 1: Residents 50 and older will be eligiblefor vaccination starting April 1.

March 2021

• March 26: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announcedpeople 50 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 1. All residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 15.
• March 16:
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) changed the state’s reopening plan to make it easier for counties to move out of the purple (most restrictive) mitigation tier into less-restrictive tiers. On March 14, 13 counties moved from the purple to red tier. To see restrictions by county or tier, click here.
  • On March 15, adults with state-defined, high-risk underlying conditions (including cancer, severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes), additional frontline workers (including public transit employees), and anyone living or working in a congregate living facility like a prison or homeless shelter became eligible for vaccination.
• March 5: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the state will allocate 40% of its vaccine supply to neighborhoods in the bottom quartile of the Healthy Places Index. Once two million vaccines are distributed to those communities, the state will change its reopening plan to make it easier for counties to move out of the purple (most restrictive) mitigation tier into less-restrictive tiers.
• March 1: The Department of Public Health’s (DPH) plan to allocate at least 10% of the state’s vaccine doses to teachers and school staff goes into effect March 1. Education workers have been eligible for vaccination since January, but the DPH said the plan will accelerate vaccinations for the group.

February 2021

• February 24: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a $9.6 billion package of bills he says are meant for coronavirus aid (bills AB 81, AB 82, AB 85, SB 87, SB 88, and SB 94) into law. The package includes $600 direct payments to households with incomes less than $30,000. Some taxpayers who did not qualify for federal stimulus payments will also be eligible for $600 payments. For more details, click here.
• February 18: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a coronavirus aid package agreement with legislative leaders. The proposed package includes $600 direct payments to households with incomes less than $30,000. Some taxpayers who did not qualify for federal stimulus payments will also be eligible for $600 payments. For more details, click here.
• February 17: Health Secretary Mark Ghaly announced the state will expand vaccine eligibility to individuals with state-defined severe disabilities and high-risk health conditions. Qualifying conditions will include down syndrome, cancer, and severe obesity.
• February 16: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the launch of the state’s Safe Schools Reopening Map. The map includes reopening statuses and safety planning protocols in school districts, charter schools, and private schools.
• February 8: In a Feb. 5 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court held 6-3 that the state’s ban on religious services in purple-tier counties (with the strictest mitigation rules) was unconstitutional. Justices Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer, and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. In response to the ruling, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced indoor worship services are allowed at 25% capacity in purple tier counties on Feb. 6.

January 2021

• January 28: Gavin Newsom (D) announced the state will revise its vaccination plan. The current phase (including healthcare workers, individuals age 65 and older, school staff, workers in the food and agriculture industries, and first responders) will stay the same. Newsom said future phases will change to prioritize individuals based on age and will deprioritize younger essential workers (like people in the manufacturing or transportation industries), homeless people, and inmates.
• January 25: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) lifted the regional stay-at-home orders and statewide 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on Jan. 25. Counties are returning to the color-coded tier system that existed before Newsom issued the regional stay-at-home orders. Stay-at-home orders applied to the Southern California, San Joaquin Valley, and Bay Area regions (which contain about 90% of the state’s population). The first regional orders went into effect Dec. 5, 2020.
• January 14: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced individuals age 65 and older are next in line for the coronavirus vaccine. Currently, the state is distributing vaccines to healthcare workers and nursing home residents.
• January 13: The state lifted the Greater Sacramento region’s stay-at-home order on Jan. 12, marking the first time a regional stay-at-home order has ended in California. The region's stay-at-home order began on Dec. 10. Three of the state’s five regions still have active stay-at-home orders. Counties in the Greater Sacramento region are now subject to the state’s color-coded risk level restrictions. For more information on restrictions in each county, click here.
• January 4: 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%.

December 2020

• December 30: Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly extended the stay-at-home orders for the Southern California and San Joaquin Valley regions through at least Jan. 16, 2021. Stay-at-home orders are still effective through at least Jan. 1 in the Greater Sacramento region and through at least Jan. 7 in the Bay Area region.
• December 18: The state added the Bay Area to its regional stay-at-home order effective Dec. 17 at 11:59 p.m. The restrictions will last until at least Jan. 7. The Bay Area is the fourth of the state’s five regions to enter the stay-at-home order.
• December 10: Counties in the Greater Sacramento region will be added to the state’s regional stay-at-home order effective Dec. 10 at 11:59 p.m. The restrictions will last until at least Jan. 1. The Greater Sacramento region will be the third of the state’s five regions to trigger the stay-at-home order.
• December 7: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) regional stay-at-home order took effect Dec. 5. The order requires regions to implement the stay-at-home restrictions within 24 hours if ICU capacity falls below 15%. Restrictions will last for at least three weeks after they are triggered or until a region’s four-week projected ICU capacity is equal to or greater than 15%. The stay-at-home restrictions are effective in two of the state’s five regions, affecting about 85% of the state’s population. Individuals are required to stay home except for essential activities. Businesses like personal care services (including barbershops), indoor entertainment and recreational facilities, and bars are required to close. Restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery only.
• December 4: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a regional stay-at-home order, effective Dec. 5. A region must implement the stay-at-home restrictions within 24 hours if ICU capacity falls below 15%. Restrictions will last for at least three weeks after they are triggered or until a region’s four-week projected ICU capacity is equal to or greater than 15%. Newsom said four of the state’s five regions are expected to fall under the stay-at-home restrictions within days. Individuals will be required to stay home except for essential activities. Businesses like personal care services (including barbershops), indoor entertainment and recreational facilities, and bars will be required to close. Restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery only. Hotels are prohibited from accepting reservations from non-essential, out-of-state travelers unless their stay will equal or exceed the 14-day quarantine period.

November 2020

• November 23: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced nonessential work, movement, and gatherings are prohibited between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. every night in purple-tier counties, effective Nov. 21.
• November 17: The California Department of Public Health expanded the state’s mask requirements. The new guidance requires individuals to wear masks whenever they are outside of their homes unless they are outdoors and can maintain six feet of social distancing. Masks are not required while eating or drinking, driving in a car with household members, or working in a private office space. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) also moved 28 counties back to the purple (most restrictive) phase of reopening, which prohibits indoor service at state-defined non-essential businesses like gyms and restaurants.

October 2020

• October 22: The California Department of Public Health issued updated guidance for personal care service businesses that permits them to resume limited in-person operations, regardless of the risk status of their county.
• October 21: The state released guidance for reopening theme parks. Under the rules, large parks like Disneyland will not be able to reopen until the counties where they are located enter the yellow risk tier.
• October 13: The state released guidelines that permit individuals from up to three households to gather privately.
• October 7: The Department of Health moved Tehama County back to the purple reopening tier (the most restrictive classification) and Shasta County back to red after coronavirus cases increased. Ventura, Merced, and Yuba counties moved from purple into the red tier of reopening. Inyo County moved from red to orange, and Humboldt, Plumas, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties moved from orange to yellow.
• October 2: Health Secretary Mark Ghaly said the state will implement what it calls an equity metric for reopening. The rule will require counties to reduce infection rates in state-defined disadvantaged communities before they can move to a less restrictive phase of reopening.

September 2020

• September 30: The state’s public health department announced new guidelines that permit outdoor playgrounds to reopen statewide.
• September 23: Health and Human Services Director Mark Ghaly announced Riverside, Alameda, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, and Solano counties could move from purple into the red phase of reopening. Ghaly also said El Dorado, Lassen, and Nevada counties could move into the orange phase, and Mariposa County could enter the yellow phase. The changes were effective Sept. 22.
• September 17: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that Oregon and Washington agreed to participate in a multistate pilot test of Apple and Google’s exposure notification technology. The technology notifies individuals who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus based on geolocation data.
• September 16: Inyo, Marin, and Tehama counties moved from the most restrictive purple tier to the red tier of reopening, which is the next most restrictive. Moving to the red tier means that movie theaters in those counties may partially reopen. Thirty of the state’s 58 counties remain in the purple tier.
• September 15: The California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA) issued a statement asking Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to release guidelines to allow amusement parks to reopen. CAPA represents parks including Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Legoland.
• September 11: The California Department of Public Health released a list of 414 schools that had applied for and received a waiver to begin in-person instruction. An additional 10 schools applied for the waiver but were denied. The waiver applies only to grades Transitional Kindergarten through 6th. These schools are all in counties on the state’s coronavirus watch list.
• September 10: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 1867, which requires paid sick days for any employee who has been exposed to or tests positive for coronavirus.
• September 9: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that conditions in Amador, Orange, Placer, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties had improved enough to let them move into Phase Two of the state’s four-phase reopening plan. Indoor dining at restaurants, in-person religious services, and operation of movie theaters can all resume at 25% capacity.
• September 1: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation extending the moratorium on evictions through Jan. 31, 2021, as long as renters pay at least 25% of their rent and file a declaration with their landlord.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released a new color-coded reopening plan. Counties will be classified as one of four colors based on coronavirus spread in each county. They are, in decreasing order of severity, purple, red, orange, and yellow. Different business restrictions will apply to each of the color levels.
• August 27: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a $1.7 billion testing contract with diagnostics firm PerkinElmer. The company will set up a laboratory to report test results within 24 to 48 hours, allowing for tens of thousands of tests to be processed per day by November with a goal of 150,000 per day by March 1, 2021. Newsom said this testing capacity will give the state “the ability to make decisions in real time that will advance our efforts to reopen our schools . . . reopen our businesses in a more effective and efficient manner, and a more sustainable manner.”
• August 25: Orange, Mono, and Sierra counties were removed from the state’s coronavirus watchlist. Each county had decreases in new cases, transmission rates, and hospitalizations for three consecutive days. Removal from the watchlist begins a 14-day monitoring window before schools can reopen and certain industries such as gyms and personal care businesses can reopen.
• August 20: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that the state would release guidelines for reopening businesses and ending stay-at-home orders within the next week. Newsom said the guidelines would vary by sector and counties could potentially reopen at different rates based on health statistics.
• August 7: California released reopening guidance for colleges and universities. The guidance requires students and staff to wear masks in all indoor public spaces. In counties on the state’s monitoring list, only courses like labs and studio arts will be allowed to take place in-person.
• August 4: The California Department of Public Health created a waiver for elementary schools in counties on the state’s coronavirus watch list. The waiver would allow schools to open for in-person instruction as long as they meet certain criteria.

July 2020

• July 28: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the state would spend $52 million in eight counties in California’s Central Valley to fund improved isolation protocols, testing protocols, and more medical personnel.
• July 22: EdSource reported that school districts could petition their local county health departments to reopen elementary schools to in-person instruction. The petition would waive Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) July 17 order closing all public schools in the counties on the state’s coronavirus watch list. The waiver provision appeared as a footnote in a document on reopening schools to in-person learning released by the Department of Public Health (DPH) on July 17 but was not included in the “Industry Guidance: Schools” document released by DPH or in a press release from Newsom’s office announcing the closure.
• July 21: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced guidelines for hair salons, barbershops, and other personal care services. Those services are required to close indoor operations in counties on the state’s coronavirus watch list but may continue operations outdoors with customers and staff wearing masks at all times.
• July 20: On July 17, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that counties on the state’s coronavirus watch list would begin the school year with online education only. As of July 20, 33 of the state’s 58 counties were on the watch list, which is based on new infections per capita, test positivity rate, and hospitalization rate.
• July 13: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) ordered the following industries and activities to close statewide: indoor operations at all restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums, cardrooms, and all operations at bars. He also ordered 30 counties to close indoor operations for fitness centers, places of worship, non-essential offices, personal care services, hair salons and barbershops, and malls. All affected counties are on the state’s COVID-19 watchlist.
• July 1: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) ordered that the 19 counties on the state’s monitoring list shut down indoor service at restaurants, wineries, movie theaters and other family entertainment, museums, zoos, and card rooms. Bars in those counties must close all operations. Four of the state’s five most populous counties—Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino—are on the list. The other county not on the list is San Diego.

June 2020

• June 29: On June 27, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) ordered seven counties (including Los Angeles) to close bars. Newsom recommended that nine additional counties also close bars.
• June 23: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said he would consider reclosing portions of the state’s economy if positive case rates and hospitalizations continue to increase. Newsom confirmed that 54 of 58 counties had met the state’s criteria to proceed to Phase Two of reopening, but officials were closely monitoring metrics in 11 counties.
• June 19: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed an executive order mandating residents wear face masks while in public or high-risk settings.
• June 9: The California Department of Education released a 55-page guidance document for reopening schools to public instruction. The guidance includes temperature checks before entering schools or buses, face coverings for staff and students, and physical distancing requirements.
• June 8: On June 7, the state released guidance for Phase Three of its economic reopening, which would allow individual counties to begin reopening gyms, bars, schools, and professional sports as early as June 12.

May 2020

• May 27: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that barbershops and salons could reopen on May 27 in the counties that had already progressed to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan. The state published guidance containing social distancing and sanitation protocols.
• May 26: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released guidelines on May 25 for the reopening of religious buildings. The guidelines took effect immediately, allowing churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious worship sites to reopen. Facilities will be limited to 25 percent of the building’s capacity or 100 people, whichever is lower. The guidelines also require temperature screenings at the door, face coverings, and social distancing. The guidelines are set to last for 21 days before being re-evaluated by the state’s health department.
• May 20: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said that schools in the state would not have a shared common reopening. Instead, individual districts will set reopening dates, with some targeting reopening as early as June. This is similar to the way the schools were closed to in-person instruction. The state recommended that all schools close on March 20, but many districts had already closed by that time.
• May 19: On May 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that roughly 53 of California's 58 counties could move into Phase 2 of reopening. To reopen, each county must notify the California Department of Public Health in writing that they have met the state’s reopening criteria, including fewer than 25 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents in the county over a 14-day period.
• May 13: Eleven counties in California—Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Tuolumne, and Yuba-Sutter—were approved to reopen more quickly than the rest of the state. Read more on California's reopening plan in our "Featured plan" section below.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released an updated recovery roadmap. He said the state was still several weeks away from being able to make any of the changes, but that hospitalizations had remained stable for several weeks. The first things to potentially open under the new roadmap would be curbside retail, manufacturing, offices where telework is not possible, and public spaces. California is a Democratic trifecta.

Colorado

Most recent five updates

• July 13: On July 8, Gov. Jared Polis (D) ended the coronavirus health emergency order. Polis also signed executive order focused on measures meant to help Colorado recover from the coronavirus.
• July 2: On July 1, Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended and amended several executive orders relating to the coronavirus, including one extending eviction protections for tenants.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced an incentive program for Colorado vaccine recipients between the ages of 12 and 17. Each week, for five weeks, five eligible individuals who receive a vaccine will be randomly selected to win $50,000 towards the postsecondary education of their choice.
• June 1:
  • On May 31, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ended its restrictions on large indoor gatherings, effective June 1. Additionally, the department updated its mask requirement policy to exempt children age 11 and under from wearing masks in certain environments. Previously, children 10 and under were exempt.
  • On May 28, Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced the state would be allocating vaccines to community organizations, including: Saunders Construction, The Fax Partnership, Concorde Career College, and Iglesia Nueva Vida.
• May 17: Gov. Jared Polis (D) ended the statewide mask requirement on May 14. Masks are still required for unvaccinated visitors to nursing homes, prisons, and hospitals, and in certain school settings. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people must still comply with federal law, which requires masking on public transportation and at public transportation hubs like bus stations and airports.

July 2021

• July 13: On July 8, Gov. Jared Polis (D) ended the coronavirus health emergency order. Polis also signed executive order focused on measures meant to help Colorado recover from the coronavirus.
• July 2: On July 1, Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended and amended several executive orders relating to the coronavirus, including one extending eviction protections for tenants.

June 2021

• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced an incentive program for Colorado vaccine recipients between the ages of 12 and 17. Each week, for five weeks, five eligible individuals who receive a vaccine will be randomly selected to win $50,000 towards the postsecondary education of their choice.
• June 1:
  • On May 31, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ended its restrictions on large indoor gatherings, effective June 1. Additionally, the department updated its mask requirement policy to exempt children age 11 and under from wearing masks in certain environments. Previously, children 10 and under were exempt.
  • On May 28, Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced the state would be allocating vaccines to community organizations, including: Saunders Construction, The Fax Partnership, Concorde Career College, and Iglesia Nueva Vida.

May 2021

• May 17: Gov. Jared Polis (D) ended the statewide mask requirement on May 14. Masks are still required for unvaccinated visitors to nursing homes, prisons, and hospitals, and in certain school settings. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people must still comply with federal law, which requires masking on public transportation and at public transportation hubs like bus stations and airports.
• May 14: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order an additional 30 days.
• May 3: Gov. Jared Polis (D) amended the state’s mask order on May 2 and extended the order until June 1. The updated order lifts the requirement for people to wear masks in indoor spaces with more than 10 people if 80% of those individuals are fully vaccinated. The order does not say what proof is necessary to demonstrate vaccination status.

April 2021

• April 26: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced a mobile state vaccination clinic route on the Western Slope starting April 24. The mobile clinics will offer initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and second doses will be available on a return trip. Appointments are encouraged but not required, and residents do not need ID or health insurance to receive free vaccinations. To learn more about scheduled stops, click here.
• April 22: On April 21, Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced state-run community vaccination sites in Denver, Larimer, Mesa, and Pueblo counties could start accepting walk-ins. For exact locations and walk-in hours, click here.
• April 16: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 14.

March 2021

• March 30: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 2. All residents 50 and older have been eligible since March 19.
• March 26: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s dial reopening framework order through April 16. To read more about the dial’s metrics and restrictions, click here.
• March 19: People in Phase 1B4 of vaccine distribution can get vaccinated starting March 19. The phase includes all residents 50 and older. Frontline restaurant, manufacturing, and local and state government workers are also eligible regardless of age.
• March 17: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through April 15.
• March 16: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced people in Phase 1B4 of vaccine distribution can get vaccinated starting March 19. The phase includes all residents 50 and older. Frontline restaurant, manufacturing, and local and state government workers will also become eligible.
• March 8: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s mask requirement through April 4.
• March 5: The state is starting Phase 1B3 of vaccine distribution on March 5. The phase includes all individuals age 60 and older, people age 16-59 with two or more state-defined comorbidities, and agriculture and grocery store workers.
• March 1: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced the state will start Phase 1B3 of vaccine distribution on March 5. The phase will include all individuals age 60 and older, people age 16-59 with two or more state-defined comorbidities, and agriculture and grocery store workers. Polis also said everyone over the age of 50 will be eligible for vaccination by the end of March.

February 2021

• February 24: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s dial reopening framework order through March 25. To read more about the dial’s metrics and restrictions, click here.
• February 16: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 17.
• February 8:
  • Individuals age 65 and older and school staff are eligible to be vaccinated starting Feb. 8. Previously, only people age 70 and older were eligible.
  • Gov. Jared Polis (D) also announced the state started using a new framework for standardizing restrictions by county, called Dial 2.0, on Feb. 6. The framework has six color levels for counties that are based on cases-per-capita, positivity rates, and the effect of the virus on hospitals. The new system also uses data from the last week. Previously, the state used data from the last two weeks in determining county dial levels. For more information on Dial 2.0 and to see dial levels for each county, click here.
• February 5: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s mask requirement through March 6.
• February 2: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced the state is launching the At-Home Testing Program for educators. The program makes BinaxNOW at-home tests available to school districts and private schools that opt into the program. Schools and districts will distribute the tests to staff.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 26: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order and COVID-19 Dial Framework directives through Feb. 24.
• January 7: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s mask requirement through Feb. 5.
• January 4: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Jan. 25.

December 2020

• December 15: Gov. Jared Polis (D) amended the state’s mask order to clarify that individuals must wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces, even if they are sitting down or standing in one place. Polis also clarified that individuals do not have to wear a mask if they are completely alone in a room.
• December 9: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the statewide mask requirement through Jan. 7.
• December 3: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced the state is initiating $375 one-time stimulus payments to anyone who was eligible to receive between $25 and $500 in weekly unemployment insurance benefits between March 15 and Oct. 24.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s coronavirus disaster declaration for 30 days.
• November 18: Gov. Jared Polis announced 15 counties will move back to the red phase of reopening, effective Nov. 20. The state also added a stricter purple risk level to the reopening procedures to try and avoid another stay-at-home order.
• November 12: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s mask requirement for 30 days.

October 2020

• October 30: The Department of Public Health issued an order limiting private gatherings to 10 individuals from no more than two households in counties in the Safer at Home reopening phase.
• October 13: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s public mask requirement for another 30 days.

September 2020

• September 21: On Sept. 20, Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued an executive order extending last call in bars and restaurants from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. for counties under Level 1 reopening orders. Last call in counties under Level 2 reopening orders will remain at 11:00 p.m.
• September 14: On Sept. 12, Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s mask mandate for an additional 30 days. The mandate requires anyone 11 years of age or older to wear a mask in public indoor spaces.
• September 9: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that 5,700 fans would be allowed to attend the football game between the Denver Broncos and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 27. Fans will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing and will be seated in pods of 175 fans to allow for easier contact tracing.
• September 3: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced a partnership with T-Mobile to provide a free WiFi hotspot and 100GB of data to 34,000 low-income student households.
• September 2: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a draft of a color-coding system for reopening by county. The system includes five colors (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue) ranging from “stay at home” (red) to “protect our neighbors” (blue).

August 2020

• August 24: On Aug. 21, Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended and modified his executive order implementing an earlier “last call” for alcohol. Under the modified order, last call will be moved one hour later to 11 p.m. The order will last for another 30 days.
• August 13: Gov. Jared Polis (D) extended the state’s mask mandate, which was set to expire on Aug. 16. The mandate requires everyone 11 years of age and older to wear a mask in public indoor spaces, on public transit, or in a taxi or ride-share.

July 2020

• July 22: Gov. Jared Polis (D) ordered that bars and restaurants statewide make their last call for alcohol at 10 p.m. The order will last at least 30 days.
• July 21: The Colorado Department of Education released guidance for reopening public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The guidelines contain separate criteria for elementary schools and secondary schools. Decisions about school start dates and remote learning would be left to local districts.
• July 16: Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued a mask mandate effective at midnight on July 17. The order requires individuals older than 10 to wear a mask inside buildings that are open to the public.
• July 1: Gov. Jared Polis (D) ordered all bars and nightclubs in the state to close. Bars that serve food and function as restaurants can stay open if they follow social distancing guidelines. Bars and nightclubs had been allowed to reopen with limited capacity on June 19.

June 2020

• June 16, 2020: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced draft plans for continuing the state’s reopening. The draft includes indoor events for up to 100 people, outdoor events, bars reopening at 25% capacity, and expansion of personal services that require customers to remove masks. Polis also said some areas of the state were reaching a point that would allow local health departments to make reopening decisions rather than the state.
• June 2: Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed an order he called “Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.” The order allows vulnerable Colorado residents to leave their homes for outside recreation as long as they wear face coverings and practice social distancing. The order also allows short-term rentals, playgrounds, and swimming pools to reopen. Personal care services may begin operating at 50% capacity on June 4 and child care facilities can begin operating at full capacity on that date. The order is set to last until July 1.

May 2020

• May 25: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that restaurant dining rooms could reopen effective May 27. Dining rooms will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with a table limit of eight people and tables spaced six feet apart.
• May 18: Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that his office was drafting guidelines for reopening restaurants. Polis said he hopes to announce a date for restaurants to reopen on May 25.
• May 14: Gov. Jared Polis (D) met with President Trump at the White House. The two discussed the state’s plan for reopening. Polis said he hoped to have restaurants open for dine-in services by the end of the month and skiing areas open in June, but that local authorities would have input on how and when to reopen.

April 2020

• April 27: Colorado permitted the following to begin or resume: retail curbside pickup, elective surgeries, and real estate showings. Gov. Jared Polis (D) released guidelines for specific industries to follow on Sunday. Colorado is a Democratic trifecta.

Connecticut

Most recent five updates

• July 15: On July 14, the General Assembly voted to extend Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) emergency powers through Sept. 30.The extension passed 73-56 in the House, and 19-15 in the Senate.
• July 1: On June 30, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) endedthe state’s eviction moratorium. In his executive order, he also extended the appeal period for tenants from three to 30 days, and required that landlords apply for federal relief funding dedicated to covering unpaid rent before evicting tenants.
• June 28: On June 25, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced a vaccine incentive program called Rock the Shot. Individuals 18 and older who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can enter a drawing to win concert tickets. Additionally, the first 24 people vaccinated at certain vaccination sites will receive concert tickets.
• May 24: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state will reinstate the weekly work search requirement for individuals receiving unemployment benefits effective May 30.
• May 19:
  • Fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 19. Unvaccinated residents still have to wear masks in public indoor areas. Vaccinated individuals still need to wear masks on public transportation, at places where medical care is offered (like doctor’s offices and hospitals), and at public transportation hubs (like bus stations and airports).
  • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the Back to Work CT program will offer $1,000 bonuses for eligible unemployed residents who find full-time work. For more information on the program and eligibility, click here.
  • The Connecticut Department of Education announced school districts will not have to offer online instruction when school resumes in Fall 2021.
  • Lamont extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through July 20.

July 2021

• July 15: On July 14, the General Assembly voted to extend Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) emergency powers through Sept. 30.The extension passed 73-56 in the House, and 19-15 in the Senate.
• July 1: On June 30, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) endedthe state’s eviction moratorium. In his executive order, he also extended the appeal period for tenants from three to 30 days, and required that landlords apply for federal relief funding dedicated to covering unpaid rent before evicting tenants.

June 2021

• June 28: On June 25, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced a vaccine incentive program called Rock the Shot. Individuals 18 and older who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can enter a drawing to win concert tickets. Additionally, the first 24 people vaccinated at certain vaccination sites will receive concert tickets.

May 2021

• May 24: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state will reinstate the weekly work search requirement for individuals receiving unemployment benefits effective May 30.
• May 19:
  • Fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 19. Unvaccinated residents still have to wear masks in public indoor areas. Vaccinated individuals still need to wear masks on public transportation, at places where medical care is offered (like doctor’s offices and hospitals), and at public transportation hubs (like bus stations and airports).
  • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the Back to Work CT program will offer $1,000 bonuses for eligible unemployed residents who find full-time work. For more information on the program and eligibility, click here.
  • The Connecticut Department of Education announced school districts will not have to offer online instruction when school resumes in Fall 2021.
  • Lamont extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through July 20.
• May 14: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced fully vaccinated people will not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 19. Unvaccinated residents will still have to wear masks in public indoor areas. Vaccinated individuals still need to wear masks on public transportation, at places where medical care is offered (like doctor’s offices and hospitals), and at public transportation hubs (like bus stations and airports).
• May 3: Outdoor business restrictions endedMay 1. The seating limit of eight people per table ended and alcohol sales without food are permitted outside. Indoor and outdoor businesses previously subject to the 11 p.m. curfew (including bars and restaurants) can now stay open until midnight each night.

April 2021

• April 27: More than 50 clinics in the state started offering walk-up (no appointment) coronavirus vaccines. For the most updated list of walk-up clinics, click here.
• April 21: On April 19, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 20.
• April 20:
  • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced 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.
  • All remaining business restrictions will end May 19, including movie theater capacity limits. Limits on outdoor gatherings will also end. Some individual restrictions like the indoor public mask requirement will remain in place.
• April 5: On April 2, Connecticut expandedvaccine eligibility to all residents 16 years of age and older.

March 2021

• March 29: Connecticut's limit on early childhood class sizes is increasing from 16 to 20 children on March 29. Gov. Ned Lamont (D) made the announcement March 4.
• March 19:
  • Some restrictions are lifted starting March 19. Restaurants, offices, places of worship, and personal care service businesses can operate at full capacity. Social gatherings at private residences can expand to 25 people indoors or 100 outdoors. Social gatherings at commercial venues can expand to 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors. All school sports practices and competitions are allowed. Connecticut's out-of-state travel requirements are now recommendations.
  • Residents aged 45 to 54 are eligible for vaccination starting March 19. Previously, residents 55 and older could get vaccines.
• March 16: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced a revised timeline for vaccine distribution. Lamont said scheduling will open to all individuals ages 45 to 54 starting March 19. The state is targeting April 5 to open vaccinations to everyone age 16 or older.
• March 5:
  • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced he will lift some restrictions starting March 19. Restaurants, offices, places of worship, and personal care service businesses will be able to operate at full capacity. Social gatherings at private residences can expand to 25 people indoors or 100 outdoors. Social gatherings at commercial venues can expand to 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors. All school sports practices and competitions will be allowed. Connecticut's travel requirements will become recommendations.
  • Lamont said the limit on early childhood classes can increase from 16 to 20 individuals starting March 29.
  • On April 2, outdoor amusement parks can reopen, and outdoor event venues can operate at the lesser of 50% capacity or 10,000 individuals. Indoor stadiums will also be able to open at 10% capacity.
• March 1: Individuals ages 55 to 64 are eligible for vaccination starting March 1.

February 2021

• February 23: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced a schedule for the state’s age-based distribution expansion. Lamont also said clinics will open in March to focus on vaccinating teachers. The state will release more details on school staff vaccinations closer to the clinics’ opening. The age-based expansion is scheduled as follows:
  • Eligibility expands to individuals ages 55 to 64 on March 1, 2021
  • Eligibility expands to individuals ages 45 to 54 on March 22, 2021
  • Eligibility expands to individuals ages 35 to 44 on April 12, 2021
  • Eligibility expands to individuals ages 16 to 34 on May 3, 2021
• February 17: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced gathering limits for weddings and other social events will expand from 100 to 200 people starting March 19.
• February 11: Individuals age 65 and older can register for vaccination appointments as of Feb. 11. Previously, only people age 75 and older were eligible for vaccinations.
• February 9: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced individuals age 65 and older can register for vaccination appointments starting Feb. 11. Currently, only people age 75 and older are eligible for vaccinations.

January 2021

• January 27: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 20.
• January 20: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced Phase 1b of the vaccination plan will be rolled out in tiers. Individuals age 75 and older started making appointments Jan. 18. The next group will be individuals between the ages of 65 and 74. The final group in the phase will be essential frontline workers and people with high-risk underlying conditions.
• January 19: Individuals age 75 and older were allowed to schedule vaccination appointments starting Jan. 18, marking the beginning of Phase 1b. Lamont said other groups included in Phase 1b will be allowed to make appointments once the supply increases and more individuals in the 75+ age group receive vaccines. Frontline essential workers, residents and staff in congregate settings, individuals between the ages of 65 and 74, and individuals with underlying health conditions are also included in Phase 1b. In Phase 1a, the state vaccinated healthcare workers and nursing home residents.
• January 6: The state’s Allocations Subcommittee made recommendations for Phase 1B of vaccine distribution. The subcommittee recommended the vaccine should be available to school staff, essential frontline workers (including grocery store workers, police officers, and food service workers), residents over the age of 75, and individuals who live or work in prisons and homeless shelters.

December 2020

• December 21: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued an executive order requiring travelers from all states except New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island to self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Connecticut, effective Dec. 19. Travelers do not have to quarantine if they received negative test results within 72 hours before or any time after their arrival in the state. Travelers must submit negative test results to the Department of Public Health Commissioner. The order also exempts travelers who tested positive for the virus in the 90 days before arriving in the state who have clinically recovered and submitted the positive test result to the Department of Public Health Commissioner.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) increased the maximum fines businesses could receive for a violation of sector rules or capacity limits from $500 to $10,000, effective Nov. 26.
• November 23: The Department of Economic and Community Development released new guidelines for gyms and fitness centers, including a mask requirement inside fitness establishments. Gov. Ned Lamont (D) also announced a pause for team and club sports through Jan. 19, 2021. The order does not apply to professional or college teams.
• November 10: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued new restrictions limiting private indoor and outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 people, effective Nov. 6. The order also prohibited state-defined high-risk school sports activities (like wrestling and football) through the end of the year.
• November 6: The state moved backward from Phase 3 to Phase 2 of reopening on Nov. 6. Restaurants must limit capacity to 50% and close indoor dining by 9:30 p.m. every night. Religious gatherings are limited to the lesser of 50% capacity or 100 people.

October 2020

• October 15: Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order allowing towns to opt out of Phase 3 and remain in the more restrictive Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan if they have more than 15 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people over a two-week rolling average.
• October 8: The state is moving to the third phase of reopening on Oct. 8. Phase 3 allows businesses like restaurants and barbershops to operate at 75% capacity. Outdoor event venues (like amphitheaters and racetracks) and indoor performing arts venues can operate at 50% capacity. Private indoor gatherings of up to 25 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 150 people are allowed.
• October 1: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced Colorado had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Arizona and Virginia were removed from the list. Murphy and Cuomo also announced the launch of a coronavirus exposure notification app in their states.

September 2020

• September 25: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state is targeting Oct. 8 to move to the third reopening phase. Phase 3 will allow businesses like restaurants and barbershops to operate at 75% capacity. Outdoor event venues (like amphitheaters and racetracks) and indoor performing arts venues will be able to operate at 50% capacity. Private indoor gatherings of up to 25 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 150 people will be allowed.
• September 22: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the formation of a new advisory group to prepare the state for the distribution of an eventual COVID-19 vaccine. The co-chairs of the group are Dr. Deidre Gifford, the acting commissioner of public health, and Dr. Reggie Eadie, president and CEO of Trinity Health of New England.
• September 21: On Sept. 21, Office of Early Childhood Development Commissioner Beth Bye announced that children age three and older must wear face masks at daycares and preschools.
• September 16:
  • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed an executive order imposing a fine of up to $100 for violating the state’s mask mandate. The order also imposes a $250 fine for attending indoor events with more than 25 people or outdoor gatherings with more than 100 people and a $500 fine for individuals organizing such events. The order takes effect at midnight on Sept. 17.
  • On Sept. 15, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Puerto Rico had been placed back on the joint travel advisory requiring visitors to the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days. California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio were removed from the list.* September 15: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) explained how he wanted schools to handle positive coronavirus cases. “Especially for K through 8, we’re trying to keep that fourth grade class unto itself as a pod as a cohort. So that if there happens to be an infection in that one class, it’s just those 20 students and that teacher who would have to quarantine — not the entire middle school or not the entire school,” he said. Lamont’s remarks came after several schools in the state fully closed after learning of one positive coronavirus case.
• September 9: On Sept. 8, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia had been added to the joint travel advisory list requiring visitors from those states to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. The governors removed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands from the list.
• September 8: Several of the state’s largest school districts reopened to in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. Schools were allowed to reopen beginning Aug. 31, but many districts delayed their start until after Labor Day.
• September 2: On Sept. 1, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Alaska and Montana had been placed back on the joint travel advisory list, after having been removed Aug. 25. The travel advisory requires travelers entering the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days.
• September 1: The legislature extended Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) emergency powers through Feb. 9, 2021.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 31, schools were allowed to reopen for in-person instruction. Schools in the state were initially closed on March 16.
• August 26: On Aug. 25, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Montana had been removed from the joint travel list requiring visitors to the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days. Guam was added to the list.
• August 21: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state would not proceed to Phase Three of reopening, which would allow for reopening bars and increasing dine-in capacity. Lamont also announced the state's eviction moratorium would be extended through Oct. 1.
• August 19: On Aug. 14, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed an executive order extending the state’s mask mandate for six months to February 2021. The mandate first took effect on April 17.
• August 18: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 18 that Delaware and Alaska had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Washington was removed from the list.
• August 13: The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference's Board of Control rejected a proposal to move high school football to spring 2021. It will instead move forward with a plan previously approved on July 30 which allows practices to begin Aug. 17.
• August 11: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Hawaii, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands had been added to the tristate quarantine list. The governors removed Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
• August 7: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state was providing an additional $160 million in funding to schools to help with reopening for the 2020-2021 school year.

July 2020

• July 31: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said school districts would be able to choose between a fully in-person and hybrid plan without requiring state approval. Districts that want to use a fully remote model must apply for an exemption from the state Department of Education.
• July 22: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on July 21 that 10 additional states had been added to their joint travel advisory. Travelers from Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Minnesota was removed from the list, bringing the number of states on it to 31.
• July 14: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Travelers from those states will need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. Delaware, which was added to the list on July 7, has been removed. The list now includes 22 states. Gov. Cuomo also announced that visitors to New York from those 22 states will need to fill out a form with contact information or face a $10,000 fine. Gov. Lamont said Connecticut would join New York in requiring visitors to fill out a similar form.
• July 7:
  • On July 6, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state would remain in Phase Two of its reopening plan indefinitely. Phase Two began on June 17.
  • Govs. Lamont, Murphy, and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on July 7 that visitors entering their states from Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The three governors announced the joint travel advisory on June 24. The initial list included eight states. It now applies to 19 states.

June 2020

• June 30: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced June 30 that visitors arriving in their states from eight additional states will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The three governors announced the joint travel advisory on June 24. The initial list included eight states. The new states include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Tennessee.
• June 26: Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona said his department is proposing all schools reopen to students in the fall. Cardona said students and staff will be required to wear masks while inside school buildings.
• June 24: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on June 24 that travelers arriving in their states from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. The infection rate is based on a seven-day rolling average of the number of infections per 100,000 residents. As of June 24, the states that meet that threshold are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
• June 8: On June 7, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) released rules for businesses reopening under Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan. Phase Two of the reopening includes amusement parks, hotels, dine-in services at restaurants, museums, indoor recreation, libraries, outdoor events, personal services, and sports and fitness facilities.
• June 5: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced that Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan would begin on June 17, three days ahead of schedule. Phase Two will include indoor dining at restaurants and the reopening of gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys, museums, pools, and amusement parks.

May 2020

• May 22: Gov. Ned Lamont (D) released phases two and three of the state’s reopening plan. Phase two will take effect on June 20, and phase three will take effect at least four weeks later. Phase two will allow hotels, gyms, personal services, outdoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, indoor entertainment, museums, and dine-in service at restaurants to reopen.

Delaware

Most recent five updates

• July 13: The coronavirus state of emergency endedJuly 12. Gov. John Carney (D) signed an executive order setting the date for the emergency’s end on June 15.
• June 16: Gov. John Carney (D) announced he will end the state’s coronavirus emergency order July 13. Carney issued the order March 12, 2020.
• June 14: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until July 13.
• June 1: On May 26, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz announced Delaware courts would resume many in-person proceedings on June 1. The courts are requiring masks and implementing temperature screenings and COVID-19 screening questions.
• May 28: On May 26, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz announced Delaware courts would resume many in-person proceedings on June 1. The courts will require masks and implement temperature screenings and COVID-19 screening questions.

July 2021

• July 13: The coronavirus state of emergency endedJuly 12. Gov. John Carney (D) signed an executive order setting the date for the emergency’s end on June 15.

June 2021

• June 16: Gov. John Carney (D) announced he will end the state’s coronavirus emergency order July 13. Carney issued the order March 12, 2020.
• June 14: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until July 13.
• June 1: On May 26, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz announced Delaware courts would resume many in-person proceedings on June 1. The courts are requiring masks and implementing temperature screenings and COVID-19 screening questions.

May 2021

• May 28: On May 26, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz announced Delaware courts would resume many in-person proceedings on June 1. The courts will require masks and implement temperature screenings and COVID-19 screening questions.
• May 26: Gov. John Carney (D) announced the DE Wins! vaccination incentive program for everyone 12+ vaccinated between May 25 and June 29. The program includes twice-weekly cash drawings of $5,000 and other prizes (including a full-ride scholarship to a Delaware state university). On June 30, everyone in the state (including individuals vaccinated before May 25) will be entered to win a $302,000 cash prize.
• May 24: Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks or social distance in most indoor or outdoor public settings, effective May 21. Percentage capacity restrictions ended for places of worship and most businesses (including restaurants and retailers), permitting facilities to use as much capacity as social distancing for unvaccinated people allows.
• May 19: Gov. John Carney (D) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order to exempt fully vaccinated people from social distancing and mask requirements, effective May 21.
• May 17: Gov. John Carney (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals will not have to wear masks in most indoor or outdoor public settings starting May 21.
• May 13: Gov. John Carney (D) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order to end capacity limits for places of worship and businesses like restaurants, gyms, and retailers on May 21. Masks will still be required, and businesses will have to enforce three-foot social distancing.
• May 5: Gov. John Carney (D) announced the state will ease COVID-19 restrictions starting May 21. Capacity restrictions will end for places of worship and most businesses (including restaurants and retailers), allowing facilities to use as much capacity as social distancing allows. Social distancing requirements will also decrease from six to three feet. The indoor mask requirement will remain in place.

April 2021

• April 28: Gov. John Carney (D) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order to allow outdoor seating for parties of up to 10 people at restaurants. The order also suspended Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) masking regulations. Carney clarified that “student athletes participating in the interscholastic sports of baseball, golf, girls’ lacrosse, girls’ soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field must wear face coverings except when actively engaged in practice or game play while on the field.”
• April 19: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 16.
• April 14: 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.
• April 6: All residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 6.
• April 1: Gov. John Carney (D) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 6. Currently, all residents 50 and older are eligible.

March 2021

• March 31: Gov. John Carney (D) announcedeveryone 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 6. Currently, everyone 65 and older or 16 and older with state-defined moderate- and high-risk underlying conditions is eligible.
• March 30: Gov. John Carney (D) announced the limit on outdoor gatherings will expand from 50 to 150 people effective April 1. Outdoor gatherings larger than 150 people require approval from the Division of Public Health. Indoor gatherings are still limited to 25 people or 50% occupancy (whichever is less).
• March 23: Residents 50 and older are eligible to register for state-run vaccination events starting March 23. Pharmacies were allowed to start vaccinating residents 50 and older on March 17.
• March 22: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 18.
• March 17: Gov. John Carney (D) announcedpharmacies can begin vaccinating anyone age 50 or older starting March 17. Medical providers (including hospitals) can start vaccinating anyone 16 or older with high-risk medical conditions.
• March 8: Gov. John Carney (D) announced the state will host vaccination events for school staff and childcare workers March 13-14 at Dover International Speedway. Carney also said Walgreens, which receives doses through the federal government, will limit appointments to school staff and pause new appointments for other eligible populations. Carney did not say how long Walgreens would exclusively vaccinate school staff.

February 2021

• February 22: Gov. John Carney (D) amended the state’s omnibus coronavirus emergency order to permit gatherings of up to 25 people at indoor business spaces, or 50% capacity, whichever is less. Previously, indoor spaces were limited to 10 people. The order also expanded outdoor gatherings limits from 25 to 50 people. Private indoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people. Carney extended the emergency order through March 21.
• February 12: On Feb. 12, places of worship and businesses like restaurants, gyms, and retailers are able to operate at 50% capacity. Previously, most businesses were limited to 30% capacity, and retailers larger than 100,000 square feet were limited to 20% capacity.
• February 4: Gov. John Carney (D) announced places of worship and businesses like restaurants, gyms, and retailers will be able to expand their capacity to 50% starting Feb. 12. Currently, most businesses are limited to 30% capacity, and retailers larger than 100,000 square feet are limited to 20% capacity.

January 2021

• January 26: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Feb. 22.
• January 20: The state began Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution plan on Jan. 19. The phase prioritizes individuals age 65 and older. School staff and childcare workers are scheduled to become eligible for the vaccine the week of Jan. 25.
• January 11: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s stay-at-home advisory and mask requirements until further notice. Carney allowed the 10 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants to expire on Jan. 8.

December 2020

• December 30: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Jan. 23, 2021.
• December 11: Gov. John Carney (D) formally issued an updated mask order that will require individuals to wear a face-covering anytime they are indoors with a member of another household. All businesses that are open to the public will be limited to 30% capacity. Retailers larger than 100,000 square feet will be limited to 20% capacity. Restaurants and bars will have to close nightly for dine-in service at 10 p.m. Carney also announced a stay-at-home advisory that encourages residents to avoid all non-workplace gatherings with individuals outside of a person’s household. The restrictions will be effective between Dec. 14 and Jan. 11.
• December 4: Gov. John Carney (D) said he will issue an updated mask order that requires individuals to wear a face-covering anytime they are indoors with a member of another household. He also announced a stay-at-home advisory that encourages residents to avoid all non-workplace gatherings with individuals outside of a person’s household between Dec. 14 and Jan. 11. Carney also recommended schools pause in-person learning for the same period.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. John Carney (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order for 30 days.
• November 23: Gov. John Carney (D) issued additional restrictions, effective Nov. 23. Indoor gatherings at homes are limited to 10 people, with a 50-person cap for outdoor gatherings. Religious and political gatherings are limited to the lesser of 30% of a venue’s capacity or 50 people. Restaurants are also limited to 30% indoor capacity, and face coverings are required at all times in gyms.
• November 18: Gov. John Carney (D) issued additional restrictions, effective Nov. 23. Indoor gatherings at homes will be limited to 10 people, with a 50-person cap for outdoor gatherings. Religious and political gatherings will be limited to the lesser of 30% of a venue’s capacity or 50 people. Restaurants will also be limited to 30% indoor capacity, and face coverings will be required at all times in gyms.

September 2020

• September 18: The Delaware Board of Education voted 4-2 to reinstate fall sports. Practices may begin on Sept. 28, with games for all non-football sports starting Oct. 19. Football games will begin Oct. 23.
• September 17: The state announced the launch of the COVID Alert DE app on both Apple and Google devices that use Bluetooth technology to alert users who may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus.
• September 15: Courts in Delaware resumed issuing failure to appear warrants for individuals who do not show up for court dates. The state suspended issuing such warrants in March 2020. Delaware courts will enter Phase Three of reopening in October, increasing staffing levels to 75% capacity.
• September 8: Long-term care facilities may begin submitting indoor visitation plans if they meet the following criteria: no new coronavirus cases within the last 14 days and adequate staffing and personal protective equipment.
• September 4: Gov. John Carney (D) signed the sixth extension of his state of emergency order. The new extension is set to last indefinitely. A state of emergency was first declared on March 12.
• September 3: Gov. John Carney (D) released guidance for fall sports. The guidance categorizes sports by risk level (high, medium, or low) and provides mask and social distancing guidelines for each risk level.
• September 2: Gov. John Carney (D) announced that beach bars could reopen for Labor Day weekend. Patrons must be socially distanced, order food, and make reservations. The reopening will take effect in the towns of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Long Neck, Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick Island, Ocean View, and Millville.

August 2020

• August 26: Gov. John Carney (D) signed the 25th modification to his emergency declaration, requiring students in kindergarten and above to wear face coverings inside schools at all times. The order also requires school districts and charters to notify parents when a positive coronavirus case is identified in their child’s building.
• August 5: Gov. John Carney (D) announced that schools across the state could reopen using a combination of in-person and remote learning starting in September.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. John Carney (D) said that the state would announce its decision next week on how schools will reopen. He said that if current statistics hold, he expects students to be learning in person at least part-time.
• July 16: Gov. John Carney (D) released guidance for reopening public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Districts will use the guidance to create reopening plans that account for in-person, hybrid, and distance learning models.

June 2020

• June 26: Gov. John Carney (D) announced he is delaying the state’s reopening plan. Delaware was scheduled to enter into Phase Three on June 29. Carney said too many people were not following the health directives issued in previous phases.
• June 17: Gov. John Carney (D) said on June 16 there was no target date for the state to enter Phase Three of its reopening plan. Delaware entered Phase Two of its reopening plan on June 15.
• June 15: The state entered into Phase Two of its reopening plan. Restaurants, retail stores, and malls increased in capacity from 30% to 60%. Personal care services and gyms remained at 30% capacity.
• June 1: The state’s stay-at-home order expired on May 31. The order first took effect on March 24. Delaware was the 16th state to enact a stay-at-home order and was the 31st state to end its stay-at-home order (along with others that ended on May 31).

May 2020

• May 27: Gov. John Carney (D) announced that the state’s short-term rental ban and the requirement that out-of-state travelers self-quarantine for 14 days will be lifted on June 1. Outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people will also be permitted on that date.
• May 18: Gov. John Carney (D) released guidance for Phase 1 of the state’s reopening, scheduled to begin June 1. Businesses reopening in this phase, including restaurants and retailers, will be limited to 30% capacity. Phase one will require residents to wear face coverings in public. Delaware’s June 1 target date will make it the 49th state to begin reopening. Only Illinois (with no current target date) will begin reopening after it.
• May 15:
  • Gov. John Carney (D) announced that restrictions on Delaware’s beaches and community pools would be lifted beginning 5:00 p.m. on May 22. Ice cream stores and trucks may also reopen for take-out or curbside pick-up services. These openings only apply to Delaware residents. A 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors is still in effect.
  • Delaware’s stay-at-home order was also scheduled to expire, but Gov. John Carney (D) announced on May 8 that it would be extended through May 31. Five other states have orders scheduled to expire on May 31.
• May 13: Gov. John Carney (D) announced that the state was hiring 200 residents to work as contact tracers and support staff to reach its goal of testing up to 80,000 people a month. The state will partner with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago to build the contact tracing program.
• May 11: Gov. John Carney (D) announced the target date for phase one of the state’s reopening is June 1. Carney said phase one will still require vulnerable residents to shelter in place, limit gatherings to 10 people, and schools will remain closed. Restaurants will be allowed to resume limited operations, elective surgeries will be allowed, and gyms can reopen with social distancing practices.

Florida

Most recent five updates

• August 3: On Friday, July 30, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order prohibiting K-12 public schools from requiring that students wear masks in schools.
• July 27: On Friday, July 23, the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed its July 17 ruling that allowed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enforce its coronavirus restrictions on cruise lines in Florida. For cruise ships to set sail, the CDC required they mandate that 95% of passengers and 98% of crews be fully vaccinated. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) sued the CDC in April 2021, arguing the agency overstepped its authority when it issued its four-phase plan for reopening the cruise industry. Florida Senate Bill 2006, which DeSantis signed into law on May 3, prohibits businesses from requiring proof of vaccination. On June 18, U.S. District Court Judge Steven Merryday granted Florida a preliminary injunction against the restrictions. The Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit overturned that injunction on July 17.
• July 20: On Saturday, July 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit overturned a lower court order that blocked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) restrictions on the cruise industry. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) sued the CDC in April 2021, arguing the agency overstepped its authority when it issued its four-phase plan for reopening the cruise industry. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday granted Florida a preliminary injunctionagainst the restrictions on June 18.
• June 28:
  • The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) made the announcement May 24.
  • On Saturday, June 26, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) allowed the statewide COVID-19 emergency to expire. DeSantis first declared the state of emergency on March 10, 2020.
• June 17: On Wednesday, June 16, the state Clemency Board pardoned all residents who were arrested or fined for violating COVID-19 restrictions around the state. The Board is composed of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Attorney General Ashley Moody (R), Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R), and Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried (D). Fried was the only member of the Board to oppose pardoning COVID-19 restriction violators.

August 2021

• August 3: On Friday, July 30, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order prohibiting K-12 public schools from requiring that students wear masks in schools.

July 2021

• July 27: On Friday, July 23, the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed its July 17 ruling that allowed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enforce its coronavirus restrictions on cruise lines in Florida. For cruise ships to set sail, the CDC required they mandate that 95% of passengers and 98% of crews be fully vaccinated. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) sued the CDC in April 2021, arguing the agency overstepped its authority when it issued its four-phase plan for reopening the cruise industry. Florida Senate Bill 2006, which DeSantis signed into law on May 3, prohibits businesses from requiring proof of vaccination. On June 18, U.S. District Court Judge Steven Merryday granted Florida a preliminary injunction against the restrictions. The Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit overturned that injunction on July 17.
• July 20: On Saturday, July 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit overturned a lower court order that blocked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) restrictions on the cruise industry. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) sued the CDC in April 2021, arguing the agency overstepped its authority when it issued its four-phase plan for reopening the cruise industry. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday granted Florida a preliminary injunctionagainst the restrictions on June 18.

June 2021

• June 28:
  • The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) made the announcement May 24.
  • On Saturday, June 26, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) allowed the statewide COVID-19 emergency to expire. DeSantis first declared the state of emergency on March 10, 2020.
• June 17: On Wednesday, June 16, the state Clemency Board pardoned all residents who were arrested or fined for violating COVID-19 restrictions around the state. The Board is composed of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Attorney General Ashley Moody (R), Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R), and Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried (D). Fried was the only member of the Board to oppose pardoning COVID-19 restriction violators.

May 2021

• May 24: On Monday, May 24, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced the state would stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 26.
• May 3: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed Senate Bill 2006, which limits local emergency orders unrelated to hurricanes or other weather events to a maximum of 42 days and bans businesses, schools, and government agencies from requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. The bill takes effect July 1. DeSantis also issued an executive order immediately invalidating all local COVID-19 orders.

April 2021

• April 30: 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.
• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency an additional 60 days.
• April 5: On Friday, April 2, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order banning government entities from issuing vaccine passports. The order also prohibits businesses from requiring vaccine passports.

March 2021

• March 30: On Monday, March 29, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill that gives businesses, governments, and healthcare providers limited liability protection against COVID-19 lawsuits. The law is retroactive to the beginning of the pandemic and requires plaintiffs to show that an organization purposely ignored COVID-19 guidelines.
• March 29: Effective March 29, people 40 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 25: On Thursday, March 24, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that people 40 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine Monday, March 29. Eligibility will expand to include everyone 18 and older on April 5.
• March 22: People 50 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 22.
• March 15: People 60 and older became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 15.
• March 11: On Wednesday, March 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) banned counties and municipalities from fining people or businesses for violating COVID-19 restrictions. The order also rebates any fines imposed on people or businesses for violations retroactive to March 2020.
• March 9: On Monday, March 8, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that people 60 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 15.
• March 2: On Monday, March 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order allowing law enforcement officers, firefighters, and K-12 teachers and staff aged 50 and older to receive coronavirus vaccines.
• March 1: On Friday, Feb. 26, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an order allowing doctors, pharmacies, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to vaccinate people under 65 with medical conditions that make them “extremely vulnerable” to COVID-19.

February 2021

• February 26: On Thursday, Feb. 25, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced the opening of six vaccine sites in Broward, Duval, Leon, Miami-Dade, and Osceola counties. The sites opened that day to frontline healthcare workers and people aged 65 and older.
• February 24: On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that CVS Health will offer vaccines at 81 pharmacy locations in 13 counties beginning later this week. The pharmacies include CVS Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy y más, and Navarro Discount Pharmacy.
• February 22: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that four federally supported COVID-19 vaccination sites will open in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville on March 3. Each site will operate seven days a week and administer 2,000 vaccines per day.
• February 18: On Thursday, Feb. 18, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced the opening of a vaccination site in Pinellas Park. DeSantis said the Moderna vaccine would be used at the site.
• February 12: On Thursday, Feb. 11, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced veterans of World War II and the Korean War are now eligible for vaccinations through the state's program for homebound seniors. Under the program, healthcare workers make house calls to seniors who cannot leave their homes.
• February 5: On Thursday, Jan Feb. 4, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced a new interfaith vaccine campaign that will include synagogues and Islamic centers. The state has previously held vaccine clinics at churches around the state.

January 2021

• January 22: On Thursday, Jan. 21, Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees released a health advisory aimed at preventing non-residents from accessing Florida’s supply of vaccines. To receive the first dose of a vaccine, residents must show healthcare providers a copy of their Florida driver’s license or identification card. Seasonal residents are eligible to receive the vaccine if they can provide proof they reside at least part of the year in the state.
• January 19: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced individuals age 65 and older will be able to receive vaccinations at 67 Publix pharmacies in Palm Beach County, two Publix pharmacies in Monroe County, and seven Publix pharmacies in Martin County. Registration will open Jan. 20, and appointments will start Jan. 21.
• January 11: On Sunday, Jan. 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced the state had opened seven new vaccine distribution centers in partnership with local churches and worship centers.

December 2020

• December 3: On Dec. 2, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that nursing home residents would be the first to receive a coronavirus vaccine, followed by healthcare workers and people over 65. DeSantis also said he would not mandate residents get vaccinated.
• December 2: On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced the U.S. Department of Labor had awarded the state a $28 million Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker grant to support Floridians impacted by the pandemic.

November 2020

• November 30: On Wednesday, Nov. 25, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) extended an order preventing local governments from passing COVID-19 restrictions that could put people out of work or close down businesses. The order was originally issued on Sept. 25.

October 2020

• October 23: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) ordered nursing homes and assisted living facilities to allow children to visit residents indoors. His order also allows outdoor visits regardless of a facility’s case count, as long as visitors and residents social distance and wear masks. DeSantis said residents would also be allowed to leave facilities for overnight visits with family.
• October 5: Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade students in the Miami-Dade Public School district returned to classrooms Monday, Oct. 5. Students in higher grades will return to classrooms on Wednesday and Friday. The Miami-Dade Public School district is the largest district in Florida and the fourth largest in the country.
• October 1: On Oct. 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) allowed a statewide moratorium on evictions to expire.

September 2020

• September 25: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced on Sept. 25 that Florida would enter Phase 3 of reopening effective immediately, allowing bars and restaurants to operate at full capacity. The order overrides local ordinances unless cities can justify bar or restaurant closures on health or economic grounds.
• September 23: The Miami-Dade County Public Schools board voted Sept. 22 to return students to in-class instruction. Prekindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and students with special needs will return on Oct. 14. All others will return on Oct. 21. Families can opt for virtual learning. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the fourth largest district in the United States.
• September 14: Bars may reopen at 50% capacity. The state’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation announced the reopening on Sept. 10.
• September 9: On Sept. 8, Palm Beach County entered Phase Two of reopening. Movie theaters, libraries, museums, and indoor entertainment venues were allowed to reopen at reduced capacity.
• September 2: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed an order reopening long-term care facilities to visitors. All visitors will be required to wear a mask and pass a temperature check and screening for coronavirus symptoms.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 28, Florida’s First District Court of Appeals put a hold on Leon County Judge Charles Dodson’s ruling that Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s order requiring schools to open for in-person instruction was unconstitutional.
• August 25: Florida Second Circuit Court Judge Charles Dodson issued a temporary injunction against Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s order requiring schools to open for in-person instruction by the end of August. Dodson said Corcoran's order is “unconstitutional to the extent that it arbitrarily disregards safety, denies local school boards' decision making with respect to reopening brick and mortar schools, and conditions funding on an approved reopening plan with a start date in August.”
• August 20: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said an improvement in coronavirus statistics meant Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties in South Florida could soon move to Phase Two of reopening. The three counties have trailed the rest of the state in reopening.
• August 19: On Aug. 18, the Florida Education Association and attorneys for the state met for court-ordered mediation over reopening schools. The union filed a lawsuit against the state last week seeking to stop the reopening of public schools to in-person instruction.
• August 18: A representative for Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears said there was no clear timeline for when bars and breweries without food licenses would be allowed to serve alcohol for on-premise consumption. Such service has been suspended since June 26.

July 2020

• July 27: On July 25, Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears tweeted that she would meet with breweries and bars across the state to discuss ideas for safely reopening those companies. They have been closed since June 26.
• July 7: On July 6, the Florida Department of Education ordered that all school boards and charter school governing boards must physically open schools for at least five days per week for all students beginning in August.

June 2020

• June 26: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said he is not reconsidering Florida’s reopening plan, but said the state is not ready to proceed to the next phase. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation suspended the consumption of alcohol at bars across the state.
• June 17: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced he would not roll back reopening efforts after the state reached new daily highs in positive tests three times in the last week. DeSantis attributed the increase in positive test results to an increase in the number of tests taken.
• June 11: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced he expects schools to reopen at full capacity in August. The Florida Department of Education released guidance for schools including social distancing guidelines, the conversion of common spaces (such as libraries, gyms, and auditoriums) into classroom areas, and disinfection protocols.
• June 3: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that beginning on June 5 bars may reopen at 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside, with service only for seated patrons. Movie theaters and bowling alleys can reopen at 50% capacity on that day. The new rules apply to all counties except Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.

May 2020

• May 22: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that summer camps and youth activities could open immediately with no additional restrictions.
• May 18: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said theme parks in the state could begin submitting reopening plans for approval. The plans must include a target date for resuming operations and an endorsement from local officials. Disney World and Universal Studios, the largest theme parks in the state, have been closed since mid-March.
• May 11: Palm Beach County was allowed to begin reopening Monday. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) approved the reopening Friday, May 8. On Thursday, May 7, Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner sent a letter asking DeSantis to allow the county to reopen under Phase One of the governor’s reopening plan. Palm Beach was initially left out of the plan alongside Broward and Miami-Dade counties, while the rest of the state moved to Phase One.
• May 4: Gov. Ron Desantis' (R) April 29 executive order allowed restaurants, retail stores, libraries, and museums to open to 25% of their building occupancy under certain guidelines Monday. The order also allowed elective medical procedures under certain conditions. These allowances did not apply to Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties. The stay-at-home order expired Monday. Florida is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 29: Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was expected to hold a press conference Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET to discuss the first phase of reopening the state. Florida’s stay-at-home order is scheduled to expire on Thursday.

Georgia

Most recent five updates

• July 1: On Wednesday, June 30, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 emergency and issued two orders that maintain several provisions of the emergency order, including the suspension of some rules related to remote notarization and remote grand jury proceedings.
• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 23: On Tuesday, June 22, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 emergency through July 1. Kemp said he would not extend the emergency beyond that date.
• June 1: On Friday, May 28, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order eliminating remaining COVID-19 rules on restaurants, bars, conventions, childcare facilities, and live performance venues. Kemp’s order also states that schools cannot use his public health emergency declarations as justification for requiring students to wear face coverings, though his order does not prohibit schools from doing so.
• May 27: On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order prohibiting state agencies from requiring proof of vaccination to access facilities or receive services. The order also says no proof of vaccination will be required to enter Georgia.

July 2021

• July 1: On Wednesday, June 30, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 emergency and issued two orders that maintain several provisions of the emergency order, including the suspension of some rules related to remote notarization and remote grand jury proceedings.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 23: On Tuesday, June 22, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 emergency through July 1. Kemp said he would not extend the emergency beyond that date.
• June 1: On Friday, May 28, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order eliminating remaining COVID-19 rules on restaurants, bars, conventions, childcare facilities, and live performance venues. Kemp’s order also states that schools cannot use his public health emergency declarations as justification for requiring students to wear face coverings, though his order does not prohibit schools from doing so.

May 2021

• May 27: On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order prohibiting state agencies from requiring proof of vaccination to access facilities or receive services. The order also says no proof of vaccination will be required to enter Georgia.
• May 26: On Tuesday, March 25, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order prohibiting state agencies from requiring employees to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status.
• May 24: The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency closed the eight remaining state-run mass vaccination sites on May 21 because of the availability of vaccines at local providers.
• May 13: On Thursday, May 13, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced the state would stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs in June. Kemp did not provide a date, but said it would happen in “mid to late June.”
• May 3: On Friday, April 30, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order removing coronavirus restrictions on most businesses, including bars, movie theaters, and daycare centers. The order encourages people to practice social distancing but, unlike previous orders, does not require it. Live performance venues and graduation ceremonies are no longer required to follow specific rules but must follow general mitigation guidelines that apply to all businesses, such as keeping sick workers home and engaging in enhanced sanitation.

April 2021

• April 27: The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency announced it would close the eight remaining mass vaccination sites on May 21 because of the availability of vaccines at local providers.
• April 7: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) will ease restrictions on businesses and individuals starting April 7. Once the order takes effect, there will no longer be a ban on gatherings or any social distance requirements in businesses like bars, movie theaters, or gyms. Additionally, Kemp’s order prohibits law enforcement from closing businesses and organizations that do not comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the COVID-19 public health state of emergency through April 30. Kemp also eased restrictions on businesses and individuals, effective April 7. Once the order takes effect, there will no longer be a ban on gatherings or any social distance requirements in businesses like bars, movie theaters, or gyms. Additionally, Kemp’s order prohibits law enforcement from closing businesses and organizations that do not comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

March 2021

• March 25: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting Thursday, March 25.
• March 17:
  • The state opened five mass vaccination sites on March 17 in Bartow, Muscogee, Washington, Chatham, and Ware counties.
  • On Tuesday, March 16, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that judges and courtroom staff are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 15:
  • People 55 and older became eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 15. People age 16 and older with high-risk medical conditions, including cancer and diabetes, also became eligible.
  • On Friday, March 12, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions and guidance through March 31. The new order included some modifications, such as combining restaurant and bar requirements to hold both to the same COVID-19 cleaning and mitigation standards.
• March 11: On Wednesday, March 10, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that people 55 and older will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 15. People age 16 and older with high-risk medical conditions, including cancer and diabetes, will also become eligible.
• March 8: Public and private K-12 teachers and staff are eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines starting March 8. Eligibility is also expanding to include preschool and daycare staff, the parents of children with state-defined complex medical conditions, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• March 4: On Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced the state will open five mass vaccination sites beginning March 17 in Bartow, Muscogee, Washington, Chatham, and Ware counties.
• March 1: On Friday, Feb. 26, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued two executive orders. The first extends the state of emergency through April 6, while the second extends restrictions and guidance through March 15.

February 2021

• February 26: On Thursday, Feb. 25, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that public and private K-12 teachers and staff will become eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines March 8. Eligibility will also expand to include preschool and daycare staff, the parents of children with state-defined complex medical conditions, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• February 22: The state is opening four vaccination sites on Monday, Feb. 22. Each site will dispense around 22,000 shots a week.
• February 16: On Monday, Feb. 15, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued a new executive order requiring restaurants and other businesses to ensure their ventilation systems properly increase air circulation and purification. The order also allows individuals to apply to renew their weapons carry license up to 120 days after the expiration date if the license expires during the pandemic.

January 2021

• January 25: On Friday, Jan. 22, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order easing safety requirements for healthcare workers to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Under the new order, nurses, medical assistants, and physician assistants no longer need to be directly supervised to administer the vaccines. Instead, those healthcare workers can be supervised remotely if they have completed the required training. The order also allows nurses whose licenses have expired within the last five years to apply for a temporary permit to administer vaccines.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 21: On Friday, Dec. 18, Gov. Brain Kemp (R) announced the state was directing around $70 million dollars through March 2021 to help hospitals and long-term care facilities care for COVID-19 patients and distribute vaccines.
• December 1: On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the state of emergency through January 8, 2021, and waived restrictions to allow nurses and pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

November 2020

• November 17: On Friday, Nov. 13, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an executive order extending the state’s coronavirus restrictions through the end of the month, including a ban on gatherings of 50 or more people.

October 2020

• October 27: On Oct. 30, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the public health emergency order through Dec. 9 and the COVID-19 emergency order through Nov. 15.
• October 16: On Thursday, Oct. 15, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the executive order outlining the state’s coronavirus restrictions through Oct. 31. The order includes requirements for businesses, including bars and restaurants, and a cap on gatherings larger than 50 people where social distancing can’t be followed.
• October 9: The Georgia Association of Educators, the state’s largest teachers’ union, sued Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and other top officials in a lawsuit to require the state to enforce binding reopening guidance for schools. In its school reopening guidance released in July, the Georgia Department of Education left reopening decisions to local school districts.

September 2020

• September 30: On Sept. 30, Cody Hall, the press secretary for Gov. Brian Kemp (R), announced that the Governor would issue an executive order extending the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Hall did not say if the new order would modify any of the existing restrictions, which were last extended on Sept. 15.
• September 16: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed an executive order creating a three-phase system for reopening nursing homes to in-person visitation. The phases are based on the rate of testing, length of time since a new case, and community spread.

August 2020

• August 27: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said he was considering creating mobile testing units to deploy to schools and colleges across the state. Kemp said stationary testing site use was declining and creating mobile sites would allow the state to use the excess capacity.
• August 17: On Aug. 15, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed an executive order allowing local governments to enact mask mandates. The order prevents local mandates from resulting in fines or penalties against private businesses or organizations and limits penalties against individuals to $50. State policy previously prevented local governments from issuing their own mandates. That policy led to a lawsuit between Kemp and the city of Atlanta. You can read more about that lawsuit here.

July 2020

• July 21: At a press conference, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey requested Georgia residents wear a mask in public or when social distancing inside is not possible. Georgia is one of 20 states with a Republican governor to not have a face mask mandate.
• July 16: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order preventing local governments from issuing mask requirements. The action voided 15 previously implemented local orders in the state.

June 2020

• June 30: Gov. Brain Kemp (R) extended the state’s social distancing rules for businesses and vulnerable residents. Kemp also extended the state’s public health emergency until August 11. The emergency includes a ban on gatherings of up to 50 individuals.
• June 19: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said he would apply for a waiver from Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to forgo standardized testing for the 2020-2021 school year. Georgia used such a waiver to forgo testing during the 2019-2020 school year.
• June 12: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that spectator sports, live performance venues, and conventions could reopen beginning July 1.

May 2020

• May 13: On May 12, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that pools could reopen under social distancing and health guidelines on May 14. He also extended his order closing bars, nightclubs, performance venues, and amusement parks through the end of the month.
• May 1: Gov. Brian Kemp (R) extended the shelter-in-place order for the elderly and other medically fragile groups to June 12. As part of the order, long-term care facilities are also required to use enhanced infection control protocols. The stay-at-home order for all other groups expired April 30. Georgia is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Brian Kemp's (R) April 23 executive order established guidelines allowing certain businesses to reopen. These include: gyms, bowling alleys, body art studios, and businesses run by barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, and massage therapists last Friday and restaurants and movie theaters Monday. Georgia is a Republican trifecta.

Hawaii

Most recent five updates

• July 8: On July 8, restaurant capacity was expanded to 75% and social gathering limits were increased to 25 individuals indoors and 75 individuals outdoors. Gov. David Ige (D) announced on June 7 that these restriction changes would take effect when the state reached a 60% vaccination rate.
• June 25: Gov. David Ige (D) announced fully vaccinated interstate travelers will be able to bypass Hawaii's testing and quarantine requirements starting July 8.
• June 8:
  • Gov. David Ige (D) announced social gathering limits will expand to 25 people indoors and 75 outdoors when 60% of state residents are fully vaccinated. Restaurants will also be able to expand to 75% capacity.
  • Ige said all social gathering and capacity restrictions will end once 70% of state residents are fully vaccinated.
• June 7: Gov. David Ige (D) announced all intercounty travel restrictions will end June 15. On the same day, out-of-state travelers who were fully vaccinated in Hawaii can bypass the quarantine requirements without a negative test.
• May 26: Gov. David Ige (D) ended the outdoor mask requirement for all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated) on May 25. Ige said the indoor mask requirement for all people remains unchanged. Ocean sports competitions are now permitted.

July 2021

• July 8: On July 8, restaurant capacity was expanded to 75% and social gathering limits were increased to 25 individuals indoors and 75 individuals outdoors. Gov. David Ige (D) announced on June 7 that these restriction changes would take effect when the state reached a 60% vaccination rate.

June 2021

• June 25: Gov. David Ige (D) announced fully vaccinated interstate travelers will be able to bypass Hawaii's testing and quarantine requirements starting July 8.
• June 8:
  • Gov. David Ige (D) announced social gathering limits will expand to 25 people indoors and 75 outdoors when 60% of state residents are fully vaccinated. Restaurants will also be able to expand to 75% capacity.
  • Ige said all social gathering and capacity restrictions will end once 70% of state residents are fully vaccinated.
• June 7: Gov. David Ige (D) announced all intercounty travel restrictions will end June 15. On the same day, out-of-state travelers who were fully vaccinated in Hawaii can bypass the quarantine requirements without a negative test.

May 2021

• May 26: Gov. David Ige (D) ended the outdoor mask requirement for all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated) on May 25. Ige said the indoor mask requirement for all people remains unchanged. Ocean sports competitions are now permitted.
• May 24: Gov. David Ige (D) announced the state will reinstate the weekly work search requirement for individuals receiving unemployment benefits effective May 30.
• May 18: The University of Hawaii system will require all students on campus to be vaccinated for the Fall 2021 semester.

April 2021

• April 19: All residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 19.
• April 12:
  • Gov. David Ige (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through June 8. The updated order did not include the Recovery Navigator phases chart. Hawaii has officially remained at the yellow Act With Care level since the framework was released in May 2020. Gov. Ige has allowed counties to set looser or stricter rules with his approval over the last year, depending on county-level data.
  • Oahu residents age 50 and older are eligible for vaccinations starting April 12.

March 2021

• March 29: Residents age 60 and older are eligible for vaccination starting March 29. Previously, people 65 and older were eligible to receive vaccines.
• March 15: Everyone in Phase 1-C of vaccine distribution is eligible for vaccination starting March 15, including anyone age 65 and older, essential workers, and people with state-defined, high-risk underlying conditions. Currently, people 70 and older are eligible.
• March 8: Residents age 70 and older are eligible for vaccinations starting March 8. Previously, people 75 and older were eligible for vaccinations.

February 2021

• February 22: State Health Director Elizabeth Char announced people age 70 and older will soon become eligible for vaccination under Phase 1b. Char did not provide a specific date for the expansion but said the state will share details when vaccination sites are ready to accept registrants. Currently, individuals age 75 and older are eligible to schedule appointments.

December 2020

• December 17: Gov. David Ige (D) issued an executive order reducing the required self-isolation period for untested out-of-state and inter-island travelers from 14 days to 10 days, effective Dec. 17.
• December 10: Gov. David Ige (D) announced the state is predicting a $1.4 billion shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ige said state employees will be furloughed for two days every month, starting Jan. 1, 2021.. The furlough will affect 10,160 executive-branch employees. It will not apply to roughly 4,600 first responders, medical personnel, or other positions that support 24/7 functions.
• December 2: Starting Dec. 2, all intercounty and out-of-state travelers arriving in Kaua‘i have to self-quarantine for 14 days regardless of whether they submit a negative test result.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. David Ige (D) announced Kaua‘i will be allowed to opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program in favor of stricter rules. Starting Dec. 2, all intercounty and out-of-state travelers arriving in Kaua‘i will have to self-quarantine for 14 days regardless of a negative test result.
• November 20: Gov. David Ige (D) updated the state’s pre-travel testing requirements. Under the new rules, out-of-state travelers must present proof of a negative coronavirus test on arrival to avoid the state’s 14-day self-quarantine requirement. Travelers can no longer submit test results after they arrive.
• November 17: Gov. David Ige (D) issued a mask order extending the state’s requirements. Under the new rules, masks are required in all public settings except outdoors while social distancing can be maintained. The order also requires businesses to deny service to people who refuse to wear a face covering. Businesses that do not enforce the rules are subject to fines and closures.

October 2020

• October 21: The Department of Health released updated guidance for school reopenings. The changes could allow blended learning or full-time, in-person instruction on every island in the state, based on the last two weeks of data.
• October 19: Gov. David Ige (D) released a list of eight organizations that will be able to administer the coronavirus tests required for interisland travelers to avoid the 14-day mandatory self-quarantine.
• October 15: Starting Oct. 15, travelers to the state can present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival and avoid the 14-day self-quarantine requirement. The tests need to have been taken within 72 hours of when travelers arrive on the islands. Gov. David Ige (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency through Nov. 30.

September 2020

• September 25: Gov. David Ige (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency through Oct. 31.
• September 18: Gov. David Ige (D) announced that beginning Oct. 15, travelers can present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival and avoid the 14-day quarantine requirement. The tests will need to have been taken within 72 hours before travelers arrive in the islands.

August 2020

• August 27: Gov. David Ige (D) approved Oahu Mayor Kirk Calwell’s order reimplementing a stay-at-home order in the county for two weeks, effective Aug. 27. Individuals can only leave their homes to conduct certain essential activities.
• August 21: Gov. David Ige (D) signed an executive order extending the state’s coronavirus emergency period through Sept. 30.
• August 19: Gov. David Ige (D) announced he is extending the 14-day self-quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers through Oct. 1. Previously, a new program was scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1 that would have allowed visitors to avoid the state's restrictions by presenting a negative coronavirus test. That program will not start before Oct. 1.
• August 14: Gov. David Ige (D) announced he is considering issuing a new stay-at-home order and delaying the reopening of trans-Pacific tourism. The resumption of tourism was set to coincide with the launch of a pre-travel testing program on Sept. 1.
• August 7: Gov. David Ige (D) announced that public schools would begin the school year with four weeks of online learning. The school year is scheduled to begin Aug. 17.
• August 7: Gov. David Ige (D) announced inter-island travel restrictions, effective Aug. 11. Individuals traveling to the counties of Kaua’i, Hawai’i, Maui, and Kalawao must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
• August 6: The Hawaii High School Athletic Association voted to postpone moderate- and high-risk fall sports to January 2021. The change affects cheerleading, cross country, football, and girls volleyball.

July 2020

• July 31: The State Board of Education voted to delay the start of the public school year until Aug. 17. Oahu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued an executive order closing bars in the county, effective immediately.
• July 14: Gov. David Ige (D) announced he was extending the quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers through Sept. 1. Previously, Ige had said a new program would take effect Aug. 1 that would allow visitors to avoid the quarantine requirement by presenting a negative coronavirus test. The program will not start before Sept. 1.

June 2020

• June 30: The Department of Education announced public schools would begin reopening starting August 4.
• June 16: Self-quarantine requirements are being lifted for inter-island travelers on June 16. Travelers will need to fill out a mandatory Travel and Health Form.
• June 11: Gov. David Ige (D) extended the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine period for those traveling to Hawaii from out-of-state through July 31. Beginning June 16, self-quarantine requirements will be lifted for inter-island travelers.
• June 9: Gov. David Ige (D) announced that passive beach activities (such as sunbathing) are now allowed at all state park beaches. Ige also said camping and lodging at state parks would begin reopening in phases, in compliance with local orders.
• June 5: Gov. David Ige (D) announced Honolulu County will be able to start reopening businesses like bars, bowling alleys, and movie theaters starting on June 19.
• June 4: The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that boating and ocean recreation restrictions were relaxed statewide on June 3. Commercial and recreational boats can now carry up to 10 people at once and businesses like surf schools and kayak rental companies can resume operations with restrictions.
• June 2: Gov. David Ige (D) announced the 14-day self-quarantine requirement for inter-island travelers will be lifted starting June 16. Restrictions on out-of-state travel will remain in effect.
• June 1: The state entered the Act with Care phase of reopening. On June 1, Hawaii and Maui counties are opening personal care services (like salons and barbershops) and dine-in services at restaurants. Hawaii County also began opening places of worship. The state's stay-at-home order expired on May 31, making it the 31st state to end a stay-at-home order (along with others that ended on May 31).

May 2020

• May 26: O‘ahu, Maui, and Kaua‘i counties announced plans to allow medium-risk businesses and activities to resume under state guidelines. Kaua‘i provided for the immediate reopening of pools, religious services, outdoor tours, salons, barbershops, cleaning and construction work, and one-on-one personal services (such as fitness classes, tutoring, and music lessons). O‘ahu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that religious services would be able to resume on May 23 and restaurants will open for dine-in on June 5. DIne-in services will also resume in Maui starting June 5.
• May 19: Gov. David Ige announced a phased reopening outline for Hawaii on May 18. According to the plan, the state will begin reopening medium-risk businesses and activities in June, including in-person religious services, indoor exercise facilities, museums, theaters, personal services, and dine-in at restaurants. No specific dates were set for each industry. Ige also extended the state’s travel restrictions through June 30, which require visitors from outside the state and inter-island travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Idaho

Most recent five updates

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Brad Little (R) made the announcement May 11.
• May 28: On May 28, Gov. Brad Little (R) repealed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s (R) executive order banning government entities, including schools, from requiring masks. McGeachin, who was serving as acting governor while Little was out of state at the Republican Governors Association conference, issued the order without informing Little beforehand. Little did not issue a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic. McGeachin has said she intends to run for governor in 2022.
• May 12:
  • Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning June 19.
  • Idaho entered Stage 4 of reopening May 11. The stage lifts all suggestions on gathering sizes. It also ends seating-only restrictions for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. To read the full guidance, click here.
• April 19: Gov. Brad Little (R) vetoed House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136, which limit executive emergency powers. The bills would allow governors to issue restrictions through a disaster declaration for up to 60 days. After 60 days, governors would have to get legislative approval to extend disaster emergency restrictions. Governors could still extend emergency declarations beyond 60 days to secure federal government funds, even if the legislature rejects restrictions accompanying an order. Both bills passed the state House and Senate with more than the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto. Every Democrat in both chambers voted against the bills, except for two who abstained from the vote on HB 135. Republicans have a 58-12 majority in the House and a 28-7 majority in the Senate.
• April 8: Gov. Brad Little (R) signed an executive order prohibiting any state government entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccination proof for citizens to access public services or facilities.

June 2021

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Brad Little (R) made the announcement May 11.

May 2021

• May 28: On May 28, Gov. Brad Little (R) repealed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s (R) executive order banning government entities, including schools, from requiring masks. McGeachin, who was serving as acting governor while Little was out of state at the Republican Governors Association conference, issued the order without informing Little beforehand. Little did not issue a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic. McGeachin has said she intends to run for governor in 2022.
• May 12:
  • Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning June 19.
  • Idaho entered Stage 4 of reopening May 11. The stage lifts all suggestions on gathering sizes. It also ends seating-only restrictions for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. To read the full guidance, click here.

April 2021

• April 19: Gov. Brad Little (R) vetoed House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136, which limit executive emergency powers. The bills would allow governors to issue restrictions through a disaster declaration for up to 60 days. After 60 days, governors would have to get legislative approval to extend disaster emergency restrictions. Governors could still extend emergency declarations beyond 60 days to secure federal government funds, even if the legislature rejects restrictions accompanying an order. Both bills passed the state House and Senate with more than the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto. Every Democrat in both chambers voted against the bills, except for two who abstained from the vote on HB 135. Republicans have a 58-12 majority in the House and a 28-7 majority in the Senate.
• April 8: Gov. Brad Little (R) signed an executive order prohibiting any state government entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccination proof for citizens to access public services or facilities.
• April 6: All residents 16 and older became eligible for vaccination on April 5.

March 2021

• March 25: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 5. People with underlying health conditions will be eligible starting March 29. Currently, residents 45 and older, people in congregate settings, and state-defined frontline essential workers can get vaccinated.
• March 8: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state’s pre-registration website for vaccines. The site lets residents join a waitlist regardless of when they are eligible for vaccination in the state’s distribution plan. An enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider will contact individuals in the system when they become eligible for appointments and the provider has appointments available. Click here to sign up.

February 2021

• February 3: Gov. Brad Little (R) signed an order moving the state to Stage 3 of reopening on Feb. 2. The order increased the limit on gatherings from 10 people to 50 people or less. Religious and political gatherings are exempt from the limit but must maintain social distancing. Previously, Idaho was in Stage 2 since Nov. 13.
• February 1: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced a new vaccine distribution website outlining current and upcoming eligibility.

January 2021

• January 13: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state is starting its next phase of vaccine distribution. Little said teachers, school staff, and first responders would be prioritized between Jan. 13-31. The first phase included frontline healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents. Individuals age 65 and older will be able to access the vaccine starting February 1.

November 2020

• November 17: Gov. Brad Little (R) moved the state backward in reopening from Stage 3 to modified Stage 2. Under the new rules, indoor and outdoor gatherings larger than 10 people are prohibited. Religious and political gatherings are exempt from the limit but must maintain social distancing.

October 2020

• October 30: Gov. Brad Little (R) moved the state backward in the reopening plan from Phase 4 to Phase 3, which limits indoor gatherings to 50 people and indoor gatherings to 25% of a venue’s capacity. The order also includes a mask mandate for long-term care facilities. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will only be able to serve seated customers.
• October 15: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will remain in Phase Four for at least two more weeks. Idaho entered Phase Four on June 13.
• October 1: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will remain in Phase Four for at least two more weeks. Idaho entered Phase Four on June 13.

September 2020

• September 18: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will remain in Phase Four for at least two more weeks. Idaho entered Phase Four on June 13.
• September 3: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will remain in Phase Four for at least two more weeks. Idaho entered Phase Four on June 13.

August 2020

• August 26: The state House of Representatives passed a resolution that would end Gov. Brad Little’s (R) coronavirus emergency declaration if it becomes law. The resolution passed the House by a 48-20 margin.
• August 21: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will remain in Phase Four for at least two more weeks. Idaho entered Phase Four on June 13.
• August 18: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state accepted President Donald Trump’s (R) partial extension of unemployment benefits. Individuals receiving at least $100 of weekly unemployment from the state and are unemployed because of the coronavirus will be eligible to receive an additional $300 per week from the federal government. The payments will be retroactive to Aug. 1.
• August 7: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced that the state would remain in Phase Four for at least two more weeks. Idaho entered Phase Four on June 13.

July 2020

• July 23: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will remain in Phase 4 of reopening for at least two more weeks.
• July 10: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced a reopening plan for schools. Guidelines include encouraging face coverings for students and faculty, teaching hygiene, and complying with regular cleaning and disinfecting protocols. It also recommends schools be prepared to teach students in-person, with a hybrid schedule, and completely online. Little also announced Idaho would remain in Phase 4 of reopening for at least two more weeks.

June 2020

• June 26: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced Idaho would stay in Phase 4 for at least two more weeks, saying the state did not meet the metrics necessary to finish reopening.
• June 17: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the formation of the Public Schools Reopening Committee to create a plan for schools to resume operations in the fall.
• June 15: Idaho moved into the fourth phase of reopening on June 13. Phase Four permits all businesses to open, including nightclubs and large sporting venues. It also allows gatherings of more than 50 people. Visits to jails and nursing homes can resume.
• June 1: The state moved into its third phase of reopening on May 30. Phase Three allows non-essential travel and gatherings of up to 50 people. Businesses like bars and movie theaters can reopen. Larger venues like nightclubs and stadiums remain closed.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Brad Little (R) announced the state will enter the first stage of a four-stage reopening plan Friday. Stage one allows daycares, organized youth activities, and places of worship (if they adhere to distancing, sanitation protocols, and CDC guidance) to reopen or resume. The state will move on to subsequent stages if there is no significant increase in new cases and if public health benchmarks are met. Idaho is a Republican trifecta.

Illinois

Most recent five updates

• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced masks would be required in all Illinois public schools for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
• July 29: On July 27, the Illinois Department of Public Health adopted recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• July 13: On July 9, state Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala issued a declaration requiring in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. Remote instruction will be available to students who are unable to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• July 8: On July 7, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announcedvaccination incentives for frontline state employees. Employees who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can enter a lottery to win cash bonuses, airline vouchers, sports tickets, lifetime fishing and hunting licenses, and passes to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and the State Fair.
• June 18: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced the All in for the Win vaccination incentive program. All residents with at least one dose of a vaccine are automatically entered to win drawings for 43 cash prizes, including three $1 million jackpots and 20 scholarship awards. The drawings will take place between July 8 and Aug. 26. For more information, click here.

August 2021

• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced masks would be required in all Illinois public schools for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

July 2021

• July 29: On July 27, the Illinois Department of Public Health adopted recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• July 13: On July 9, state Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala issued a declaration requiring in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. Remote instruction will be available to students who are unable to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• July 8: On July 7, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announcedvaccination incentives for frontline state employees. Employees who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can enter a lottery to win cash bonuses, airline vouchers, sports tickets, lifetime fishing and hunting licenses, and passes to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and the State Fair.

June 2021

• June 18: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced the All in for the Win vaccination incentive program. All residents with at least one dose of a vaccine are automatically entered to win drawings for 43 cash prizes, including three $1 million jackpots and 20 scholarship awards. The drawings will take place between July 8 and Aug. 26. For more information, click here.
• June 11: The state is entering Phase 5 of reopening June 11. The statewide mask requirement is ending, and all remaining businesses and events can expand to full capacity.
• June 7: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced Phase 5reopening guidance, effective June 11. On that day, the statewide mask requirement will end, and large events and gatherings can expand to full capacity.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed a law allowing businesses that serve alcohol to provide a free drink to patrons with proof of vaccination. The law also extends pickup and delivery allowances for businesses selling cocktails.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said the state was scheduled to move to Phase 5 coronavirus restrictions on June 11. Phase 5 would allow for large gatherings of all sizes to resume and remove capacity restrictions for businesses, schools, and recreation.

May 2021

• May 18: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed an executive order exempting fully vaccinated individuals from most indoor mask requirements.
• May 14:
  • The state is moving to the Bridge Phase of reopening on May 14. To see changes to business restrictions in the Bridge Phase, click here.
  • Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced he would amend the state’s mask requirements to align with the CDC’s guidance. Pritzker did not say when he would update the order.
  • Pritzker also announced a partnership with Six Flags to give free tickets to residents who get vaccinated.
• May 7: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced the state will move to the Bridge Phase of reopening on May 14. To see changes to business restrictions in the Bridge Phase, click here.

April 2021

• April 12: All residents age 16 and older are eligible for vaccinations starting April 12. Previously, everyone 65 and older was eligible for vaccination.

March 2021

• March 19: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced all residents age 16 and older will be eligible for vaccinations starting April 12. Pritzker also announced the Bridge Phase between Phase 4 and Phase 5 of reopening. The state can start the phase once 70% of residents age 65 and older receive at least one vaccine dose, ICU rates remain below a certain level, and hospitalizations, deaths, and cases are steady or decline over a 28-day period. To learn more about the Bridge Phase, click here.
• March 15: School teachers and staff became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine Monday, March 15.
• March 4: Residents age 65 and older can start scheduling appointments to receive vaccinations at the United Center federal vaccination site on March 4. Other people in Phase 1b, including anyone with high-risk conditions and some frontline essential workers, will be able to schedule appointments starting March 7. The site will start administering vaccinations on March 10.
• March 1: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced a federal vaccination site will open at United Center starting March 10. The site will be able to administer up to 6,000 vaccines a day.

February 2021

• February 25: People ages 16 and older with state-defined high-risk conditions are eligible for vaccinations starting Feb. 25. The state’s list of qualifying conditions includes cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
• February 11: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced people age 16 and older with state-defined high-risk conditions will be eligible for vaccinations starting Feb. 25. The state’s list of qualifying conditions includes cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
• February 4: On Feb. 2, Region 4 (Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington counties) moved out of Tier 1 mitigation into regular Phase 4.
• February 3: On Feb. 2, Region 10 (Cook County suburbs) moved out of Tier 1 mitigation into regular Phase 4.
• February 2: On Feb. 1, Region 7 (Kankakee and Will counties) moved out of Tier 1 mitigation into regular Phase 4.
• February 1: On Jan. 31, Region 11 (the city of Chicago) moved out of Tier 1 mitigation into regular Phase 4.

January 2021

• January 27: Regions 8 and 9 moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 (least restrictive) mitigation on Jan. 26. Region 4 (including Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington counties) is the only part of the state that still has Tier 2 restrictions.
• January 26: On Jan. 25, regions 1 and 2 moved out of Tier 1 mitigation into regular Phase 4.
• January 25:
  • On Jan. 22, regions 10 and 11 moved to Tier 1 (least restrictive) mitigation, and Region 4 moved to Tier 2. Every region has moved out of Tier 3 (most restrictive) mitigation.
  • Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Phase 1B of vaccine distribution begins Jan. 25. The phase includes individuals age 65 and older and frontline essential workers.
• January 22: The Department of Health announced Region 6 is no longer under Tier 1 mitigation restrictions and is now in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. Region 7 moved from Tier 3 (most restrictive) to Tier 1 (least restrictive) mitigation, which allows limited indoor dining at bars and restaurants. Region 4 is the only of the state’s 11 regions that is still in Tier 3 mitigation.
• January 19: The Department of Health adjusted the state’s mitigation metrics to reflect additional hospital staff and capacity. The change allowed regions 8, 9, 10, and 11 to begin operating under Tier 2 mitigation restrictions. Regions 1, 2, and 6 were allowed to move to Tier 1 (the least restrictive mitigation level), and regions 3 and 5 were allowed to resume Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan with no additional mitigation measures. Before the adjustment, the entire state was under Tier 3 (most restrictive) mitigation since November 20, 2020. For more information on what activities are permitted in each mitigation tier, click here.
• January 12: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Feb. 6.
• January 7: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan will include individuals 65 years of age and older, non-medical essential frontline workers (including first responders, school staff, and grocery store workers), and inmates. The press release did not include a target date for Phase 1B to begin.

November 2020

• November 18: Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced additional statewide mitigation measures, effective Nov. 20. Restaurants and bars will not be able to offer indoor service, casinos and museums will be required to close, and gyms will have to cease indoor group classes. Retailers will have to reduce capacity from 50% to 25%.
• November 12: Additional mitigation measures for regions 5, 7, and 8 took effect Nov. 11. Indoor and outdoor social events and gatherings are limited to 10 people. Party size limits at bars and restaurants were reduced from 10 people to six.
• November 6: The state implemented mitigation policies in Region 2 starting Nov. 4. Bars and restaurants cannot offer indoor service, and outdoor service has to close by 11 p.m. every night. Gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25 people or 25% of a room's capacity. All 11 of the state’s regions now have mitigation restrictions in effect.

October 2020

• October 20: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced mitigation policies will be implemented in Region 5, starting Oct. 22. Bars and restaurants will not be able to offer indoor service, and outdoor service will have to close by 11 p.m. every night. Gatherings will be limited to the lesser of 25 people or 25% of a room's capacity.
• October 16: The Illinois Department of Public Health added eight more counties to the state’s warning level classification, bringing the total number of warning-level counties to 34. The state uses the classification system to identify counties that may need additional mitigation measures.
• October 9: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced Region 4 (the Metro East region) is returning to Phase 4 of reopening at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9. The region had rolled back reopening on Aug. 18 due to increased coronavirus case numbers. The Illinois Department of Public Health also removed two counties from the state’s warning level classification, bringing the total number of warning-level counties to 26.
• October 2: The Illinois Department of Public Health added 11 more counties to the state’s warning level classification, bringing the total number of warning-level counties to 28. The state uses the classification system to identify counties that may need additional mitigation measures.

September 2020

• September 30: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced additional mitigation measures will be into effect in Region 1 (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago counties) starting Oct. 3. Under the new restrictions, bars and restaurants will not be able to offer indoor service and gatherings will be limited to 25 people.
• September 18: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced Region 7 (Will and Kankakee counties) can resume indoor dining at bars and restaurants starting on Sept. 18. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 24 counties are still at the state’s warning level for coronavirus infections.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced the Department of Health added 10 more counties to the state’s warning level classification, bringing the total number of warning-level counties to 30. The state uses the classification system to identify counties that might need additional mitigation measures.
• August 26: New restrictions are taking effect for Region 7 (Will and Kankakee counties) on Aug. 26. As part of the new restrictions, bars and restaurants cannot offer indoor dining, social events and gatherings are limited to 25 people or 25% of a room’s capacity (whichever is less), and casinos have to close no later than 11 p.m. each night. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) also announced an additional statewide order requiring restaurant and bar patrons to wear a mask anytime they interact with a server, including whenever beverages or food are brought to a table. The rule is also effective August 26.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced guidance for youth and adult recreational sports.
• July 15: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced new criteria the state will use to determine if additional mitigation measures are necessary in a region. The indicators include a sustained increase in the 7-day rolling positivity rate average or an 8% or greater positivity rate sustained over three consecutive days.
• July 7: The Department of Public Health approved Illinois High School Association guidelines for school sporting events.

June 2020

• June 26: The state is moving into the fourth phase of reopening on June 26. Phase 4 allows gatherings of up to 50 people. Indoor recreation venues (like bowling alleys and theaters), indoor dining services, and outdoor spectator sports facilities can reopen with limits.
• June 22: Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the state was on track to enter the fourth phase of reopening starting June 26. Phase 4 will allow gatherings of up to 50 people. Indoor recreation venues (like bowling alleys and theaters), indoor dining services, and outdoor spectator sports facilities will be able to reopen with limits.
• June 17: On June 16, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed SB 863 and HB2238 into law, requiring local election officials to deliver vote-by-mail applications to all voters who cast ballots in the 2018 general election, the 2019 consolidated election, or the 2020 primary election. The legislation also expanded early voting hours at permanent polling places and authorized curbside voting. The law's provisions are set to apply to the Nov. 3 general election.
• June 5: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced public and private summer school programs could begin reopening on June 4. State officials also said community-based coronavirus testing sites would begin opening to everyone, regardless of symptoms.

May 2020

• May 29: The state's stay-at-home order expired on May 29, making it the 30th state to end a stay-at-home order. Illinois also started the third phase of its reopening plan, which allows non-essential retailers and manufacturers to begin reopening. Restaurants can also reopen for outdoor dining and gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed.
• May 26: State officials released a toolkit and restrictions for businesses reopening in the third phase of the Restore Illinois plan. Phase Three is expected to begin on May 29.
• May 21: Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced additional guidance for Phase Three of the state’s reopening plan. He said restaurants will be able to offer limited outdoor seating, campgrounds and state parks will be allowed to open, and golfers will be allowed to play in groups of up to four. Other outdoor recreational activities like paintball will be permitted to resume operations with distancing and gathering limits. On May 19, Pritzker said the state was on track to enter Phase Three starting May 29.
• May 18: Gov. J.B. Pritzker filed an emergency rule on Friday, May 15 that allows business owners who violate the state’s stay-at-home order to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
• May 6: Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) released his Restore Illinois plan. The plan has five phases and splits the state’s 11 existing Emergency Medical Services Regions into four reopening regions. The regions may reopen independently of one another. All regions are currently in Phase Two, which allows for retail curbside pickup and delivery as well as outdoor activities such as golf, boating, and fishing. Phase Three will allow manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops, and salons to reopen with capacity limits, along with gatherings of fewer than 10 people. The plan does not give a timeline for advancing through the phases.

Indiana

Most recent five updates

• August 3: On Friday, July 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency through Aug. 31.
• July 20: On Monday, July 19, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana Judge Damon Leichty upheld the University of Indiana's vaccination requirement for the fall semester. Eight students sued the University, arguing the requirement to get a COVID-19 vaccine violated their 14th Amendment rights. According to the University policy, students who don’t get vaccinated “can see their class registration cancelled, CrimsonCard access terminated, access to IU systems (Canvas, email, etc.) terminated, and will not be allowed to participate in any on-campus activity.”
• July 13: On Monday, July 12, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled the state must comply with Superior Court Judge John Hanley’s June 25 emergency order to resume participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) ended the state’s participation in those programs on June 19.
• July 1: On Wednesday, June 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 emergency through July 30.
• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Marion Superior Court Judge John Haley temporarily halted Gov. Eric Holcomb’s (R) decision to end the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs. Holcomb announced in May the state would stop participating in the programs on June 19, prompting a lawsuit that argued Indiana law requires the state to participate in federal unemployment insurance programs. Holcomb said he would discuss appealing Haley’s ruling with state Attorney General Todd Rokita (R).

August 2021

• August 3: On Friday, July 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency through Aug. 31.

July 2021

• July 20: On Monday, July 19, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana Judge Damon Leichty upheld the University of Indiana's vaccination requirement for the fall semester. Eight students sued the University, arguing the requirement to get a COVID-19 vaccine violated their 14th Amendment rights. According to the University policy, students who don’t get vaccinated “can see their class registration cancelled, CrimsonCard access terminated, access to IU systems (Canvas, email, etc.) terminated, and will not be allowed to participate in any on-campus activity.”
• July 13: On Monday, July 12, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled the state must comply with Superior Court Judge John Hanley’s June 25 emergency order to resume participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) ended the state’s participation in those programs on June 19.
• July 1: On Wednesday, June 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 emergency through July 30.

June 2021

• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Marion Superior Court Judge John Haley temporarily halted Gov. Eric Holcomb’s (R) decision to end the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs. Holcomb announced in May the state would stop participating in the programs on June 19, prompting a lawsuit that argued Indiana law requires the state to participate in federal unemployment insurance programs. Holcomb said he would discuss appealing Haley’s ruling with state Attorney General Todd Rokita (R).
• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) made the announcement May 17.

May 2021

May 27: On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced state employees will be required to return to the office by July 6. Holcomb said agency heads and supervisors will return June 7, while other employees should spend at least 50% of their time in the office by June 21.

• May 17: On May 17, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced the state will end its participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 19.
• May 12: On Tuesday, May 11, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) issued an order reinstating the requirement that people on unemployment insurance submit weekly reports showing they’ve been actively looking for work. The requirement takes effect June 1. Holcomb waived the job search requirement at the start of the pandemic.
• May 10: On Friday, May 7, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced he would issue an order requiring people receiving state unemployment benefits to once again provide proof they are actively seeking work. Holcomb waived the work requirement in March 2020.
• May 5: On Tuesday, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) vetoedSenate Bill 5, which would require county commissioners or city councils to approve local public health orders that impose additional restrictions to health orders issued by the governor. The House and Senate passed the bill 65-29 and 37-12, respectively, on April 21. The legislature can override Holcomb’s veto with a majority vote in both chambers.
• May 3: On Friday, April 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the coronavirus emergency through May 31.

April 2021

• April 30: On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency through May 31.
• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) filed a lawsuit asking a judge to block House Bill 1123, which allows the legislature to call a special session during an emergency. Holcomb vetoed the bill on April 12, arguing the Indiana Constitution permits only the governor to call a special legislative session, but both chambers of the legislature voted successfully on April 16 to override the veto. Holcomb named Sen. Rodric Bray (R), the president pro tempore of the Indiana State Senate, and Rep. Huston (R), the speaker of the house, as defendants in the lawsuit.
• April 23: On Thursday, April 22, the legislature passedHouse Bill 1405, which includes language prohibiting state and local government agencies from requiring anyone, including employees, to show proof of vaccination. The bill does not prohibit agencies from keeping immunization records and does not apply to private companies or public schools. The House passed the bill 88-10, while the Senate passed it 48-1. It now goes to Gov. Eric Holcomb (R).
• April 16: On Thursday, April 15, the Indiana Senate voted 36-8 to override Gov. Eric Holcomb’s (R) veto of House Bill 1123, hours after the House voted 59-26 to do the same. The bill now becomes law. House Bill 1123 allows the legislature to call a special session during an emergency. Holcomb said he vetoed the bill because the Indiana Constitution gives the governor the sole authority to convene special sessions of the legislature
• April 15: On Thursday, April 15, the Indiana House of Representatives voted 59-26 to override Gov. Eric Holcomb’s (R) veto of House Bill 1123. The bill would allow the legislature to call a special session during a state of emergency. Holcomb vetoed the bill on April 9, saying the Indiana Constitution gives the governor the sole authority to convene a special session. The House first passed the bill 64-33 on April 5, and the Senate passed it 37-10 the same day. It now goes to the Senate for a veto override vote.
• April 12: On Friday, April 9, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) vetoed House Bill 1123, which would allow the legislature to call a special session during a state of emergency. Holcomb said he vetoed the bill because the Indiana Constitution gives the governor the sole authority to convene special sessions. The House passed the bill 64-33 on April 5, and the Senate passed the bill 37-10 the same day. The legislature can override Holcomb’s veto with simple majorities in both chambers.
• April 9: On Thursday, April 8, the Indiana state Senate voted 36-10 to pass Senate Bill 263, which says “The state, a political subdivision, or an officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision may not restrict the right of the people to worship or to worship in person during a disaster emergency.” The bill does allow governments to require houses of worship to comply with generally applicable laws that are no more restrictive than those other organizations and businesses are required to follow. Senate Bill 263 passed the House 74-20 on April 6 and now goes to Gov. Eric Holcolmb (R) to sign or veto.
• April 6: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) ended the statewide mask mandate on April 6. Holcomb said local officials could still enact stricter restrictions, and masks will still be required in schools.

March 2021

• March 31: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 31.
• March 29: Effective March 29, residents 30 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 24:
  • On Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that all residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 31.
  • On Tuesday, March 23, Holcomb also announced he would end the statewide mask mandate and restrictions on businesses on April 6. He said local officials could still enact stricter restrictions, and masks will still be required in schools.
• March 22: On Saturday, March 20, the Indiana State Department of Health announced that residents 40 and older can receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 22.
• March 4: On Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that residents 50 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 2: The state Department of Health announced Tuesday, March 2, that people age 55 and older are now eligible to get coronavirus vaccines.

February 2021

• February 25: On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended an executive order that ties coronavirus restrictions to county-level COVID-19 spread. The order is set to expire Feb. 28 and will be extended 30 days. Holcomb also said he would extend the coronavirus public health emergency, which is set to expire Feb. 29, an additional 30 days.
• February 23: On Tuesday, Feb. 23, residents aged 60 and above became eligible for a coronavirus vaccine.
• February 19: On Thursday, Feb. 18, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed a bill making it harder for individuals to sue businesses, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes for exposing them to COVID-19. Under the law, individuals who think they were exposed to COVID-19 at one of these locations must provide evidence of “gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.”
• February 11: On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Chief Medical Officer Lindsay Weaver announced that residents aged 60 to 65 would be next in line for vaccination, though she did not specify when that group would become eligible.
• February 10: On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the state House voted 69-27 to prohibit the governor from placing restrictions on houses of worship during states of emergency. Republicans hold a 71-29 majority in the chamber, and three voted against the bill. Four Democrats sided with Republicans to vote in favor of it. The bill would also prohibit local health authorities from imposing regulations that exceed those established by the state unless approved by local elected officials. The Senate will next take up the bill.
• February 8: New quarantine rules for schools take effect Feb. 8. The new rules allow teachers and students exposed to someone with the virus to forgo a 14-day quarantine if they were at least three feet apart and wore a face covering.
• February 2: On Feb. 1, people 65 and older became eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccines. The state will next expand eligibility to people 60 to 64, though it has not said when that will happen.

January 2021

• January 29: On Thursday, Jan. 28, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the coronavirus public health emergency an additional 30 days.
• January 28: On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced he would issue an order changing statewide gathering limits. Instead of being based on an absolute number, gathering limits in counties designated red and orange will be limited to 25% of each building’s capacity, while the limit in yellow counties will be 50%. Buildings in blue counties will not have a gathering limit. Holcomb said the order would be in effect between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28.
• January 25: On Friday, Jan. 22, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended current coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 31. Restrictions include mask requirements and capacity limits at recreational, collegiate, and professional sporting events.
• January 14: On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that people age 70 and older can now register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, vaccines were reserved for those 80 and older.
• January 7: On Wednesday, Jan. 6, the Department of Health added 10 counties to the red category of its county infection map, bringing the total number of counties in the highest risk category of COVID-19 spread to 57. Red indicates that the 7-day positivity rate for tests is 15% or greater and that weekly coronavirus cases are growing at 200 or more new cases per 100,000 residents. The remaining 35 counties are classified as yellow, the next highest risk classification.
• January 6: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) is lifting the Dec. 16 ban on non-emergency, elective surgeries on Jan. 6.
• January 4: On Thursday, Dec. 31, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the coronavirus public health emergency another 30 days.

December 2020

• December 30: On Dec. 23, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended an order that temporarily allows healthcare students and out-of-state healthcare professionals to work in Indiana without a state license.
• December 14: On Friday, Dec. 11, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) directed hospitals to postpone non-urgent surgeries to free up space for patients dealing with COVID-19 beginning Wednesday, Dec. 16.
• December 10: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced hospitals must postpone non-emergency elective procedures for three weeks. Holcomb also said new limits on gatherings will begin this weekend based on the state’s color-coded, county-level map of COVID-19 spread. Counties classified as “red,” with the highest level of spread, will be limited to gatherings no larger than 25 people. Counties classified as “orange,” “yellow,” and “blue,” will face limits on gatherings of 50, 100, and 250, respectively.
• December 2: On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an executive order extending the public health emergency related to the coronavirus through the end of December.

November 2020

• November 17: On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that county-level coronavirus restrictions would go into effect on Nov. 15. For counties in the state’s orange level of concern, gatherings are limited to 50 people, and large events need the approval of the local health department. Gatherings in counties classified as “red” are limited to 25 people.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced an extension of the state’s mask mandate for “the foreseeable future.” Holcomb also said the state would remain in Stage 5 of its reopening plan.
• October 14: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that the state would stay in Stage 5 of reopening for another month and that the statewide mask mandate would continue.
• October 1: On Sept. 30, Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an executive order extending a rule allowing medical professionals whose licenses have expired, or those who are licensed in other states, to get temporary medical licenses to practice in Indiana.

September 2020

• September 23: On Sept. 23, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that Indiana would enter the last stage of reopening, called Stage 5, on Sept. 26. Holcolmb said that the state would announce updated guidelines for Stage 5 on Thursday. Previously, Stage 5 allowed for most types of businesses to operate without restrictions, including restaurants, bars, malls, gyms, and amusement parks. When the state enters Stage 5, masks will still be required in public areas.
• September 2: The state Board of Education voted to update the definition of “virtual student” for use in the state’s school funding formula. As a result, students who opt for virtual learning during the pandemic will still count in a school’s funding formula.

August 2020

• August 28: Secretary of State Connie Lawson (R) announced the Nov. 3 general election would proceed without modifications to the voting process. “First, I want to make it clear that we are going forward with a normal election process here in Indiana. We will not be making changes like we did in the primary, since the stay-at-home order has been lifted,” she said.
• August 27: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced the state would remain in Phase 4.5 of its reopening plan and extended the statewide mask mandate for another 30 days.
• August 19: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that the state applied for federal unemployment relief funds through the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. Holcomb said that the state would not provide any additional funds on top of the $300 in weekly federal money. The funds will be retroactive to Aug. 1.
• August 4: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) modified the mask mandate for schools to allow students to remove masks in a classroom when they can maintain three to six feet of distance between themselves and others.

July 2020

• July 30: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced the state would remain in stage 4.5 of its reopening plan until at least Aug. 27.
• July 27: Gov. Eric Holcomb's (R) order is taking effect on July 27 requiring everyone 8 or older to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces, commercial businesses, transportation services, and in outdoor public spaces where social distancing is not possible. Students in third grade or higher, along with faculty and staff, must wear face masks in school.
• July 22: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that anyone 8 or older would be required to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces, commercial businesses, transportation services, or in outdoor public spaces where social distancing is not possible. Students in third grade or higher, along with faculty and staff, must wear face masks in school. The requirement takes effect on July 27.
• June 15: Effective June 15, casinos and charity gaming sites can reopen, subject to Indiana Gaming Commission approval.

June 2020

• June 11: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced the state would enter Phase Four of its reopening plan at 11:01 p.m. on June 11. Phase Four will allow for gatherings of up to 250 people, restaurants operating at 75% capacity, bars and clubs reopening at 50% capacity, and full capacity at retail stores, malls, and offices.

May 2020

• May 22: Effective May 22, 89 of Indiana's 92 counties have advanced to the third phase of reopening, two days earlier than the original target date of May 24. The following businesses are allowed to reopen or expand their operations: retail stores (at 75% capacity); mall common areas (at 50% capacity); gyms and fitness centers; playgrounds and other outdoor recreation facilities; community pools; and campgrounds. Social gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted. Cass, Lake, and Marion counties will be eligible to move into the third phase on June 1.
• May 11: The second part of the second stage of the state's reopening plan takes effect today. Restaurant dining rooms are permitted to reopen at 50% capacity, and personal services (such as hair and nail salons, barber shops, and tattoo parlors) are allowed to resume operations by appointment only.
• May 4: In Indiana, most parts of the state moved Monday to Stage 2 of Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) five-stage plan. In Stage 2, various restaurants, retail, and commercial businesses can open, subject to capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines. Stage 1 started March 24. Indiana is a Republican trifecta.

Iowa

Most recent five updates

• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) extendedthe statewide public health emergency an additional 30 days.
• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) made the announcement May 10.
• May 20: On Thursday, May 20, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a law prohibiting public schools, cities, and counties from issuing mask mandates. The Iowa House of Representatives passed House File 847 53-35 on May 19, while the Senate passed it 29-17 on the same day.
• May 11: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. Iowa is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• May 6: On Wednesday, the Iowa Senate passed House File 889 by a 32-16 vote. The bill would prohibit state and local government agencies from putting vaccine status on government-issued identification cards. The bill would also prohibit state and local governments from asking people about their vaccine status as a condition of entering government buildings. The House passed the bill 58-35 on April 28. It now goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds (R).

June 2021

• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) extendedthe statewide public health emergency an additional 30 days.
• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) made the announcement May 10.

May 2021

• May 20: On Thursday, May 20, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a law prohibiting public schools, cities, and counties from issuing mask mandates. The Iowa House of Representatives passed House File 847 53-35 on May 19, while the Senate passed it 29-17 on the same day.
• May 11: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. Iowa is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• May 6: On Wednesday, the Iowa Senate passed House File 889 by a 32-16 vote. The bill would prohibit state and local government agencies from putting vaccine status on government-issued identification cards. The bill would also prohibit state and local governments from asking people about their vaccine status as a condition of entering government buildings. The House passed the bill 58-35 on April 28. It now goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds (R).
• May 3: On Friday, April 30, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency through May 30.

April 2021

• April 5: Effective Monday, April 5, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

March 2021

• March 8: On Friday, March 5, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued a proclamation that allows dentists to resume providing all dental services if the practice complies with the Iowa Dental Board’s guidance. The practice must also have an inventory of personal protective equipment. The proclamation is scheduled to remain in effect through April 4.

February 2021

• February 16: On Feb. 15, schools were required to offer full-time in-person instruction. Legislation Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed on Jan. 29 requires schools to open but also allows parents to request a hybrid or all remote option for their children. Additionally, schools can request a waiver from the requirement to provide in-person instruction from the state Department of Education based on factors such as the number of teachers quarantining because of the virus. The bill passed the state House and Senate with the support of all Republicans and one Democrat.
• February 8: On Friday, Feb. 5, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued an order easing coronavirus restrictions. The order lifts the statewide mask mandate and limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings. The order encourages people 65 and older to limit activities outside the home.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 22: On Thursday, Jan. 21, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that people 65 and older will become eligible for the coronavirus vaccine on Feb. 1.
• January 11: On Friday, Jan. 8, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) ended limits on the number of spectators at high school sports and recreational events. Previously, no more than two spectators were allowed per athlete.
• January 8: On Thursday, Jan. 7, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued an order lifting spectator limits on sporting and recreational events, including high school sports. The order also extended some restrictions, such as requiring people to wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible, through Feb. 6.

December 2020

• December 17: On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced she was loosening restrictions on some businesses and activities. Under the new rules, bars and restaurants can resume normal hours. Additionally, students participating in high school recreational activities can now invite members of their household to watch. The new restrictions take effect Thursday, Dec. 17.
• December 15: On Monday, Dec. 14, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the state would return $21 million in federal CARES Act funding after an audit revealed the money was not spent on the public health emergency.
• December 10: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced she was extending statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the requirement that people wear a face mask when in indoor public spaces, through Dec. 16.

November 2020

• November 20: On Thursday, Nov. 19, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced she would allocate $14 million in federal CARES Act funding to assist long-term care facilities with testing and staffing.
• November 19: On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued an executive order banning recreational activities and sports, including those conducted at fitness centers or gyms, that do not allow participants to stay six feet apart at all times. The order requires all participants to wear a mask and limits spectators to two per athlete. The order does not apply to high school, collegiate, or professional sports.
• November 17: On Nov. 16, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced an indoor face-covering requirement for all individuals over the age of two in public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. Reynolds also announced that indoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people, while outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30.
• November 12: On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced she was extending the public health emergency for 30 days and prohibiting indoor gatherings of more than 25 people unless everyone older than two wears a mask. Additionally, face coverings will be required at businesses like barbershops and tattoo parlors. Several types of businesses, including bars, restaurants, and arcades, must ensure six feet of distance between individuals or groups.

October 2020

• October 30: On Monday, Oct. 26, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the Iowa County Fairs Relief Program, a $6 million initiative that will provide financial support to eligible county and district fairs.
• October 27: On Thursday, Oct. 29, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced $2 million in CARES Act funding to support the development of a nanovaccine. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University are spearheading the initiative.
• October 19: On Friday, Oct. 16, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed an order extending the statewide emergency through Nov. 15. The emergency order includes the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, including a new provision requiring bars and restaurants to keep customers seated and to maintain 6 feet of distance between groups.
• October 9: On Friday, Oct. 9, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the launch of the Residential Utility Disruption Prevention Program. The program will provide up to $2,000 to low-income families to help pay utility bills.
• October 5: On Friday, Oct. 2, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued an order easing restrictions on bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries in Johnson and Story counties. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries were permitted to reopen at 5 p.m. Friday, while bars were permitted to reopen on Monday, Oct. 5. Reynolds closed bars in six counties in August, but allowed most to reopen in September. Bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries in Johnson and Story counties must enforce social-distancing rules in order to reopen.

September 2020

• September 29: On Sept. 29, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that workers and children in daycares and schools no longer need to quarantine if they come into contact with a person with COVID-19 while wearing a mask. According to the guidance, only the infected individual with COVID-19 will need to quarantine.
• September 21: On Sept. 18, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) extended the bar closures in Johnson and Story counties through Sept. 27. Those counties are home to the state’s two largest universities—the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
• September 16: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that bars could reopen in Black Hawk, Dallas, Linn, and Polk counties. On Aug. 27, Reynolds closed bars and prohibited restaurants from serving alcohol past 10 p.m. in those counties.
• September 11: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that schools opting for fully virtual instruction were not allowed to have in-person activities. “If students can’t be in school safely it makes no sense to have in-person extracurricular activities,” Reynolds said. Des Moines Public Schools, the state’s largest district, began fully virtual instruction this week without seeking the required waiver from the state.
• September 2: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the reopening of the Iowa Small Business Relief Program for bars closed in six counties by Reynolds’ executive order last week. Affected businesses may be eligible for a one-time $10,000 grant.

August 2020

• August 27: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) closed bars, nightclubs, and breweries in Polk, Linn, Johnson, Story, Dallas, and Black Hawk counties through at least Sept. 5. Reynolds cited high positive test rates among young adults in those counties, which are home to the state’s major universities.
• August 21: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that schools suffering storm damage from the Aug. 11 derecho will be allowed to use primarily remote learning to begin the 2020-2021 school year. Previously, only schools with a 15% coronavirus positivity rate or 10% absenteeism were allowed to primarily use remote learning.
• August 19: The Iowa State Education Association and the Iowa City Community School District announced that they were filing a lawsuit against the state. The lawsuit argues that local districts and their boards of directors should be able to make decisions about reopening schools.
• August 4: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the state would not count any remote-learning days towards required instructional time for schools that did not offer at least 50% in-person instruction.

July 2020

• July 31: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) set requirements for public schools to seek a state waiver allowing them to provide online-only education. A school must have at least a 15% positive test rate in its county and a 10% absentee rate among students. Schools in counties with a 20% or higher positive test rate do not need to meet the absentee rate requirement. The waiver would allow a school to operate fully online for two weeks before re-applying for the waiver.
• July 24: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) extended the state’s public health emergency for 30 days to Aug. 23. Reynolds did not add any new restrictions as part of the extension.
• July 20: On July 17, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) ordered that students spend at least half of their schooling time in-person. She said districts could seek waivers to the requirement from the state Department of Education. Des Moines, the state’s largest district, had previously announced one day of in-person instruction for students each week.

June 2020

• June 26: The Iowa Department of Education announced that schools would be allowed to reopen beginning July 1. Officials announced there would be no requirement for students or staff to wear face coverings, undergo health checks, or social distance.
• June 1: On June 1, outdoor performance venues, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement parks, skating rinks, skate parks, and outdoor playgrounds are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. Summer school activities, including baseball and softball, are also allowed to resume.

May 2020

• May 28: Effective May 28, bars and other alcohol-related establishments are permitted to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Earlier this week, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that the following businesses would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity effective June 1: outdoor performance venues, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement parks, skating rinks, skate parks, and outdoor playgrounds.
• May 22: Effective May 22, the following businesses are allowed to resume operations: movie theaters (at 50% capacity); museums, aquariums, and zoos; swimming pools; and wedding reception venues.

Kansas

Most recent five updates

• June 16: The state’s coronavirus emergency order expired June 15 after Senate President Ty Masterson (R) canceled a meeting of the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) to consider an extension of the emergency. Under Kansas law, the LCC has to extend an emergency order every 30 days to prevent it from expiring. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) issued the emergency order on March 12, 2020.
• June 14: All state government offices will return to in-person operations starting June 13. Masks will still be required in state buildings.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced a vaccination incentive program called The Race to End COVID-19. Individuals who receive a COVID-19 test or vaccination from the University of Kansas Health System or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are entered into a raffle to win tickets to the NASCAR Cup Series Race, gift cards for the NASCAR Racing Experience Ride Along, and the opportunity to drive two laps around the Kansas Speedway. The event will be held on June 4 and 5.
• May 12: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced all state government offices will return to in-person operations starting June 13. Masks will still be required in state buildings.
• April 6: On April 5, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed SB 63, requiring all public school districts to offer full-time, in-person instruction effective immediately. The law applies to grades K-12.

June 2021

• June 16: The state’s coronavirus emergency order expired June 15 after Senate President Ty Masterson (R) canceled a meeting of the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) to consider an extension of the emergency. Under Kansas law, the LCC has to extend an emergency order every 30 days to prevent it from expiring. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) issued the emergency order on March 12, 2020.
• June 14: All state government offices will return to in-person operations starting June 13. Masks will still be required in state buildings.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced a vaccination incentive program called The Race to End COVID-19. Individuals who receive a COVID-19 test or vaccination from the University of Kansas Health System or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are entered into a raffle to win tickets to the NASCAR Cup Series Race, gift cards for the NASCAR Racing Experience Ride Along, and the opportunity to drive two laps around the Kansas Speedway. The event will be held on June 4 and 5.

May 2021

• May 12: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced all state government offices will return to in-person operations starting June 13. Masks will still be required in state buildings.

April 2021

• April 6: On April 5, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed SB 63, requiring all public school districts to offer full-time, in-person instruction effective immediately. The law applies to grades K-12.
• April 5: On Thursday, April 1, the Legislative Coordinating Council (LLC) voted 5-2 (with one absence) to end Gov. Laura Kelly’s (D) statewide mask mandate. The LLC is a committee composed of eight legislators. Senate Bill 40, signed by Kelly on March 24, allows the LLC to vote to end COVID-19 executive orders. The LLC’s decision does not affect local mask mandates.

March 2021

• March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 25: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed SB 40 on March 24. The bill extends Kansas’ coronavirus emergency through May 28 but ends all executive orders related to the pandemic on March 31. Kelly said she will reissue most of the orders, including the state’s mask mandate. Under the new law, the state legislature can end executive orders during a legislative session, including the orders Kelly plans to reissue. Senate President Ty Masterson (R) said, “should the governor issue any new executive order which imposes an undue burden on the people of Kansas, including an unnecessary new mask mandate, rest assured the Senate will take immediate action once we receive the order.”
• March 22: The state is opening vaccinations to all individuals in phases 3 and 4 of the plan starting March 22. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 with an increased risk of severe complications from underlying conditions is eligible for a vaccine.
• March 16: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced the state will open vaccinations to all individuals in phases 3 and 4 of the plan starting March 22. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 64 with an increased risk of severe complications from underlying conditions will become eligible for vaccines.

February 2021

• February 4: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced the launch of the Find My Vaccine mapping tool to help residents locate vaccine providers near them.

January 2021

• January 26: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed Senate Bill 14 to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency declaration through March 31.
• January 21: The state is starting Phase 2 of its vaccine distribution plan Jan. 21. Individuals over the age of 65, high-contact essential workers (including police officers, grocery store workers, and school staff), and congregate care workers and residents (including in prisons and homeless shelters) are all eligible to receive the vaccine. The state also released a vaccine dashboard on Jan. 20.
• January 8: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced a finalized vaccine distribution order for the state. Healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff are being vaccinated in Phase 1 (the current phase). In Phase 2, the vaccine will be available to individuals over the age of 65, high-contact essential workers (including police officers, grocery store workers, and school staff), and congregate care workers and residents (including in prisons and homeless shelters). Phase 3 will include individuals with state-defined high-risk pre-existing conditions (including cancer, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes) and other essential workers who cannot work remotely. Phase 4 will include individuals with state-defined lower-risk pre-existing conditions (including asthma, type 1 diabetes, and obesity). Phase 5 will include the remaining population.

November 2020

• November 19: Gov. Laura Kelly (R) issued an updated public mask order that gives localities a week to develop face-covering requirements. In areas where local governments do not develop mask requirements, the state’s order will take effect on Nov. 25. Under a bill passed earlier in the year, counties can still fully opt out of Kelly’s order.

October 2020

• October 6: The Kansas Department of Education announced 10 more counties moved into the red zone (remote instruction only) for school reopenings.

August 2020

• August 12: The Kansas Department of Education released updated recommendations for returning to in-person education. The document breaks the recommendations into color levels—green, yellow, orange, and red—based on criteria such as the number of students missing school, number of new cases, and local hospital capacity. There are separate recommendations for Pre-K through grade 5 and grades 6 through 12 at the yellow and orange levels.

July 2020

• July 22: The Kansas State Board of Education voted 5-5 on Gov. Laura Kelly’s (D) executive order delaying the start of the public school year from August 10 until Sept. 9. The order required board approval before taking effect, so the tie vote effectively cancels the governor’s executive order.
• July 21: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed an executive order delaying the start of the public school year until Sept. 9 and requiring students, faculty, and visitors to wear face coverings in school buildings.
• July 16: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced on July 16 that she will sign an executive order delaying the start of the public school year until Sept. 9 and requiring districts to use masks. The state board of education will need to approve Kelly’s decision to delay the start of school.
• July 15: The Kansas Board of Education voted 9-0 to approve guidelines for reopening schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Board members said that the guidelines were not mandates but were meant to help districts craft individual plans.
• July 7: On July 6, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced that her administration was recommending most local communities remain in Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan. In Phase 3, communities are advised to limit gatherings to no more than 45 people. The recommendations are non-binding. Instead, local governments must administer and enforce reopening plans.

June 2020

• June 30: On June 29, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced she would issue an executive order requiring most Kansans to wear face coverings in public spaces, effective 12:01 a.m. on July 3. Kelly said, "I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week. But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks."
• June 23: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) recommended the state remain in Phase Three of the reopening plan due to an upward trend in positive cases. In late May, Kelly delegated reopening decision-making authority to local governments.

May 2020

• May 28: On May 26, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced that the state would no longer implement its reopening plan, delegating that authority instead to county-level governments. Kelly said, "The power to administer and regulate the plan will be up to each county. If a county wants to remain [under restrictions], it will need to issue its own emergency order to that effect."
• May 22: The second phase of the state's reopening took effect on May 22. The following businesses are allowed to reopen: recreational organized sports facilities; community centers; indoor leisure spaces (e.g., arcades, theaters, museums, and bowling alleys); state-owned casinos (subject to approval by the state health department); and in-person group exercise classes. The following businesses and activities remained closed: bars and nightclubs; outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues; fairs, festivals, carnivals, and parades; swimming pools; and summer camps. Phase 2 is set to last through June 7.
• May 18: The following businesses were allowed to reopen on May 18: personal service businesses by appointment only (e.g., nail salons, barber shops, and tattoo parlors), gyms, and fitness centers. Gatherings of more than 10 individuals remain prohibited. The following businesses must remain closed: bars and nightclubs; non-tribal casinos; theaters; museums; indoor leisure spaces; community centers; outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues; fairs, festivals, carnivals, and parades; swimming pools; organized sports facilities; and summer camps.
• May 4: In Kansas, Phase 1 of the Gov. Laura Kelly's (D) reopening plan began Monday, when most businesses can reopen if they adhere to certain guidelines. The following businesses were excluded: bars and night clubs; casinos (non-tribal); theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces; fitness centers and gyms; and nail salons, barber shops, and other personal service businesses. Kansas is under divided government, with a Democratic governor and Republican majorities in the state House and Senate.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Laura Kelly (D) was expected to announce reopening plans at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The state’s stay-at-home order is scheduled to expire at midnight on May 3. Kansas is under divided government, with a Democratic governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

Kentucky

Most recent five updates

• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask in state buildings. The requirement applies to both employees and visitors. The requirement went into effect July 29.
• July 27: On Monday, July 26, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) recommended that school districts require all students under 12, all other unvaccinated students, and all unvaccinated adults to wear masks indoors.
• June 25: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced an incentive program for residents on unemployment insurance to return to work. Up to 15,000 residents will receive a $1,500 bonus for accepting new employment before July 30. For more details, click here.
• June 11:
  • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) is ending the statewide mask requirement, remaining social distancing requirements, and all capacity restrictions June 11.
  • Senior centers in the state will reopen at full capacity on June 11.
• June 7: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced the Shot at a Million vaccination incentive program. Residents 18 and older who have received at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win one of three $1 million cash prizes. Residents 12-17 who have received at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win one of 15 full scholarships (including tuition, room, and board) to a public in-state college or university. For more information on entering the drawing, and to see drawing dates, click here.

July 2021

• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask in state buildings. The requirement applies to both employees and visitors. The requirement went into effect July 29.
• July 27: On Monday, July 26, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) recommended that school districts require all students under 12, all other unvaccinated students, and all unvaccinated adults to wear masks indoors.

June 2021

• June 25: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced an incentive program for residents on unemployment insurance to return to work. Up to 15,000 residents will receive a $1,500 bonus for accepting new employment before July 30. For more details, click here.
• June 11:
  • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) is ending the statewide mask requirement, remaining social distancing requirements, and all capacity restrictions June 11.
  • Senior centers in the state will reopen at full capacity on June 11.
• June 7: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced the Shot at a Million vaccination incentive program. Residents 18 and older who have received at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win one of three $1 million cash prizes. Residents 12-17 who have received at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win one of 15 full scholarships (including tuition, room, and board) to a public in-state college or university. For more information on entering the drawing, and to see drawing dates, click here.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that senior centers in the state would reopen at full capacity on June 11 due to increased vaccinations.

May 2021

• May 28: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced on May 7 that all events and businesses serving fewer than 1,000 people at once can expand to 75% capacity effective May 28. Indoor and outdoor venues with more than 1,000 people can also expand to 60% capacity.
• May 17: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed an order exempting fully vaccinated people from wearing masks in most indoor settings. Beshear also announced he will end the statewide mask requirement for everyone (including unvaccinated people) on June 11.
• May 7: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced all events and businesses serving fewer than 1,000 people at once can expand to 75% capacity on May 28. On the same day, indoor and outdoor venues with more than 1,000 people can expand to 60% capacity.

April 2021

• April 27: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) lifted the state’s outdoor mask requirement on all events and gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people. Previously, face coverings were required outdoors anytime 6-foot social distancing could not be maintained.
• April 26: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced a state partnership with FEMA to open vaccination sites in Laurel and Henderson counties. Laurel’s vaccination site will open April 28, and Henderson’s will open April 29. Both sites will be able to administer up to 7,000 doses daily. For more information, click here.
• April 21: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) updated the state’s Healthy at Work requirements to apply to all businesses, eliminating the need for some industry-specific guidance. Health care facilities, wedding and funeral service venues, restaurants and bars, pools and bathing facilities, and gyms still have supplemental Healthy at Work requirements beyond the minimum guidance.
• April 13: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced the state will lift capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements on most businesses once 2.5 million residents are vaccinated. Once the number is reached, capacity restrictions will be lifted for businesses and venues where fewer than 1,000 people gather. The 12 a.m. curfew on restaurants and bars will also end. Mass gatherings and events with more than 1,000 people will still be restricted. The public mask requirement will remain in effect.
• April 5: Effective April 5, residents 16 and over are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• April 1: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 5. Currently, everyone 50 and older is eligible.

March 2021

• March 29: Kentucky public schools must offer at least two days of in-person instruction each week starting March 29. The requirement is the result of HB 208, which Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed on March 4. The bill passed the state Senate 28-8 on March 3 and the House 81-15 on March 4. Parents can still keep their children in fully remote learning.
• March 22: Residents age 50 and older are eligiblefor vaccinations starting March 22. Gov. Andy Beshear (D) also said anyone 16 and older will be able to sign up for a vaccination appointment starting no later than April 12.
• March 15: Individuals age 16 and older with health conditions the Centers for Disease Control says increase risk for severe illness from the coronavirus are eligible for vaccination starting March 15. Vaccinators must continue to prioritize appointments for people over 60.
• March 8: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed HB 208, requiring public schools to offer at least two days of in-person instruction each week starting March 29. The bill passed 28-8 in the state Senate on March 3, and the House approved the Senate’s version 81-15 on March 4. Parents can still keep their children in fully remote learning.
• March 2: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced 18 additional industries can expand operations to 60% capacity on March 2. This includes bars and restaurants, barbershops, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and fitness centers. To see a full list of industries that can operate at 60% capacity, click here.
• March 1:
  • On Feb. 23, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order recommending all school districts and private schools offer some form of in-person instruction by March 1.
  • The state is also starting Phase 1C of vaccine distribution March 1. The phase will include all individuals age 60 and older and anyone 16 and older with health conditions on the CDC’s list of comorbidities. Previously, people age 70 and older were eligible for vaccination.

February 2021

• February 24: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order recommending all school districts and private schools offer some form of in-person instruction by March 1. The Kentucky Department of Education released KDE COVID-19 Guidance 2.0 to guide school reopenings.
• February 22: Indoor visitation resumed for non-Medicare-certified long-term care facilities that have gone through the state’s vaccination process on Feb. 20.
• February 2: Regional vaccination centers are starting to administer 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.

January 2021

• January 15: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced a state partnership with Kroger to open regional drive-through vaccination sites starting the week of Feb. 1. The Kroger vaccination sites will provide vaccines to individuals in phases 1a, 1b, and 1c of the state’s vaccination plan. Beshear said he will announce details on participating locations and how to sign up on Jan. 28.
• January 5:
  • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced a four-phase vaccine distribution outline. The state is currently in Phase 1a, which includes health care workers and residents and staff at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
  • The state’s Healthy at School guidelines became mandatory and middle and high schools were allowed to reopen for in-person instruction on Jan. 4. The guidelines include rules for social distancing, mask-wearing, sanitization, and other in-person activities (like food service in lunch rooms).

December 2020

• December 30: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced school staff, first responders, and anyone older than 70 will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines in Phase 1b of the state’s distribution plan. The state expects to start Phase 1b at the beginning of February.
• December 16: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced the state’s Healthy at School guidelines will be mandatory starting Jan. 4, 2020. The guidelines include rules for social distancing, mask-wearing, sanitization, and other in-person activities (like food service in lunch rooms).
• December 7: Public and private elementary schools can start to reopen for in-person instruction on Dec. 7 if their county is not in the red zone. Middle and high school instruction will be fully remote through at least Jan. 4. Gov. Andy Beshear (D) previously ordered all schools to close on Nov. 23.

November 2020

• November 23: New coronavirus restrictions took effect. Restaurants and bars have to close indoor dining, and social gatherings are limited to eight people from two households at a time. Gyms, indoor recreation facilities, and offices are limited to 33% capacity. Event spaces and theaters are limited to 25% capacity. All K-12 public and private schools statewide have to stop in-person classes. Middle and high school instruction will be fully remote through at least Jan. 4. Elementary schools will be able to reopen starting Dec. 7 if their county is not in the red zone.

October 2020

• October 7: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) extended the state’s public mask mandate for another 30 days.

September 2020

• September 16: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced bars and restaurants can move their last call from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and remain open until midnight starting on Sept. 15.
• September 1: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced childcare centers can raise class sizes from 10 to 15 children, effective immediately.

August 2020

• August 11: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) requested that school districts not offer in-person instruction until at least Sept. 28, and instead begin the school year with virtual learning.

July 2020

• July 28: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced he is closing bars and limiting restaurant capacity to 25% for two weeks starting July 28. Beshear also asked schools to avoid reopening for in-person instruction until the third week of August.
• July 21: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced he was limiting social gatherings to 10 people. The state had permitted social gatherings of up to 50 people since the end of June.
• July 10: On July 9, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in most public settings. Effective July 10, individuals must wear face coverings while inside or waiting in line to enter, any of the following: retail establishments; grocery stores; pharmacies; hair salons/barber shops; nail salons; tattoo parlors; child care facilities; restaurants and bars; health care settings; and any other indoor public spaces. Individuals must also wear face coverings while riding in public transit vehicles or other transportation service vehicles (e.g., taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, etc.). The order exempts children under the age of five and individuals with disabilities.
• July 9: On July 8, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he would announce a new series of requirements in response to rising COVID-19 case numbers in Kentucky. Beshear said, "The rising case numbers are cause for concern, so tomorrow we’re going to announce some new requirements that are going to be mandatory. Given what we are seeing across the country with exploding numbers in certain places, my commitment is to make sure that doesn’t happen here, but I can’t do it alone." Beshear is expected to make the announcement at 4:00 p.m. on July 9. We will have full details in our July 10 issue.
• July 7: On July 6, the Kentucky Department of Education released guidelines on reopening schools in the fall. The document, a complement to interim guidance issued in June, does not mandate a uniform course of action for reopening schools. Instead, "it is intended to be a guide for local school districts when developing and adapting their return-to-school plans."

June 2020

• June 30: On June 29, Kentucky entered into the final stage of its reopening plan. As a result, the state's stay-at-home order, which did not have a fixed end date, effectively concluded.
• June 29: Effective June 29, the following businesses are allowed to reopen or expand operations: restaurants and bars (50% capacity); venues and event spaces (50% capacity); and public swimming and bathing facilities (subject to a capacity formula detailed here). Social gatherings of up to 50 people are now permitted.
• June 15: Effective June 15, center-based child-care programs and day camps are allowed to reopen. Low-touch youth sports are also allowed to resume.
• June 11: The Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky state park campgrounds are reopening on June 11.
• June 8: Educational and cultural businesses and institutions like museums, aquariums, libraries, and distilleries are reopening on June 8. In-home childcare is also allowed.
• June 1: On June 1, the following businesses are allowed to reopen: auctions (33% capacity), auto/dirt track racing, aquatic centers, bowling alleys, fishing tournaments, fitness centers (33% capacity), state park lodges, movie theaters (33% capacity), and the Salato Wildlife Education Center.

May 2020

• May 26: Effective May 25, the following businesses were allowed to reopen, all subject to 33% capacity limits: barbershops, cosmetology services, and hair salons; massage therapy services; nail salons; tanning salons; and tattoo parlors.
• May 22: Effective May 22, restaurants are permitted to resume dine-in service at 33% capacity, plus outdoor seating. Social gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed.
• May 20: Retail businesses and funeral and memorial services were permitted to resume operations, subject to 33% capacity limits, on May 20.
• May 18: Government offices were permitted to reopen on May 18. Occupational capacity of government buildings was capped at 33%. No more than 50% of a building's workforce could be in the building at one time. The Department of Education released initial guidance for schools and districts on reopening to in-person instruction this fall. The 16-page document outlined potential start dates for schools ranging from July to October and included guidelines for employee training, contacting tracing, and preparedness for sudden closures.
• May 13: Effective yesterday, healthcare facilities were allowed to resume non-emergency inpatient medical procedures at 50% of pre-COVID-19 shutdown volume. Beginning May 27, healthcare facilities will be able to determine their own patient capacities, subject to continued progress in containment efforts.
• May 11: Phase 1 of Gov. Andy Beshear's (D) plan takes effect today. It includes reopening manufacturing, construction, vehicle or vessel dealerships, office-based businesses (at 50% capacity), horse racing (without spectators), and dog grooming and boarding services.
• May 8: On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) outlined the second phase of Kentucky's "Healthy at Work" plan. Effective May 22, restaurants will be permitted to resume at 33% capacity, plus outdoor seating. Effective June 1, movie theaters and fitness centers can reopen. Effective June 11, public and private campgrounds will be allowed to reopen. Effective June 15, child-care facilities, subject to capacity restrictions, can reopen. Beshear said the third reopening phase would likely begin July 1. As with the first phase of reopening, each new phase is subject to several criteria, outlined here.
• May 7: Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack announced that effective May 6, the following types of medical procedures could resume: outpatient gastrointestinal, radiology, diagnostic non-urgent cardiac, outpatient orthopedic, outpatient ophthalmological, outpatient ENT, and outpatient dental procedures.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Andy Beshear (D) released benchmarks that, if met, would trigger the state to begin a phased reopening of businesses. Benchmarks include: 14 days of decreasing cases, increased testing capacity and contact tracing, personal protective equipment availability, ability to protect at-risk populations, ability to social distance and follow the CDC's guidelines on large gatherings, preparedness for a possible future spike, and status of vaccine and treatment. Kentucky is under divided government, with a Democratic governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

Louisiana

Most recent five updates

• August 3: On Aug. 2, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) reinstated the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals through at least Sept. 1.
• July 27: On Friday, July 23, the Louisiana Department of Health issued updated guidance recommending all residents wear face coverings indoors when six feet of physical distancing is not possible.
• June 22: Registration for the Shot At A Million vaccination incentive program opened June 21 for all residents with at least one dose of a vaccine. The state will hold weekly drawings to give away $100,000 cash prizes and $100,000 scholarships starting July 14. On Aug. 4, the state will select a grand prize winner of $1 million. For a drawing schedule and more information, click here.
• June 18: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the Shot At A Million vaccination incentive program. The state will have weekly drawings to give away $100,000 cash prizes and $100,000 scholarships. On Aug. 4, the state will select a grand prize winner of $1 million. Residents with at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win starting June 21. For a drawing schedule and more information, click here.
• May 26: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced all remaining limits on bars, live music venues, and other state-defined large events and gatherings are ending May 26. Edwards also said the state will stop requiring masks in schools after the 2020-2021 academic year. Local school districts will be able to set their own rules.

August 2021

• August 3: On Aug. 2, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) reinstated the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals through at least Sept. 1.

July 2021

• July 27: On Friday, July 23, the Louisiana Department of Health issued updated guidance recommending all residents wear face coverings indoors when six feet of physical distancing is not possible.

June 2021

• June 22: Registration for the Shot At A Million vaccination incentive program opened June 21 for all residents with at least one dose of a vaccine. The state will hold weekly drawings to give away $100,000 cash prizes and $100,000 scholarships starting July 14. On Aug. 4, the state will select a grand prize winner of $1 million. For a drawing schedule and more information, click here.
• June 18: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the Shot At A Million vaccination incentive program. The state will have weekly drawings to give away $100,000 cash prizes and $100,000 scholarships. On Aug. 4, the state will select a grand prize winner of $1 million. Residents with at least one dose of a vaccine can enter to win starting June 21. For a drawing schedule and more information, click here.

May 2021

• May 26: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced all remaining limits on bars, live music venues, and other state-defined large events and gatherings are ending May 26. Edwards also said the state will stop requiring masks in schools after the 2020-2021 academic year. Local school districts will be able to set their own rules.
• May 6: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announcedresidents can access digital proof of vaccination through LA Wallet—the state’s digital driver’s license app. The feature is optional and is not digitally connected to a person’s driver’s license or ID card. Louisiana’s current health order does not contain looser restrictions for vaccinated residents, but the state does not have an order or legislation prohibiting state agencies or private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for services.

April 2021

• April 28: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) issued an order easing mitigation requirements and lifting the statewide public mask requirement effective April 28. The order lifts outdoor capacity limits for theaters, event spaces, and outdoor events (like festivals, fairs, and sporting events). The same facilities and events can have 75% capacity indoors with social distancing or 100% capacity indoors with masks required. For live music events (like at bars and restaurants), the new order requires 10 feet of space between the stage and the audience, and attendees have to be seated. Masks are still required on public transit, in state government buildings, at K-12 schools, at early childhood education centers, at colleges and universities, and at healthcare facilities. State agencies outside of the governor’s cabinet can choose to opt out of the remaining mask requirements. Businesses can still require patrons to wear masks.

March 2021

• March 31: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) lifted some mitigation measures on March 31. Six-foot social distancing and mask-wearing are still required in all businesses, but most businesses (including restaurants, bars, gyms, malls, salons, and casinos) no longer have capacity limits. Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol with no curfew. Businesses and venues (like reception halls) that host large gatherings will be limited to 50% capacity, with an indoor limit of 500 people. Indoor and outdoor sporting events are limited to 50% capacity.
• March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligiblefor vaccinations starting March 29. Previously, anyone 65 and older, or 16 and older with a state-defined essential job or underlying conditions, was eligible for the vaccine.
• March 25: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announcedall residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccinations starting March 29. Currently, anyone 65 and older, or 16 and older with a state-defined essential job or underlying conditions, is eligible for the vaccine.
• March 22: All state-defined essential workers (including grocery store and food service employees, manufacturing and construction workers, and higher education faculty and staff) are eligiblefor vaccinations starting March 22. To see a full list of who is eligible, click here.
• March 10: On March 9, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) expanded vaccine eligibility to anyone age 16 years or older with state-defined high-risk conditions (including anyone overweight, with asthma, or with type 1 diabetes). Congregate living staff can also get vaccines, including prison guards, group home staff, and homeless shelter workers.
• March 3: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) signed an order moving the state from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of reopening and extending the statewide mask mandate. Phase 3 allows bars in all parishes to reopen at 25% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. If a parish maintains 5% positivity or lower for two consecutive weeks, bars in the parish can expand to 50% capacity. Alcohol sales still have to end at 11 p.m. Places of worship no longer have capacity limits. Most other businesses (including restaurants and salons) can expand their capacity to 75%. Indoor and outdoor event gatherings are allowed at 50% capacity. Indoor events are limited to a maximum of 250 people, and there is no maximum for outdoor events as long as social distancing is possible. The order is set to remain in effect through March 31.

February 2021

• February 22: School staff and people ages 55-64 with certain high-risk health conditions are eligible for vaccination starting Feb. 22. Qualifying conditions include cancer, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women of all ages are also eligible.
• February 10: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended the state’s modified Phase 2 reopening through March 3. The modified phase limits restaurants, retailers, gyms, personal care businesses, and movie theaters to 50% capacity. Bars must close indoor service if their parish has a positivity rate greater than 5%. Bars that are permitted to open for indoor service are limited to 25% capacity. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25% capacity or a maximum of 75 people indoors or 150 people outdoors.
• February 8: Individuals age 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine starting Feb. 8. Previously, appointments were limited to individuals age 70 and older.

January 2021

• January 13: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended the state’s modified Phase 2 reopening until Feb. 10. The modified phase limits restaurants, retailers, gyms, personal care businesses, and movie theaters to 50% capacity. Bars must close indoor service if their parish has a positivity rate greater than 5%. Bars that are permitted to open are limited to 25% capacity. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25% capacity or a maximum of 75 people indoors or 150 people outdoors.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 23: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended the state’s modified Phase 2 reopening through Jan. 13, 2021. The modified phase limits restaurants, retailers, gyms, personal care businesses, and movie theaters to 50% capacity. Bars must close indoor service if their parish has a positivity rate greater than 5%. Bars that are permitted to open are limited to 25% capacity. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25% capacity or a maximum of 75 people indoors or 150 people outdoors.
• December 7: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Dec. 23.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) moved the state backward from Phase 3 to a modified Phase 2 reopening, effective Nov. 25. Under the new restrictions, restaurants, retailers, gyms, personal care businesses, and movie theaters are limited to 50% capacity. Bars must close indoor service if their parish has a positivity rate greater than 5%. Bars that are permitted to open are limited to 25% capacity. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25% capacity or a maximum of 75 people indoors or 150 people outdoors.
• November 6: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended Phase Three of the state’s reopening plan through Dec. 4.

October 2020

• October 30: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) filed a lawsuit to strike down the state House of Representatives’ petition to suspend his emergency order (including mask mandates and business restrictions) for seven days. Louisiana law requires the governor to lift an emergency order if a majority of members in either chamber of the state’s legislature file a petition to rescind the order (a majority in Louisiana’s House is 53 members). Gov. Edwards said the law allowing the legislature to overturn an executive order by petition is unconstitutional. We will continue to provide updates in future editions as information becomes available.
• October 23:
  • Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order to allow high school sports in outdoor stadiums to expand capacity to 50% from 25% in parishes with a two-week average positivity of less than five percent.
  • Republicans in the state House of Representatives filed a petition that could suspend Gov. Edwards’ emergency order (including mask mandates and business restrictions) for seven days if it takes effect. Louisiana law requires the governor to lift an emergency order if a majority of members in either chamber of the state’s legislature file a petition to rescind the order (a majority in Louisiana’s House is 53 members). Gov. Edwards said the law allowing the legislature to overturn an executive order by petition is unconstitutional, so the matter is expected to go to court. We will provide an update in a future edition when more information is available.
• October 9: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended Phase Three of the state’s reopening plan through Nov. 6.
• October 1: Iberia and St. Martin parishes met the state’s positivity rate requirements to reopen bars.

September 2020

• September 23: Jefferson Parish met state requirements to reopen bars starting Sept. 23.
• September 18: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced bars, restaurants, and casinos can extend on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages to 11 p.m. in parishes where bars are allowed to reopen. The order takes effect Sept. 18.
• September 14: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) held a press conference to discuss the state’s Phase 3 reopening order, which took effect Sept. 11. Bel Edwards said bars in the state can reopen at 25% capacity with a maximum of 50 people if their parish’s positivity rate remains at or below 5% for 14 days. Restaurants, churches, salons, spas, and gyms are allowed to expand their capacity to 75%. The statewide mask requirement remains in effect. The Phase 3 order expires Oct. 9.
• September 11: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) held a press conference to discuss Phase 3 reopening details for the state. We will have more information in our Sept. 14 newsletter.
• September 10: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the state will enter a modified Phase 3 of reopening, starting Sept. 11. Bel Edwards said final details will not be available until Sept. 11. The state entered Phase 2 on June 5.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, including the statewide mask mandate, 50-person indoor gathering size limit, and statewide bar closure to on-premises consumption, through Sept. 11.
• August 26: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced he will extend Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, including the statewide mask mandate, 50-person indoor gathering size limit, and statewide bar closure to on-premises consumption, through at least Sept. 11.
• August 7: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, the statewide mask mandate, 50-person indoor gathering size limit, and statewide bar closure to on-premises consumption through at least Aug. 28.
• August 5: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced he will extend Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan through Aug. 28, including the statewide mask mandate. The current order is scheduled to end on Aug. 7.

July 2020

• July 24: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan through Aug. 7, including the statewide mask mandate.
• July 22: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced he will extend Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan through August 7.
• July 15: The Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously to approve reopening guidelines proposed by Superintendent Cade Brumley. The guidelines include a requirement for all adults and students in grades 3 through 12 to wear face coverings.
• July 13: On July 11, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) issued an executive proclamation establishing a statewide face-covering requirement. Effective July 13, individuals in Louisiana are required to wear face coverings when in any indoor or outdoor public space. The order exempts children under the age of eight, as well as individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing face coverings. The order allows parishes to opt out if they have maintained a COVID-19 incidence rate of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people for the past two weeks. Edwards also ordered the closure of bars statewide to on-premises consumption (carry-out and curbside service remain available) and limited gatherings to 50 people or fewer. The order will last through at least July 24, at which point it could be extended.

June 2020

• June 23: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) extended the state’s Phase Two order for 28 days, citing a rise in coronavirus cases.
• June 19: On June 17, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said state superintendent of education Cade Brumley would issue guidance within 10 to 14 days on reopening public schools in the fall.
• June 5: Louisiana moves into Phase 2 of its reopening plan on June 5. In Phase 2, the following businesses are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity: restaurants and coffee shops; shopping malls; gyms and fitness centers; barbershops and nail salons; movie theaters; racetracks (without spectators); museums, zoos, and aquariums; bars and breweries with food permits; massage services; spas; tattoo parlors; esthetician services; pool halls, bowling alleys, and skating rinks; event centers and wedding venues; and outdoor playgrounds and play centers. Phase 2 will last at least 21 days.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the state would move into Phase 2 of its reopening plan, effective June 5. In Phase 2, the following businesses will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity: restaurants and coffee shops; shopping malls; gyms and fitness centers; barbershops and nail salons; movie theaters; racetracks (without spectators); museums, zoos, and aquariums; bars and breweries with food permits; massage and spa businesses; tattoo parlors; esthetician services; pool halls, bowling alleys, and skating rinks; event centers and wedding venues; and outdoor playgrounds and play centers. Phase 2 will last at least 21 days. Edwards said he would sign the executive order formalizing the changes before June 4.

May 2020

• May 15:
  • Phase 1 of Louisiana's reopening took effect on May 15. The following businesses were allowed to reopen at 25% capacity: gyms and fitness centers; barber shops and hair/nail salons; shopping malls; gaming establishments; theaters; racetracks (no spectators); museums, zoos, and aquariums (no tactile exhibits); and bars and breweries with food permits. Individuals, particularly those belonging to high-risk groups, are still encouraged to stay home. Individuals who do go out in public are encouraged to wear facial coverings, practice good hygiene, and maintain six feet of distance from others. For businesses, employees who interact with the public must wear facial coverings and enforce social distancing guidelines. Gaming establishments must register and obtain approval before reopening. No other business owners are required to do so.
  • Statewide stay-at-home orders in five states—Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Vermont—ended on May 15. These became the 19th through 23rd states where stay-at-home orders have ended. Of those five states, three have Republican governors and two have Democratic governors.
• May 12: Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) unveiled the "Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana" reopening plan. The first phase takes effect on May 15, when the stay-at-home order expires. The following businesses will be permitted to reopen at 25% capacity effective May 15: gyms and fitness centers; barbershops and hair/nail salons; gaming establishments; theaters; racetracks (no spectators); museums, zoos, and aquariums (no tactile exhibits); and bars and breweries with food permits. Individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, will still be encouraged to stay home. Individuals who do go out in public will be encouraged to wear facial coverings, practice good hygiene, and maintain six feet of distance from others. For businesses, employees who interact with the public must wear facial coverings and enforce social distancing guidelines. Gaming establishments must register and obtain approval before reopening. No other business owners will be required to do so.

Maine

Most recent five updates

• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state would follow recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.
• June 30: Gov. Janet Mills (D) ended Maine’s state of civil emergency on June 30. The statewide requirement to wear masks in indoor childcare settings also ended. Mills made the announcement on June 11.
• June 17: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the Don’t Miss Your Shot: Vaccinationland Sweepstakes. Everyone who has received at least one dose of a vaccine by 11:59 p.m. June 30 can register to win. On July 4, the winner will receive $1 for everyone who receives at least one dose of a vaccine.
• June 15: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state will offer $1,500 payments to workers who stop taking unemployment and start full-time jobs between June 15-30. Eligible workers who start full-time jobs in July will receive $1,000 bonuses. The bonuses will be first-come, first-serve, and there can be up to 7,500 recipients. For more information on eligibility, click here.
• June 14: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until June 30. Mills said she will end the coronavirus emergency on that day.

July 2021

• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state would follow recent CDC guidance recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings located in areas with substantial and high coronavirus transmission rates.

June 2021

• June 30: Gov. Janet Mills (D) ended Maine’s state of civil emergency on June 30. The statewide requirement to wear masks in indoor childcare settings also ended. Mills made the announcement on June 11.
• June 17: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the Don’t Miss Your Shot: Vaccinationland Sweepstakes. Everyone who has received at least one dose of a vaccine by 11:59 p.m. June 30 can register to win. On July 4, the winner will receive $1 for everyone who receives at least one dose of a vaccine.
• June 15: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state will offer $1,500 payments to workers who stop taking unemployment and start full-time jobs between June 15-30. Eligible workers who start full-time jobs in July will receive $1,000 bonuses. The bonuses will be first-come, first-serve, and there can be up to 7,500 recipients. For more information on eligibility, click here.
• June 14: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until June 30. Mills said she will end the coronavirus emergency on that day.
• June 10: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced all social distancing requirements will be lifted for schools in Fall 2021. Mills said she expected all schools to offer full-time, in-person instruction when the requirement ends.

May 2021

• May 24: Gov. Janet Mills (D) is ending the statewide indoor mask requirement May 24. Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said businesses can require people to show proof of vaccination, but “the state of Maine is not going to enforce this idea of different policies for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, nor do we expect businesses to do so.” The state recommends unvaccinated people continue masking in indoor public spaces. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people still have to wear masks in schools and childcare centers, on public transportation, and in health care settings. Capacity and social distancing requirements for most businesses are also ending May 24. Distancing requirements remain for indoor bars and restaurants.
• May 17: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals will not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 24.
• May 14: Gov. Janet Mills (D) will end capacity and social distancing requirements for most businesses starting May 24. Distancing requirements will remain for indoor bars and restaurants. Mills said the mask requirement will remain in effect until public officials could review the new CDC guidelines.
• May 3: Out-of-state visitors no longer need to quarantine or provide a negative test upon entering the state. The change took effect May 1.

April 2021

• April 28: Gov. Janet Mills (D) lifted the requirement for people to wear masks in public outdoor spaces effective April 27. Masks are still recommended outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
• April 15: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 13.
• April 7: All residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 7. Previously, everyone 50 and older was eligible.
• April 1: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced a revised timeline for vaccine distribution. The state is aiming to open eligibility to everyone 50 and older April 1.

March 2021

• March 26: Beginning March 26, bars can resume indoor service under the Seated Food and Drink COVID-19 Checklist. Indoor entertainment venues will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. The limit will increase to 75% on May 24. Outdoor entertainment venues will be allowed to operate at 75% capacity March 26 and fully reopen May 24.
• March 23: Residents age 50 and older are eligible for vaccinations starting March 23. On April 19, all residents age 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination.
• March 18: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through April 15.
• March 16: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced a revised timeline for vaccine distribution. The state is aiming to open eligibility to everyone 50 and older April 1 and anyone 16 and older May 1.
• March 5: On Friday, March 5, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced “Moving Maine Forward,” a reopening plan for the spring and summer tourism season. Beginning March 26, bars can resume indoor service, and indoor entertainment venues will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. That capacity limit will increase to 75% on May 24. Outdoor entertainment venues will be allowed to operate at 75% capacity March 26 and fully reopen May 24. Mills also announced that, effective immediately, visitors from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are exempt from the state’s quarantine or test requirement.
• March 3: Starting March 3, individuals age 60 and older are eligible for vaccinations.
• March 1: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state will expand vaccine eligibility based on age moving forward. Starting March 3, individuals age 60 and older will be eligible for vaccinations. Eligibility will expand to everyone 50 and older in April, 40 and older in May, 30 and older in June, and 29 and younger in July.

February 2021

• February 18: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 18.
• February 16: Gov. Janet Mills (D) expanded gathering limits for large houses of worship on Feb. 12. Gatherings of five people per 1,000 square feet are now permitted with no attendance cap. Previously, the state only allowed religious gatherings of up to 50 people, regardless of square footage. Smaller houses of worship are still allowed to have gatherings of up to 50 people.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 20: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Feb. 17.
• January 14: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state is expanding Phase 1a (the current phase) of the vaccine distribution plan to include first responders, corrections officers, and critical COVID-19 response personnel (like test manufacturers). Mills also said Phase 1b will be expanded to include residents age 70 and older and individuals with high-risk medical conditions, which the state will define at a later date.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 23: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Jan. 20, 2021.
• December 14: Gov. Janet Mills (D) expanded face-covering enforcement requirements for Maine businesses. All business owners or operators of an indoor space open to the public (like schools) must deny entry to anyone not wearing a mask. Previously, enforcement requirements were limited to specific settings like schools and restaurants.
• December 10: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state will issue $600 direct payments to certain unemployed and partially unemployed individuals. To qualify, individuals must have exhausted their federal unemployment benefits on or after the week ending Nov. 14. The press release also said individuals who “previously established a COVID-19 related claim, meet the requirements of the program, and have filed certifications for weeks ending December 5, 12, or 19” could also receive payments. For more information, click here.
• December 7: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the requirement for all seated food and drink service and indoor and outdoor entertainment venues to close by 9 p.m. every night through Jan. 3, 2021.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Dec. 23.
• November 20: Businesses such as restaurants, bars, clubs, movie theaters, casinos, and other amusement venues will have to close by 9 p.m. every night starting Nov. 20.
• November 17: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced Massachusetts is no longer exempt from the state’s travel restrictions, effective Nov. 16. Travelers from Massachusetts have to quarantine for 14 days or present a recent negative test upon arriving in Maine.
• November 6: Additional mitigation measures began Nov. 4. Indoor gathering limits were reduced to 50 people, and Maine’s travel restrictions (that require travelers to quarantine for 14 days or present a recent negative test on arrival) now apply to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Masks are required in all public spaces (including outdoor spaces like sidewalks) regardless of social distancing ability. Gov. Janet Mills (D) also postponed reopening bars and tasting rooms until further notice.

October 2020

• October 27: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Nov. 27.
• October 13: The state will enter Stage 4 of reopening starting Oct. 13. Stage 4 will allow indoor activities and businesses like restaurants, movie theaters, and religious gatherings to expand operations to 50% capacity or up to 100 people (whichever is less). The order also requires masks in municipal buildings and private schools and expands enforcement of the face-covering mandate. Gov. Janet Mills (D) said the state was targeting Nov. 2 for bars and tasting rooms to resume indoor service.
• October 6: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced the state will enter Stage 4 of reopening starting Oct. 13. Stage 4 will allow indoor activities and businesses like restaurants, movie theaters, and religious gatherings to expand operations to 50% capacity or up to 100 people (whichever is less). The order also requires masks in municipal buildings and private schools and expands enforcement of the face-covering mandate. Mills said the state was targeting Nov. 2 for bars and tasting rooms to resume indoor service.
• October 1: Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued a curtailment order cutting state spending in response to a more than $525 million budget shortfall. Mills also extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Oct. 29.

September 2020

• September 24: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced travelers from Massachusetts no longer have to test negative for the coronavirus or self-quarantine for 14 days.
• September 23: Gov. Janet Mills (D) amended the state’s Standing Order to allow individuals to be tested for the coronavirus without a written order from a doctor.
• September 2: Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the coronavirus state of civil emergency through Oct. 1.

July 2020

• July 31: The Maine Department of Education released guidance for reopening public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The guidance requires all staff and students age five and older to wear masks.
• July 9: On July 8, Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued an executive order establishing expanded enforcement provisions for the state's existing face-covering requirement. The order mandates that businesses require face coverings in retail stores with more than 50,000 square feet of shopping space, restaurants, outdoor bars and tasting rooms, and lodging establishments. The order applies to businesses in the counties of Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York, and in the cities of Bangor, Brewer, Lewiston, Auburn, and Augusta. The requirement can be enforced by any governmental agency or official "that regulates licenses, permits, or otherwise authorizes the operation or occupancy of eating establishments, bars or tasting rooms, lodging operations and accommodations, businesses, buildings, parks and campgrounds."
• July 1: Effective July 1, the following businesses are permitted to reopen or expand operations: indoor amusement facilities (e.g., bowling alleys; 50 people maximum); movie theaters (50 people maximum); outdoor amusement facilities (25% capacity); performing arts venues (50 people maximum); casinos; overnight summer camps; and spas and close-contact personal services (e.g., nail services; 50 people maximum).

June 2020

• June 26: Effective June 26, lodging establishments are allowed to serve out-of-state visitors (the original target date was July 1). Out-of-state visitors will be required to submit to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Maine. Alternatively, visitors receiving a negative COVID-19 test no later than 72 hours before arriving in Maine can forgo the quarantine requirement.
• June 23: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced bars in the state would not be able to reopen for indoor service on July 1 as part of Phase Three. Bars are allowed to continue outdoor service.
• June 17: On June 15, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced that dine-in service at restaurants in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties could resume on June 17. The following businesses and activities are also allowed to reopen or resume in those three counties on June 17: tasting rooms and bars (outside service); gyms and fitness centers; nail salons; tattoo and piercing parlors. These businesses and activities have already resumed in the state's other 13 counties.
• June 9: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced out-of-state visitors with proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test would not have to comply with Maine’s 14-day self-quarantine requirement. Mills’ plan also included improving symptom checks at popular tourist destinations (like visitors’ centers and beach parking lot entrances) and funding for local prevention efforts.
• June 5: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced on June 4 that the following businesses in 13 rural counties would be allowed to reopen on June 12: tasting rooms and bars (outside service); gyms and fitness centers; nail salons; and tattoo and piercing parlors. York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties were exempted.
• June 2: Maine entered the second phase of its reopening plan on June 1. The following businesses and activities were allowed to reopen or resume: retail stores; dine-in service at restaurants (outdoor service only in York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties); community buildings; day camps and summer recreation programs; state park campgrounds; coastal state parks; community sports; lodging; and tanning salons. The limit on social gatherings was raised from 10 to 50 people.
• June 1: On May 31, Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued an executive order easing the original stay-at-home order "to the extent that people may access the increased business and personal activities that are being reopened." The order says "persons who are over age 60 or who have a medically compromised condition are strongly urged to limit their movement and activities that expose them to persons other than immediate household members, and to avoid large gatherings, especially those occurring indoors or in otherwise confined settings." The limit on social gatherings increased from 10 to 50 people.

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced that restaurant dine-in service in York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties would be limited to outdoor seating only, effective June 1. Restaurants in these counties had previously been set to resume indoor and outdoor dine-in service on June 1.
• May 22: Effective May 22, campgrounds are allowed to reopen.
• May 20: On May 19, Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced that gyms, fitness centers, and nail salons, all originally slated to reopen on June 1, will remain closed indefinitely. Mills said that she postponed the reopenings because these facilities "appear to present a greater risk of transmission of the virus based on emerging science and the experiences of other states."
• May 11: On May 8, Gov. Janet Mills (D) unveiled a reopening plan for the following 12 rural counties: Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc. Retail businesses in these counties were permitted to resume operations Monday. Restaurants in these counties are set to reopen on May 18.

April 2020

• April 28: Gov. Janet Mills (D) is scheduled to hold a press conference this afternoon to outline the state’s plan to reopen the economy. Maine is a Democratic trifecta.

Maryland

Most recent five updates

• July 13: On Tuesday, July 13, Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill ruled the state must continue participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ended participation in those programs on July 3. The programs are scheduled to end in September. Hogan said he would not challenge the ruling.
• July 6: On July 3, Baltimore Circuit Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill issued a temporary order requiring the state to continue participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) had said the state would stop participating in such programs on July 3.
• July 1: The statewide COVID-19 state of emergency ended effective July 1. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) made the announcement on June 15, and said some emergency measures, such as an eviction moratorium and a grace period for drivers with expired licenses, will stay in place for an additional 45 days.
• June 16: On Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced he would end the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency on July 1. Hogan said some emergency measures, such as an eviction moratorium and a grace period for drivers with expired licenses, will stay in place for 45 days after the emergency ends.
• June 4: On Thursday, June 3, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state will begin closing its mass vaccination sites. A site in Aberdeen will close June 19, with others around the state closing on July 2, July 3, and July 17. A few have not been given closing dates. Hogan said the state would shift resources to community and mobile clinics.

July 2021

• July 13: On Tuesday, July 13, Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill ruled the state must continue participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ended participation in those programs on July 3. The programs are scheduled to end in September. Hogan said he would not challenge the ruling.
• July 6: On July 3, Baltimore Circuit Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill issued a temporary order requiring the state to continue participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) had said the state would stop participating in such programs on July 3.
• July 1: The statewide COVID-19 state of emergency ended effective July 1. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) made the announcement on June 15, and said some emergency measures, such as an eviction moratorium and a grace period for drivers with expired licenses, will stay in place for an additional 45 days.

June 2021

• June 16: On Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced he would end the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency on July 1. Hogan said some emergency measures, such as an eviction moratorium and a grace period for drivers with expired licenses, will stay in place for 45 days after the emergency ends.
• June 4: On Thursday, June 3, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state will begin closing its mass vaccination sites. A site in Aberdeen will close June 19, with others around the state closing on July 2, July 3, and July 17. A few have not been given closing dates. Hogan said the state would shift resources to community and mobile clinics.
• June 2: On Tuesday, June 1, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that Maryland would end its participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on July 3. Hogan also said he would reinstate weekly work-search requirements starting July 4.

May 2021

• May 25: On Tuesday, May 25, the Maryland Lottery held its first VaxCash drawing, resulting in one vaccinated resident receiving a $40,000 prize. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the initiative, which he established to encourage people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, on May 20. The daily drawing lasts from May 25 to July 4, and will award $2 million to 41 vaccinated residents.
• May 17:
  • Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ended all statewide COVID-19 restrictions on businesses May 15, including indoor and outdoor capacity limits.
  • On May 15, Hogan ended the statewide mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The state still requires masks in schools and hospitals, as well as on public transportation.
• May 13: On Wednesday, May 12, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced he would end all statewide COVID-19 restrictions on businesses May 15, including indoor and outdoor capacity limits. Hogan also said he would lift the statewide indoor mask mandate once 70% of adult residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. At the time of the announcement, that figure stood at 65%.
• May 6: On Wednesday, May 5, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that appointments will no longer be necessary to receive a coronavirus vaccine at the 13 mass vaccination sites dotted around the state.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced an initiative to pay state employees who receive a coronavirus vaccine $100. The program will apply retroactively to state employees who have already gotten vaccinated.
• May 3: All restrictions on outdoor dining endedMay 1.

April 2021

• April 29: On Wednesday, April 28, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ended the statewide outdoor mask mandate, effective immediately. People are still required to wear a mask at large venues and in public and private businesses. Hogan also announced that all restrictions on outdoor dining will end May 1.
• April 12: All providers are permitted to offer vaccines to residents 16 and older starting April 12. Previously, residents 16 and older could only get vaccinated at mass vaccination sites.
• April 6: Effective April 6, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine at a mass vaccination site. All providers will be permitted to offer vaccines to residents 16 and older on Monday, April 12.
• April 5: On Thursday, April 1, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that residents 16 and older can pre-register to receive a coronavirus vaccine. People who pre-register will be notified when they become eligible to receive a vaccine.

March 2021

• March 30: Residents 16 and older with medical conditions are eligible for vaccination starting March 30.
• March 24: On Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state would open six mass vaccination sites in the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Montgomery. The first sites will open in Baltimore County by April 5, with more openings throughout the month.
• March 23: Residents 60 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 23.
• March 19: On Thursday, March 18, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that anyone 60 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 23. Hogan also announced that people 16 and older with medical conditions will become eligible March 30. On April 13, eligibility will expand to include people 55 and older, as well as workers in critical industries. Eligibility will expand to everyone 16 and older on April 27.
• March 16: On Monday, March 15, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an order prohibiting the garnishment of the American Rescue Act’s relief checks.
• March 12 : Gov. Larry Hogan (R) will end capacity limits on most types of businesses, including restaurants, bars, and fitness centers, on March 12 at 5 p.m. Large outdoor and indoor venues, including wedding and sports venues and theaters, will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Additionally, Hogan said he will end the state’s quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers and allow adult daycare centers to reopen. The statewide mask mandate will remain in effect.
• March 10: On Tuesday, March 9, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced he would end capacity limits on most types of businesses, including restaurants, bars, and fitness centers, on March 12 at 5 p.m. Large outdoor and indoor venues, including theaters, wedding venues, and sporting venues, will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Additionally, Hogan said he will end the state’s quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers and allow adult daycare centers to reopen. The statewide mask mandate will remain in effect.
• March 4: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state will open three more mass vaccination sites in March. The first opens March 4 at the Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. A site in Salisbury will open March 18, while a site in Hagerstown will open at the end of the month. By the end of March, Hogan said the state will have six mass vaccination sites.
• March 1:
  • On Thursday, Feb. 11, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that indoor visits at nursing homes and hospitals can resume March 1. Hospitals can set their own policies but must follow CDC guidelines. Nursing homes can allow visitors so long as the facilities follow the rules put in place for testing and there are no active cases at the facility.
  • Schools in counties across the state could return students to the classroom March 1. In January, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said school districts that don’t offer some in-person instruction could face legal action. Districts can decide how many days a week to offer in-person instruction. Students can still opt for virtual schooling.

February 2021

• February 24: On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an executive order requiring all people over the age of five to wear masks on school property, including in hallways, gyms, and on buses.
• February 16: On Monday, Feb. 15, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) signed into law the RELIEF Act of 2021. The $1 billion relief measure includes direct stimulus payments to families and individuals and tax relief and grants for small businesses and nonprofits.
• February 12: On Thursday, Feb. 11, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that indoor visitations at nursing homes and hospitals can resume March 1. Hospitals will set their own policies but must follow CDC guidelines. Nursing homes can allow visitors so long as they follow rules put in place for testing and there are no active cases at the facility.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 27: On Jan. 26, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state would open six mass vaccination sites with the assistance of the National Guard beginning next week. Hogan also announced that Safeway and Rite Aid locations had been added to the state’s vaccine partnership program as distributors.
• January 26: On Tuesday, Jan. 26, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced COVID-19 relief funding for public and private schools. He announced $20.7 million to assist public schools in reopening and $35.8 million to assist private schools in reopening.
• January 22: On Thursday, Jan. 21, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said school districts that don’t reopen to in-person instruction by March 1 could face legal action. Hogan did not specify in what form that legal action could take but said he would explore his options.
• January 19: The state moved to Phase 1B of its vaccine distribution plan beginning Monday, Jan. 18. In Phase 1B, all residents over the age of 75 are eligible for the vaccine. Additionally, people in assisted living facilities, teachers, daycare providers, and inmates in correctional facilities also become eligible.
• January 12: On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Larry Hogan announced a $1 billion COVID-19 relief bill he plans to introduce in the spring legislative session. The bill includes $267 million in direct payments to low- and moderate-income residents and $180 million in tax relief for those who were laid off in the pandemic. The bill also includes sales tax credits for small businesses.

December 2020

• December 18: On Thursday, Dec. 17, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an order requiring out-of-state travelers and returning residents to obtain a negative COVID-19 test or self-quarantine for 10 days upon entering the state. Hogan issued a follow-up order clarifying the travel restrictions do not apply to Santa Clause, non-human elves, or reindeer. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health issued an advisory against gatherings of more than 10 people.
• December 16: On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced he was activating the National Guard to help distribute coronavirus vaccines around the state.

November 2020

• November 30: On Monday, Nov. 23, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the Maryland State Police would deploy High Visibility Compliance Units to downtown areas in several cities to help enforce COVID-19 restrictions at bars, restaurants, and venues that host gatherings. Hogan said the operation, which would include education efforts as well as enforcement, would start Wednesday, Nov. 25.
• November 23: On Monday, Nov. 23, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) had awarded 17 cities and counties $19.3 million in grants to prevent evictions.
• November 19: On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) signed an executive order allowing some prisoners to become eligible for early release. The order is intended to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in state prisons. It allows officials to expedite parole and home-detention decisions for those scheduled to be released within 120 days.
• November 18: On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an emergency order that requires bars and restaurants to end indoor service by 10 p.m. and limits capacity at retail stores and religious facilities to 50%. Additionally, the order prohibits fans from attending racetracks or sports stadiums. The order takes effect Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
• November 12: On Nov. 10, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that restaurants and bars offering indoor service must reduce their operating capacity from 75% to 50%. He also issued an advisory that discourages indoor gatherings of more than 25 people.
• November 6: On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced financial support for restaurants, independent artists, arts organizations, entertainment venues, and businesses. The assistance is part of Hogan’s $250 million economic recovery package announced in October.

October 2020

• October 27: On Friday, Oct. 30, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) extended Maryland’s state of emergency.
• October 23: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the allocation of $250 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund for grants and loans to small businesses and nonprofits.
• October 20: On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Gov. Larry Hogan released a draft of the state’s plan for distributing a coronavirus vaccine once one becomes available. The plan was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week.
• October 19: On Monday, Oct. 19, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the creation of the Maryland Farmer COVID-19 Relief Program, which will offer $10 million in relief to Maryland farmers.
• October 8: On Thursday, Oct. 8, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Attorney General Brian Frosch (D) announced that $12 million was being directed to the Maryland Legal Services Corporations to assist families facing eviction.
• October 6: On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) extended Maryland’s state of emergency. Hogan first declared the state of emergency on March 5.
• October 2: On Oct. 1, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced nursing homes can resume visitations. A facility that registers a coronavirus case must close to visitors for two weeks. Any facility in a county with a positivity rate of 10% or more must also close to visitors. Karen Salmon, the state superintendent of schools, also announced that daycares can reopen at full capacity.

September 2020

• September 23: On Sept. 22, Karen Salmon, the Maryland Superintendent of Schools, announced that she had approved in-person reopening plans for every school district in Maryland.
• September 21: On Sept. 18, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an executive order expanding indoor dining to 75% capacity. Local governments have the authority to either follow the governor’s guidelines or maintain stricter guidelines.
• September 10: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state acquired 250,000 rapid antigen tests, becoming the first member of the 10-state testing compact partnering with the Rockefeller Foundation to acquire rapid tests. The 10-state group has a stated goal to acquire five million rapid antigen tests.
• September 8: Public schools were allowed to reopen virtually. How long virtual instruction will last varies by district.
• September 2: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that the state would enter Phase Three of reopening on Sept. 4. Retail stores and religious services will be allowed to increase capacity from 50 to 75 percent. Outdoor entertainment venues may reopen with a capacity of 250 people. Movie theaters and indoor entertainment venues may reopen at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people.
• September 1: The state Board of Education approved new minimum requirements for instruction. Schools must be open at least 180 days and offer at least six hours of instruction, of which 3.5 hours must be synchronous instruction (all students taught at the same time) for grades K-12.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that all 24 school districts met the state’s benchmarks for opening to at least some in-person instruction. All school districts have previously announced a return to school with full online learning, while 16 have announced plans to resume at least some in-person instruction starting in mid-September.
• August 25: The state school board delayed a vote on a requirement that districts offer at least 3.5 hours of live online instruction while campuses remain closed. Chairman Clarence Crawford said the board would consider the matter at a special meeting on Sept. 1.
• August 7: Montgomery County rescinded its ban on in-person instruction at private schools. The county's policy was in conflict with Gov. Larry Hogan's (R), and a hearing for a lawsuit on the matter was scheduled for this week.
• August 3: On Aug. 3, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said that private and religious schools could choose when to reopen. He issued an emergency order preventing county officials from requiring such schools to remain closed. On July 31, Montgomery County Health Officer Travis Gayles ordered private schools to close. Hogan called the order “overly broad and inconsistent with the powers intended to be delegated to the county health officer.”

July 2020

• July 23: Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that school boards had until Aug. 14 to submit reopening plans to the state board of education. Districts will be allowed to open in-person so long as they follow specific CDC and state health guidelines and meet state benchmarks.
• July 21: Health officers in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City sent a letter to Maryland Deputy Secretary of Health Fran Phillips asking the state to roll back some of its reopenings. The letter focused on reducing gathering sizes, mandating face coverings for indoor and outdoor activities, and closing indoor service at restaurants and bars.

June 2020

• June 22: On June 19, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that nursing home facilities could begin offering limited outdoor visits, provided that the facilities are not experiencing an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and have not recorded a facility-onset case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
• June 19: The following businesses were allowed to reopen at 5:00 p.m. on June 19: indoor fitness centers, gyms, martial arts studios, and dance studios; casinos; arcades; and malls. All reopenings are subject to local approval.
• June 12: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced additional reopenings as part of Phase 2 of his reopening plan. Beginning June 12 at 5:00 p.m, the following are permitted to reopen: indoor dining (50% capacity) and outdoor amusements such as go-karts and miniature golf. Beginning June 19 at 5:00 p.m., the following are permitted to reopen: indoor fitness activities (50% capacity), casinos, arcades, and malls with safety protocols. On June 10, Hogan encouraged local school systems to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies with appropriate capacity and social distancing measures. Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon announced on June 10 that school systems could bring small groups of 10-15 students and staff into school buildings. Child care providers could reopen June 10 so long as they follow Maryland Department of Health protocols.
• June 8: On June 8, the city of Baltimore entered a modified phase 1 reopening. However, the city will remain under more restrictions than the rest of the state. Under this phase, churches may hold outdoor services for up to 50 people with social distancing measures. Childcare centers and day camps may open for up to 10 people. Hair salons and barbershops can reopen by appointment only with no more than five people allowed for every 1,000 square feet of space. Retail may also be open for curbside pick up only. On June 8, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s offices reopened with restrictions such as requiring face masks for staff and the public and social distancing measures.
• June 5: Maryland moves into Stage 2 of its reopening at 5 p.m. on June 5. Most businesses that were not reopened under Stage 1 are allowed to resume operations. Personal service businesses, including nail salons, massage parlors, tanning salons, and tattoo parlors, are allowed to resume operations at 50% capacity, by appointment only. State government offices are also resuming operations. The following businesses remain closed: indoor entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo halls, bowling alleys); theaters; malls; fitness centers; and senior citizen activities.

May 2020

• May 29: The following businesses and activities are allowed to reopen or resume on May 29: outdoor dining at restaurants and social clubs; outdoor youth sports and outdoor activities at youth day camps; drive-in movie theaters; and other outdoor activities.
• May 15:
  • Phase 1 of Maryland's reopening took effect on May 15. The following businesses were allowed to reopen: retail stores (50% capacity), manufacturing, churches and houses of worship (50% capacity), and personal services (by appointment only).
  • Statewide stay-at-home orders in five states—Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Vermont—ended on May 15. These became the 19th through 23rd states where stay-at-home orders have ended. Of those five states, three have Republican governors and two have Democratic governors.
• May 13: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said he would make an announcement at 5 p.m. local time today on Phase 1 of Maryland's reopening plan. We will have more details in tomorrow's edition. Also, the Maryland Department of Education released a 54-page guide for the state’s 24 school systems to transition from remote to in-person learning.
• May 7: Effective today, healthcare facilities and providers are permitted to resume elective and non-urgent medical procedures, subject to conditions established by the state department of health. The number and types of permitted outdoor activities have also been expanded. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) made the announcement Wednesday.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Larry Hogan (R) released a three-phase plan for reopening businesses and activities in the state tied to benchmarks as opposed to a start date. See the "Plan to know" section below for an in-depth look at Maryland's plan. Maryland is under divided government.

Massachusetts

Most recent five updates

• August 5: On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all nursing home staff. The state will begin enforcing the requirement Oct. 10, and staff will be required to have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine by Sept 1.
• June 23: On Tuesday, June 22, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 130-30 to reject Gov. Charlie Baker’s (R) spending proposal for about $5.1 billion in federal coronavirus relief money. Baker had proposed spending $2.8 billion on housing and infrastructure, leaving $2.3 billion for the legislature. The House on Tuesday approved a different proposal that would leave about $200 million for the governor to spend.
• June 21: On Friday, June 18, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced that masks would not be required for students or teachers in K-12 public schools in the fall. Riley said local school boards could still vote to maintain their mask requirements.
• June 16: On Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the VaxMillions Giveaway, an initiative to encourage people to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The giveaway will include five $1,000,000 prizes and five $300,000 college scholarships. People who were vaccinated in the state can register for the weekly drawings July 1.
• June 15: Effective Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. Baker first declared an emergency in response to the pandemic on March 10, 2020.

August 2021

• August 5: On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all nursing home staff. The state will begin enforcing the requirement Oct. 10, and staff will be required to have received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine by Sept 1.

June 2021

• June 23: On Tuesday, June 22, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 130-30 to reject Gov. Charlie Baker’s (R) spending proposal for about $5.1 billion in federal coronavirus relief money. Baker had proposed spending $2.8 billion on housing and infrastructure, leaving $2.3 billion for the legislature. The House on Tuesday approved a different proposal that would leave about $200 million for the governor to spend.
• June 21: On Friday, June 18, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced that masks would not be required for students or teachers in K-12 public schools in the fall. Riley said local school boards could still vote to maintain their mask requirements.
• June 16: On Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the VaxMillions Giveaway, an initiative to encourage people to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The giveaway will include five $1,000,000 prizes and five $300,000 college scholarships. People who were vaccinated in the state can register for the weekly drawings July 1.
• June 15: Effective Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. Baker first declared an emergency in response to the pandemic on March 10, 2020.
• June 1: Effective Saturday, May 29, all COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and individuals ended, including capacity limits on events and the statewide mask mandate. On Friday, May 28, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued an order that will end the COVID-19 state of emergency on June 15.

May 2021

• May 25: On Tuesday, May 25, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said he planned to file legislation to extend some coronavirus regulations beyond June 15, when the COVID-19 emergency expires. Although Baker plans to lift most COVID-19 restrictions on May 29, he said he wants to temporarily maintain executive orders that allow public bodies to meet remotely and restaurants to file expedited permits for outdoor dining. The legislation will also continue an order that provides billing protections for COVID-19 patients.
• May 24: On Monday, May 24, the state’s Homebound Vaccination Program expanded to include all eligible people who cannot get to a vaccination site to schedule an in-home vaccine appointment. The program, launched March 29, was originally restricted to people who met specific federal standards, which included requiring the assistance of two people to leave the house. The program is now open to anyone who cannot easily get to a vaccination site.
• May 17: On Monday, May 17, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced he will end the statewide mask mandate and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions on May 29. He also said he will end the COVID-19 state of emergency on June 15.
• May 10:
  • Six of the state’s seven mass vaccination sites allow walk-up vaccinations beginning Monday, May 10.
  • As part of Phase 4, Step 2 of the state’s reopening plan, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) is ending the statewide outdoor mask mandate and allowing amusement and water parks to reopen at 50% capacity on May 10. He is also ending the requirement that supermarkets offer senior hours.
• May 6: On Wednesday, May 5, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that six of the state’s seven mass vaccination sites will allow walk-up vaccinations beginning Monday, May 10.

April 2021

• April 27: On Tuesday, April 26, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced he would end the statewide outdoor mask mandate and allow amusement and water parks to reopen at 50% capacity on May 10. Baker also announced he will increase the limit on indoor and outdoor gatherings on May 29, and end capacity restrictions on all businesses on Aug. 1.
• April 19: On April 19, vaccine eligibility expanded to include everyone 16 and older.
• April 5: Residents 55 and older with a medical condition became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine Monday, April 5. Gov. Charlie Baker (R) made the announcement April 2. Baker also announced the state has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) list of medical conditions that increase the risk of COVID-19. People with a condition on that list are now eligible for a vaccine.

March 2021

• March 22:
  • On March 22, people 60 and older and certain workers, including restaurant and grocery store workers, are eligible for a vaccine.
  • The state advanced to Phase IV of the reopening plan on March 22. Under Phase IV, large sports and entertainment venues can operate at 12% capacity if they submit a plan to the Department of Public Health. Additionally, the gathering limit for event venues in public settings can increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors, and dance floors are permitted at weddings. The state’s requirement that travelers quarantine for 10 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test is now an advisory.
• March 17: On Wednesday, March 17, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a new vaccine eligibility timeline. On March 22, people 60 and older and certain workers, including restaurant and grocery store workers, will become eligible for a vaccine. On April 5, people 55 and older and those with medical conditions will become eligible for a vaccine. On April 19, the state will expand vaccine eligibility to include everyone 16 and older.
• March 11: K-12 teachers and staff are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting Thursday, March 11.
• March 4: On Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that K-12 teachers and staff will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, March 11.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that K-12 teachers and staff can receive coronavirus vaccines on March 11.
• March 1: On Monday, March 1, Massachusetts entered Step 2 of Phase 3 of reopening, allowing indoor entertainment venues to operate at 50% capacity and restaurants to operate at 100% capacity.

February 2021

• February 17: On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a vaccine initiative to reach communities placed high on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. The Index measures a community’s ability to respond to hazardous events based on factors like poverty and unemployment. Under the initiative, state officials will use town halls and other events to raise awareness of coronavirus vaccines in collaboration with local health boards, faith leaders, and community centers.
• February 11: On Feb. 10, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that caregivers who accompany an individual age 75 and older to get vaccinated at a mass vaccination site can schedule their appointment on the same day, beginning Thursday, Feb. 11. Baker also announced two new mass vaccination sites in Natick and Dartmouth.
• February 8: The state is easing some coronavirus restrictions beginning Monday, Feb. 8. The capacity limits placed on businesses like bars and gyms are increasing from 25% to 40%.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 26: On Monday, Jan. 25, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that residents age 75 and older can begin receiving the coronavirus vaccine on Feb. 1. Baker also said the state aimed to have 103 vaccination sites open by the end of the week.
• January 25: The statewide curfew on businesses and a nighttime stay-at-home advisory on individuals are no longer in effect. Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the change Jan. 21. The curfew prohibited several types of businesses, including restaurants and gyms, from operating after 9:30 p.m., while the stay-at-home advisory discouraged people from leaving their houses between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Baker said some restrictions would remain in place, including indoor and outdoor gathering limits and capacity limits on businesses.
• January 20: On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that Fenway Park will join Gillette Stadium as a mass vaccination site on Feb. 1. Baker said up to 500 people a day will receive vaccines when the site opens. Baker announced the first mass vaccination site at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 12.
• January 14: On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that employees and residents in congregate care facilities and homeless shelters, as well staff and inmates in correctional facilities, will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 18.
• January 13: On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots, would serve as the state’s first mass vaccination site. The site is currently equipped to administer up to 300 vaccines a day to first responders. Baker said that number will increase to 5,000 per day as more individuals become eligible.
• January 12: On Monday, Jan. 11, first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
• January 11: On Friday, Jan. 8, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a pooled testing initiative that will begin next month for school districts providing in-person and hybrid learning. The initiative will involve analyzing batches of COVID-19 test samples from individual schools on a weekly basis. If COVID-19 is not detected in the batch, then everyone in the school is presumed to be negative for the virus.
• January 8: On Thursday, Jan. 7, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 24. The restrictions include capacity limits on businesses and gathering limits on indoor and outdoor events.
• January 5: On Monday, Jan. 4, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that vaccinations for first responders would begin Jan. 11 as part of the first phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 23: On Tuesday, Dec. 22, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a series of new coronavirus restrictions, including a 10-person limit on indoor gatherings and a 25-person limit on outdoor gatherings. Additionally, most businesses, including restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, offices, and venues, must limit capacity to 25%. The new restrictions take effect Dec. 26 and last through Jan. 8, 2021.
• December 9: On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the state would return to Phase 3, Step 1 of the reopening plan on Sunday, Dec. 13. Step 1 requires some businesses, like indoor performance venues, to close while limiting capacity to 40% at places like offices, retail shops, and houses of worship. Under Step 1, people planning gatherings with more than 25 people must notify the local health board, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people.
• December 4: In its weekly report on COVID-19 transmission rates released Thursday, Dec. 3, the Department of Public Health announced that 16 new towns and cities had been moved to the highest risk level. Those communities will be required to return to Phase 3, Step 1, of the state’s reopening plan. As of Dec. 3, 97 communities are classified as at the highest risk for transmitting the coronavirus.

November 2020

• November 6: Gov. Charlie Baker’s (R) new coronavirus restrictions took effect Friday, Nov. 6. Restrictions include a statewide, stay-at-home advisory between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and a requirement that businesses like salons, gyms, and event venues close by 9:30 p.m. Baker also issued a new face-covering mandate, which replaces the current one that allows people to remove their masks when social distancing is possible.
• November 3: On Monday, Nov. 2, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued a series of new coronavirus restrictions that take effect Friday, Nov. 6. The new restrictions include a statewide, stay-at-home advisory between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and a requirement that businesses like salons, gyms, and event venues close by 9:30 p.m. Baker also issued a new face-covering mandate, which replaces the current one that allows people to remove their masks when social distancing is possible.

October 2020

• October 21: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said that he had no plans to roll back the state’s phased reopening at a news conference. Baker said that recent growth in new cases could be traced to informal events (such as house parties, backyard events, and celebrations) and not business reopenings.
• October 19: The statewide moratorium on evictions expired Saturday, Oct. 17, after Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said he would not extend it.
• October 5: Effective Monday, Oct. 5, cities and towns designated as “lower risk” on the state’s community spread map can advance to Step 2 of Phase 3 of the reopening plan. In Step 2 of Phase 3, indoor entertainment businesses like roller rinks and trampoline parks can reopen, and indoor and outdoor performance venues can operate at up to 50% capacity. Additionally, gyms, libraries, and museums will be permitted to operate at 50% capacity.

September 2020

• September 29: On Sept. 29, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that lower-risk communities in Massachusetts, defined as towns with an average daily case rate of between zero and eight cases per 100,000 people, will be permitted to move to Step 2, Phase 3 of reopening beginning on Oct. 5. In order to advance to Step 2, towns will need to have maintained their lower-risk status for three weeks or longer. Communities with more than eight cases per 100,000 people will remain in Step 1. The Baker administration also said that outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be permitted in Step 2, Phase 3 communities. Gatherings in communities in Step 1 will be limited to 50 people.
• September 23: On Sept. 23, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that he would ease restrictions on restaurants beginning Sept. 28. On that day, the number of patrons allowed per table will increase from six to 10, and restaurants will be allowed to use bar seating for food service. Bars and nightclubs, however, will remain closed.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 28, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) signed an executive order allowing already-licensed after-school and out-of-school programs to operate during the school day. State Secretary of Education James Peyser said, “[W]e know that remote learning will be part of the educational experience for many students this fall, so it’s critical that we enable parents, after-school providers, and community organizations to offer additional childcare options and learning supports when students are unable to attend school in person.
• August 24: On Aug. 21, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued guidance instructing teachers and support staff in districts starting the school year with remote learning to teach and work from school buildings.
• August 18: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said he expected 70% of the state’s school districts to open with either a hybrid or in-person model this fall, while 30% of the state’s districts have presented plans with an online-only option.
• August 14: The deadline for schools to submit reopening plans is Aug. 14. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will post all approved plans online.
• August 11: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said schools in 285 of the state’s 318 communities should be able to reopen for at least some in-person instruction in the fall. Baker said he felt confident in reopening schools based on coronavirus statistics in those communities.
• August 7: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) reduced the outdoor gathering size limit from 100 to 50. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced a four-day extension for all schools to submit reopening plans. Schools must now submit their plans by Aug. 14.

July 2020

• July 28: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education signed an agreement with the state’s teachers unions to reduce the length of the 2020-2021 school year from 180 days to 170 days.
• July 15: Casinos and museums reopened on July 13. The state requires face coverings and capacity limits in both.
• July 7: On July 6, Massachusetts moved into the first step of Phase 3 of its reopening. The following businesses were allowed to reopen: movie theaters and outdoor performance venues; museums and cultural/historical sites; fitness centers and health clubs; select indoor recreational activities; and professional sports teams (games without spectators). New gathering limits also took effect: for indoor spaces, no more than eight people per 1,000 square feet (maximum 25 people); for outdoor spaces, 25 percent of the space's maximum capacity (maximum 100 people).
• July 1: Effective July 1, all travelers arriving in Massachusetts are being directed to self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes Massachusetts residents returning home from interstate travel. The directive does not apply to travelers from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey. The order also exempts essential critical infrastructure workers, as defined by the federal government.

June 2020

• June 30: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that out-of-state visitors from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey will no longer need to self-quarantine for 14 days.
• June 23: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved reopening plans for the state’s three casinos—Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park. No reopening dates have been set.
• June 22: Effective June 22, Massachusetts moves into the second step of Phase 2 of its reopening. The following are allowed to reopen: indoor table service at restaurants; close-contact personal services (nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.); retail dressing rooms (by appointment only); and office spaces (50% capacity).
• June 10: Bars in Massachusetts will reopen as part of Phase 4 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s (R) reopening plan. Last week, the administration moved bars without food service from Phase 3 to Phase 4 of reopening. The change came after officials clarified establishments permitted to serve food are categorized as restaurants, including breweries, wineries, and distilleries, which were allowed to reopen for outdoor dining as part of Phase 2, which began on June 8. The City of Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh announced on June 9 that the city approved more than 200 requests by restaurants to temporarily expand their outdoor dining service into public spaces.
• June 8: On June 6, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that the state would enter Phase 2 of his reopening plan beginning June 8. Phase 2 reopenings will happen in two parts. The first part of Phase 2 includes: retail (40% of occupancy), outdoor dining at restaurants, childcare facilities and day camps, funeral homes, higher education, historical spaces, hotels and lodging (no events), outdoor recreations, personal services such as home cleaning, warehouses and distribution. Professional sports may resume practice on June 8, but games are not allowed and practices are closed to the public. Youth sports and adult amateur sports may resume as well. The second part of Phase 2, which at this time has no firm date, will include indoor dining and personal services such as nail salons and tattoo parlors.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued an executive order outlining which businesses would be permitted to reopen in phases 2, 3, and 4 of the state's reopening plan. Although Baker did not fix a date for the start of Phase 2, he authorized businesses to allow employees to return to work in preparation for Phase 2. In Phase 2, the following businesses will be allowed to reopen: retail stores; restaurants; hotels, motels, and other lodging; amateur sports programs; professional sports practice and training programs; personal services; non-athletic instructional classes for youths; driving and flight schools; outdoor historical spaces; funeral homes; warehouses and distribution centers; golf facilities; outdoor recreation facilities; post-secondary schools; day camps; and public libraries.

May 2020

• May 26: Effective May 25, the following businesses were allowed to reopen: lab spaces; office spaces; personal services (hair salons, pet grooming, car washes), and retail (delivery and curbside pick-up). The following recreation sites and activities were also permitted to reopen or resume effective May 25: beaches; parks; drive-in movie theaters; select athletic fields; outdoor adventure activities; fishing, hunting, and boating; and outdoor gardens, zoos, reserves, and other public installations.
• May 18: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that the state's stay-at-home order would be allowed to expire on May 18. It was replaced with a "Safer at Home" order, which advised residents to refrain from leaving their homes unless performing essential or newly permitted activities. Baker also announced the implementation of Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan. Effective May 18, the following businesses were allowed to reopen: manufacturing facilities; construction sites; places of worship; and hospitals and community health centers (to resume high-priority preventative care, pediatric care, and treatment for high-risk patients).
• May 12: Gov. Charlie Baker (R) unveiled a four-phase plan for reopening Massachusetts. Under Phase 1 ("Start"), limited industries will be permitted to reopen, subject to restrictions. In Phase 2 ("Cautious"), additional industries will be permitted to reopen, subject to restrictions and capacity limits. Under Phase 3 ("Vigilant"), more industries will be allowed to reopen, subject to guidance. In Phase 4 ("New Normal"), which is contingent on the development of a vaccine and/or therapeutic treatment, normal activities may resume. The plan does not have specific effective dates or contingencies for phases 1, 2, or 3. Baker also released mandatory safety standards for workplaces.

Michigan

Most recent five updates

• July 22:
  • On Tuesday, July 20, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) vetoed House Bill 4434, which would have ended the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs.
  • On Wednesday, July 21, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 60-48 in support of an initiative petition that repeals the Emergency Powers Act of 1945. Gov. Whitmer relied on that act to declare a COVID-19 emergency and issue subsequent restrictions, like the stay-at-home order. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled the act violated the Michigan constitution on Oct. 5, 2020. The state Senate voted to repeal the act on July 15, meaning that Whitmer cannot veto the petition. The initiative will go into effect 90 days after the legislature ends its current session.
• July 20: On Thursday, July 15, the state Senate voted 20-15 to repeal the Emergency Powers of Governor Act. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) relied on the Act to declare a COVID-19 emergency and issue subsequent restrictions, like the stay-at-home order. If the House approves the initiative, Whitmer would be unable to veto it. If the House doesn’t approve the initiative, it would go on the Nov. 2022 ballot.
• July 8: On Wednesday, July 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an education funding bill that includes $4.4 billion in federal COVID-19 relief. The $17 billion bill increases per-pupil funding in public and charter schools.
• July 1: On Thursday, July 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) unveiled “MI Shot to Win,” a vaccine incentive initiative featuring a $5 million lottery and up to $500,000 in college scholarships. The lottery includes a $2 million grand prize, a $1 million prize, and 30 daily drawings of $50,000. The initiative runs from July 1 to Aug. 3.
• June 23: On Wednesday, June 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill allocating the remaining $2.2 billion in federal coronavirus relief money to food assistance programs and rental assistance.

July 2021

• July 22:
  • On Tuesday, July 20, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) vetoed House Bill 4434, which would have ended the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs.
  • On Wednesday, July 21, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 60-48 in support of an initiative petition that repeals the Emergency Powers Act of 1945. Gov. Whitmer relied on that act to declare a COVID-19 emergency and issue subsequent restrictions, like the stay-at-home order. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled the act violated the Michigan constitution on Oct. 5, 2020. The state Senate voted to repeal the act on July 15, meaning that Whitmer cannot veto the petition. The initiative will go into effect 90 days after the legislature ends its current session.
• July 20: On Thursday, July 15, the state Senate voted 20-15 to repeal the Emergency Powers of Governor Act. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) relied on the Act to declare a COVID-19 emergency and issue subsequent restrictions, like the stay-at-home order. If the House approves the initiative, Whitmer would be unable to veto it. If the House doesn’t approve the initiative, it would go on the Nov. 2022 ballot.
• July 8: On Wednesday, July 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an education funding bill that includes $4.4 billion in federal COVID-19 relief. The $17 billion bill increases per-pupil funding in public and charter schools.
• July 1: On Thursday, July 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) unveiled “MI Shot to Win,” a vaccine incentive initiative featuring a $5 million lottery and up to $500,000 in college scholarships. The lottery includes a $2 million grand prize, a $1 million prize, and 30 daily drawings of $50,000. The initiative runs from July 1 to Aug. 3.

June 2021

• June 23: On Wednesday, June 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a bill allocating the remaining $2.2 billion in federal coronavirus relief money to food assistance programs and rental assistance.
• June 22: On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced the end of most remaining statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the mask mandate, on June 22. Whitmer said some restrictions on long-term care facilities and prisons and jails would remain in effect.
• June 18: On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she would end most remaining statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the mask mandate, on June 22. Whitmer said she would keep in place some restrictions on long-term care facilities and prisons and jails.
• June 3: On Wednesday, June 2, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 62-47 to pass a bill that prohibits state agencies and state-funded entities—including universities—from requiring people to show proof of vaccination to receive services. Four Democrats joined with all Republicans to pass the bill, which now goes to the Senate.
• June 1: Effective June 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) eased some coronavirus restrictions, including all outdoor capacity limits on stadiums and venues. Restaurants and bars are also permitted to operate at 50% indoor capacity.

May 2021

• May 24: On Monday, May 10, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she would end the requirement that businesses mandate remote work when feasible on May 24 because 55% of residents had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. On April 29, Whitmer announced a series of vaccination benchmarks that would end COVID-19 restrictions. The next set of restrictions—including capacity limits on stadiums and gyms and curfews on bars and restaurants—will be eased when 60% of residents have received at least one vaccine dose.
• May 17: On Saturday, May 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) ended the statewide mask mandate for fully vaccinated people. She also ended the outdoor mask requirement for all people.
• May 11: On Monday, May 10, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she would end the requirement that businesses mandate remote work when feasible on May 24 because 55% of residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. On April 29, Whitmer announced a series of vaccination benchmarks that would end COVID-19 restrictions. The next set of restrictions—including capacity limits on stadiums and gyms and curfews on bars and restaurants—will be eased when 60% of residents have received at least one vaccine dose.
• May 6: On Tuesday, May 4, director of the Department of Health and Human Services Elizabeth Hertel issued an order lifting the outdoor mask requirement for gatherings of fewer than 100 people and revising the gathering limit to allow more people to congregate outside in one location. Under the order, up to 300 people can gather for outdoor events like graduation parties so long as there are fewer than 20 people per 1,000 square feet. The order also allows up to 1,500 people in outdoor stadiums. Additionally, players in organized contact sports are no longer required to wear masks.

April 2021

• April 29: On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced a plan that makes lifting statewide COVID-19 restrictions dependent on vaccination rates. Whitmer said she will lift the requirement that employers mandate remote work when feasible two weeks after 55% of eligible residents have received the first dose of a vaccine. Two weeks after 60% of eligible residents have received a first dose, Whitmer said she would increase capacity limits on sporting events, conference centers, and gyms. Whitmer said all indoor capacity restrictions will end two weeks after 65% of eligible residents have received a shot, while most health orders, including the statewide mask mandate, will end once 70% have received a shot.
• April 14: On Tuesday, April 13, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (MIOSHA) extendedCOVID-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.
• April 9: On Friday, April 9, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) asked people in the state to refrain from eating indoors for two weeks to reduce the number of coronavirus cases. Whitmer also asked schools to pause youth sports and implement remote learning instruction for two weeks.

March 2021

• March 25: On Wednesday, March 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) vetoed Senate Bill 1, which limits the length of Department of Health and Human Services emergency health orders to 28 days without the legislature’s approval. Senate Bill 1 passed the Senate 20-15 on March 2. The House passed it 59-50 on March 9.
• March 22: Residents age 50 and older or 16 and older with medical conditions or disabilities are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 22.
• March 15: On Friday, March 12, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that residents 16 and older with medical conditions or disabilities will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 22. All residents 16 and older will become eligible April 5.
• March 12 : On Thursday, the state Senate voted 20-14 to grant Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) the authority to sue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) if she spends COVID-19 relief money the legislature has not appropriated.
• March 10: On Tuesday, March 9, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a $2.5 billion COVID-19 relief bill, which includes funding for rental assistance, vaccine administration, and testing and tracing.
• March 8:
  • People 50 and older with preexisting health conditions, caregiver families, and guardians of children with special needs are eligible for vaccines starting March 8.
  • People who are homeless became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 8.
  • Restaurants and bars started operating at 50% capacity on March 5, with a limit of 100 people. Previously, those businesses were limited to 25% capacity. Additionally, retail businesses, libraries, and museums can increase their capacity from 30% to 50%. Entertainment venues, including movie theaters, amusement parks, and auditoriums, can operate at 50% capacity, with a limit of 300 people. Sports stadiums with a seating capacity of 10,000 or fewer can allow up to 375 fans, while stadiums that can accommodate more than 10,000 can have up to 750 fans. Up to 15 people from three different households are allowed to gather, and outdoor public gatherings can increase to 300 people.
• March 4: On Wednesday, March 3, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced that people 50 and older with preexisting health conditions, caregiver families, and guardians of children with special needs will be eligible for vaccines on March 8. All people 50 and older will become eligible on March 22.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that restaurants and bars can operate at 50% capacity on March 5, with a limit of 100 people. Previously, those businesses had been limited to 25% capacity. Additionally, retail businesses, libraries, and museums will be permitted to increase their capacity from 30% to 50%. Entertainment venues, including movie theaters, amusement parks, and auditoriums, will be able to operate at 50% capacity, with a limit of 300 people. Sports stadiums with a seating capacity of 10,000 or fewer can allow up to 375 fans, while stadiums that can accommodate more than 10,000 can have up to 750 fans. Also on March 5, up to 15 people from three different households will be allowed to gather, and outdoor public gatherings will increase to 300 people.

February 2021

• February 8: On Thursday, Feb. 4, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she is easing restrictions on high school indoor contact sports beginning Monday, Feb. 8. The order specifies that masks must be worn during play. If students do not wear masks, they must undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 22: On Thursday, Jan. 21, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) confirmed indoor dining would resume Feb. 1. On that day, she will issue a new order that will also allow non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households.
• January 21: On Wednesday, Jan. 20, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon said the state is likely to lift a statewide ban on indoor dining on Feb. 1. The ban was implemented in Nov. 2020 and extended an additional two weeks on Jan. 15.
• January 14: On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that she would ease restrictions on indoor group exercises and non-contact sports beginning Jan. 16 while leaving a ban on indoor dining in place at least through Feb. 1. The text of the new order was not immediately available.
• January 12: On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar requesting permission to buy 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine directly from Pfizer to speed up distribution.

December 2020

• December 30: On Dec. 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a $106 million bill that includes aid to small businesses, music and entertainment venues, and workers who’ve been laid off or furloughed. Whitmer also signed a bill extending unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks.
• December 21: On Friday, Dec. 18, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she was loosening some restrictions on schools and businesses starting Dec. 21. On that day, in-person learning can resume at high schools, and at businesses like movie theaters and casinos can reopen so long as people wear masks and practice social distancing. The restrictions in the new order will remain in effect through Jan. 15.
• December 11: On Thursday, Dec. 10, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that small businesses that rely on indoor dining can postpone paying monthly sales, use, and withholding taxes for 31 days without incurring interest or penalties.
• December 8: On Monday, Dec. 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) extended restrictions on businesses and the suspension of in-person instruction at high schools through Dec. 20. The restrictions, part of a campaign called “Pause to Save Lives” that was initially scheduled to end on Dec. 7, include the closure of businesses like movie theaters and a prohibition on indoor dining.

November 2020

• November 18: On Nov. 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced a three-week ban on indoor dining and in-person high school and college instruction across the state beginning Nov. 18. She also announced that events at movie theaters, concert halls, and other indoor entertainment venues had been canceled.
• November 6: On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed into law six bills, including one that expands testing services and another allowing certain documents to be signed and notarized electronically through Dec. 31.

October 2020

• October 27: On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a new coronavirus order limiting indoor gatherings to 50 people. The order does not affect facilities and establishments with fixed seating, like stadiums. The order also restricts the number of people who can sit at a table in a bar or restaurant to six.
• October 21: Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon issued an emergency order allowing for indoor visitation at nursing homes in counties where the current coronavirus risk level is A, B, C, or D and the facility has had no new cases within the last 14 days. Visitations are not allowed in counties with a risk level of E. As of Oct. 21, more than 30 counties in the state were at risk level E.
• October 19: On Friday, Oct. 16, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed Senate Bill 1108, which makes permanent an executive order that allows public bodies to conduct public meetings remotely during the pandemic.
• October 12: On Monday, Oct. 12, the Michigan Supreme Court voted 6-1 to deny Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) request to delay enforcing its Oct. 2 decision that found her emergency powers used in response to the coronavirus pandemic were unconstitutional. Whitmer had asked the court to delay its decision for 28 days so her administration could negotiate new restrictions with the legislature.
• October 9: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order effective Oct. 9 that will allow movie theaters and other indoor entertainment venues to reopen. Capacity at those venues will be capped at 20 people per 1,000 square feet.
• October 6: On Monday, Oct. 5, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an emergency public health order replacing many of the coronavirus restrictions the Michigan Supreme Court struck down on Oct. 2, including limits on gatherings and a mask requirement. The court ruled that day that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) emergency orders were based on an unconstitutional 1945 law called the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945. The MDHHS order expires Oct. 30.
• October 5: On Friday, Oct. 2, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) lacked the authority to issue pandemic-related executive orders after April 30, 2020, when the legislature declined to extend the emergency and disaster declarations. The court ruled the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act (EPGA) of 1945, which was one of two laws on which Whitmer justified her orders, violated the Michigan constitution.
• October 2: On Oct. 2, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she was moving the Upper Peninsula region back to Phase 4 following a spike in coronavirus cases. The region had been in Phase 5. Phase 4 includes a mask requirement in schools and limited capacity for retail stores.

September 2020

• September 30: On Sept. 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) extended the statewide state of emergency through Oct. 27.
• September 28: On Sept. 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that movie theaters, performance venues, ice rinks, and other indoor entertainment venues can reopen on Oct. 9. On that date, Whitmer will also ease indoor and outdoor gathering limits, allowing up to 30 people per 1,000 square feet or 30 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people, at non-residential outdoor gatherings.
• September 10: On Sept. 9, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) released reopening guidelines for gyms, bowling alleys, swimming pools, and other similar businesses. Those businesses were permitted to reopen on Sept. 9 per an executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D). The guidelines state that those businesses can reopen at 25% capacity.
• September 3: On Thursday, Sept. 3, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that gyms and pools could reopen with restrictions on Sept. 9. Gyms will be limited to operating at 25% capacity. Whitmer also announced that youth sports could resume in parts of the state where they are still restricted.

August 2020

• August 27: On Aug. 27, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order detailing the symptoms an employee must have to stay home from work and avoid disciplinary measures from his or her employer. The new order replaces a previous one that included a greater range of symptoms. The new order also stipulates that employees aren’t shielded from disciplinary measures if known medical conditions can explain the symptoms.
• August 21: On Aug. 21, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was within her authority when she extended the state of emergency related to the coronavirus pandemic without the legislature’s approval. In their lawsuit, Republican lawmakers alleged Whitmer’s state of emergency order was unconstitutional.
• August 20: On Aug. 20, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an education package consisting of three bills that guide how school districts can reopen for the school year. The bills stipulate that although school districts aren’t required to offer in-person education, school boards must review their district’s instructional plans each month. Schools that do reopen to in-person instruction must prioritize that option for K-12 students. The legislation also weights per-pupil funding based on 75% of last year’s enrollment and 25% of the current enrollment.
• August 17: The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) voted to cancel the fall football season. MHSAA President Mark Uyl said, “We have done everything possible to find that pathway forward for our football kids this fall and we simply ran out of time with the evidence to be able to do that safely.”
• August 6: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order on Aug. 6 requiring children over the age of two and all employees to wear face masks at Michigan camps and childcare centers.
• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order requiring the Michigan State Police and state departments to prioritize enforcement of her COVID-19 orders. She also ordered licensing agencies to consider license suspensions when violations occur.

July 2020

• July 31: On July 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order that takes effect on July 31. The order places restrictions on several counties in northern Michigan, including capping indoor gatherings at 10 people and closing bars that derive more than 70% of their revenue from the sale of alcohol.
• July 29: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order that allows colleges and universities to convert large spaces into instructional areas without needing approval from the Bureau of Fire Services.
• July 23: The Michigan House of Representatives voted 55-49 in favor of a package of four bills related to reopening schools. The bills require school districts to offer in-person instruction to students in elementary school. The bills head to the Senate for consideration. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has already released her own reopening plan allowing for in-person instruction if the state remains in Phase Four.
• July 20: On July 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order that adds to and clarifies an earlier order requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. The new order requires public safety officers to wear masks unless doing so would interfere with their responsibilities and says businesses may ask, but cannot assume, if unmasked customers cannot medically tolerate a face covering. Businesses can accept a verbal affirmation from customers, however.
• July 14: On July 13, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed Executive Orders 2020-148 and 2020-149. The first of these orders extends infection control procedures for nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The second order requires that grocery stores and pharmacies continue to allocate at least two hours per week of shopping time for vulnerable populations. Both orders extend through Aug. 10.
• July 13: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D) Executive Order 2020-147 takes effect on July 13. It reiterates that individuals are required to wear face coverings in most indoor public settings. It also expands that requirement to include crowded outdoor spaces and requires businesses to refuse entry or service to individuals not wearing face coverings. A willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine. The order exempts children under the age of five and individuals who cannot medically tolerate face coverings, among others.
• July 2: On July 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed Executive Order 2020-143, which closes indoor bar service throughout most of lower Michigan. Whitmer said, "Following recent outbreaks tied to bars, I am taking this action today to slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe. If we want to be in a strong position to reopen schools for in-person classroom instruction this fall, then we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made." The order exempted the Upper Peninsula and much of northern Michigan. Outdoor bar service is permitted to continue statewide. The order took effect at 11:00 p.m. on July 1.
• July 1: On June 30, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) released the "MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap," a set of guidelines by which local districts can draft their own reopening plans for the fall. The guidelines, which include both requirements and recommendations, are tiered to the phases of the state's broader reopening plan. The state is currently in Phase 4 of its reopening plan. Full details on requirements and recommendations by reopening phase can be accessed here.

June 2020

• June 30: At 3:00 p.m., June 30, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was expected to announce whether the state or portions thereof, are ready to advance to Phase 5 of Michigan's reopening plan. She was also expected to discuss the state's plan for reopening schools in the fall. We'll have more information on these developments in tomorrow's newsletter.
• June 26: On June 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued an executive order allowing professional sports leagues and teams to resume operations, subject to gathering, event, and capacity restrictions outlined in previous executive orders. Live audiences are not permitted, except for facilities staff and media personnel.
• June 23: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that most of the state won’t advance to the fifth phase of reopening this week. While the Upper Peninsula and the Traverse City Region are in phase five, the state’s six other regions will remain in phase four.
• June 18: On June 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that Michigan schools could resume in-person instruction during Phase 4 of the state's reopening (the state entered Phase 4 on June 1). Whitmer said she would issue an executive order June 30 outlining requirements and recommendations for reopening the state's traditional public, charter, private, and parochial schools.
• June 17: On June 16, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said she expected that the entire state would enter Phase 5 of reopening within two weeks: "We should be moving the rest of the state into phase five in short order. I said two weeks ago it was my intent to get there before July 4 assuming the numbers continue the direction they have been. I would anticipate that in the coming week or two, we'll be there, and that would be good news." Whitmer also said she expected schools to resume in-person instruction in the fall: "Kids, I believe, will be back for some form of in-person instruction, but it might look different that we're used to and it's going to be an adjustment for all of us."
• June 15: Overnight residential, travel, and troop camps were allowed to reopen on June 15. Select K-12 school sports and other extracurricular activities were also allowed to resume.
• June 10: Northern Michigan entered phase 5 of the reopening plan, which allows close contact businesses like tattoo parlors and hair salons to reopen at 25% capacity. Additionally, movie theaters and outdoor performance venues can reopen with restrictions.
• June 8: Effective June 8, restaurants and outdoor public swimming pools are permitted to reopen at 50% capacity. Additionally, day camps, libraries, and museums can also reopen.
• June 4: Retail stores statewide are allowed to reopen on June 4. Capacity is limited to 25% for stores with less than 50,000 square feet of customer floor space. For larger stores, the number of customers cannot exceed four per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space.
• June 1: On June 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that the state’s stay-at-home order was lifted effective immediately. Whitmer said groups of 100 or less would be allowed to gather outdoors. The order was previously scheduled to expire on June 12. Whitmer also said that retailers would be able to reopen June 4, with bars and restaurants following on June 8.

May 2020

• May 29: Nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures are allowed to resume on May 29.
• May 26: Effective May 26, retailers and car dealerships statewide were allowed to reopen to customers by appointment. On May 22, Whitmer extended Michigan's stay-at-home order through June 12.
• May 22: Retail businesses, offices, restaurants, and bars are allowed to reopen effective May 22 in 32 counties. Restaurants and bars are subject to a 50% capacity limit.
• May 19: On May 18, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an executive order allowing retail businesses, offices, restaurants, and bars to reopen effective May 22 in the following 32 counties: Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Baraga, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iron, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ontonagon, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft, and Wexford. Restaurants and bars will be subject to a 50% capacity limit.
• May 18: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced the formation of the Return to Learning Advisory Council. The group will make recommendations to the COVID-19 Task Force on Education on returning to in-person instruction in the fall.
• May 11: Manufacturing entities were allowed to resume operations. Michigan began its phased reopening process on April 24. We delve into Michigan's reopening plan in more detail below.
• May 8: On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) unveiled her phased reopening plan, "MI Safe Start." The plan outlines six phases of disease spread from uncontrolled growth to post-pandemic, with restrictions placed on businesses being eased as the state moves through each phase. These phases, and the changes in restrictions implemented in each phase, are outlined here. Whitmer said Michigan was currently in phase three (flattening), which is marked by a relatively stable number of new cases and deaths on a day-to-day basis, stable healthcare system capacity, and increased testing and tracing efforts. The plan does not specify effective or duration dates for each phase. Instead, movement from one phase to another is contingent on meeting specified public health benchmarks.
• May 1: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an executive order extending the closure of bars, gyms, casinos, and theaters through May 28. Under the order, restaurants may continue offering only delivery or takeout services through May 28. Michigan is under divided government, with a Democratic governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

Minnesota

Most recent five updates

• July 2: On Thursday, July 1, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed a two-year, $52 billion budget. The budget includes $70 million in COVID-19 relief to small businesses and $250 million in direct payments to frontline workers.
• July 1: The statewide COVID-19 peacetime emergency ended effective July 1. The state House and Senate voted June 30 to end the peacetime emergency as part of a budget deal. Gov. Tim Walz (D) originally planned to end the emergency Aug. 1, but said he would not seek an extension beyond July 1 after he struck a deal with the U.S. Department of Agriculture that preserved emergency food aid.
• June 15: On Monday, June 14, the Minnesota Executive Council approved Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) request for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The extension allows Walz to maintain his emergency powers.
• May 28: On Thursday, May 27, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced “Your Shot to Summer,” a vaccine incentive program to get 70% of eligible residents over 16 vaccinated by July 1. People who receive their first shot of a vaccine between May 28 and June 30 will be eligible to choose between nine different prizes, including amusement park tickets and state park permits. One hundred thousand people will be eligible to win.
• May 17: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Tim Walz (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order an additional 30 days.

July 2021

• July 2: On Thursday, July 1, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed a two-year, $52 billion budget. The budget includes $70 million in COVID-19 relief to small businesses and $250 million in direct payments to frontline workers.
• July 1: The statewide COVID-19 peacetime emergency ended effective July 1. The state House and Senate voted June 30 to end the peacetime emergency as part of a budget deal. Gov. Tim Walz (D) originally planned to end the emergency Aug. 1, but said he would not seek an extension beyond July 1 after he struck a deal with the U.S. Department of Agriculture that preserved emergency food aid.

June 2021

• June 15: On Monday, June 14, the Minnesota Executive Council approved Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) request for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. The extension allows Walz to maintain his emergency powers.

May 2021

• May 28: On Thursday, May 27, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced “Your Shot to Summer,” a vaccine incentive program to get 70% of eligible residents over 16 vaccinated by July 1. People who receive their first shot of a vaccine between May 28 and June 30 will be eligible to choose between nine different prizes, including amusement park tickets and state park permits. One hundred thousand people will be eligible to win.
• May 17: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Tim Walz (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order an additional 30 days.
• May 14: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Tim Walz (D) ended the statewide mask mandate. The state encourages unvaccinated individuals to continue wearing masks indoors.

April 2021

• April 14: 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.
• April 1:
  • Starting April 1, seated indoor events (like concerts) of up to 3,000 people and unseated events of up to 1,500 people will be allowed.
  • On March 30, residents 16 and older became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

March 2021

• March 16: On Monday, March 15, Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued an order extending the coronavirus state of emergency through April 14.
• March 15:
  • Looser mitigation restrictions are effective March 15 at 12 p.m. Bars and restaurants can expand operations from 50% to 75% of indoor capacity. Indoor social gatherings can expand from 10 people from two households to up to 15 people with no household limit. Outdoor gatherings can expand from 15 people from three households to 50 people with no household limit.
  • Starting April 1, seated indoor events (like concerts) of up to 3,000 people and unseated events of up to 1,500 people will be allowed.
• March 9: On Tuesday, March 9, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced the state has accelerated its vaccination timeline to include the next two phases starting March 10. Residents 45 and older with one or more underlying medical conditions, including Down syndrome and sickle cell disease, will be eligible for vaccination. The expansion will also include people 16 and older with two or more underlying health conditions and people age 50 and older in multigenerational households. Essential frontline workers, including food processing plant workers, will also become eligible for a vaccine on March 10.

February 2021

• February 22: On Feb. 22, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for either full-time or hybrid instruction. Gov. Tim Walz (D) said he expects schools to offer some in-person instruction by March 8. Under the plan, families can still opt to keep their children home for remote instruction.
• February 18: On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Gov. Tim Walz (D) released a plan to return students to in-person instruction. On Feb. 22, all middle and high school students can return to the classroom for either full-time instruction or a hybrid approach that combines remote learning with in-person instruction. Walz said he expects schools to offer some in-person learning by March 8. Under the plan, families can still opt to keep their children home for remote instruction.
• February 16: Capacity restrictions on restaurants, gyms, and private gatherings were relaxed on Feb. 13. Gov. Tim Walz’s new order permits restaurants to serve up to 250 people or 50% capacity, whichever is fewer, while indoor entertainment venues and gyms can serve up to 250 people or 25% capacity.

January 2021

• January 19: On Monday, Jan. 18, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced the state would open nine sites to vaccinate people 65 and older, school staff and teachers, and child care workers.
• January 14: On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Tim Walz (D) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency an additional 30 days.
• January 11: Gov. Tim Walz (D) is easing coronavirus restrictions on Jan. 11. Bars and restaurants can reopen to indoor dining at 50% capacity, and the maximum capacity at outdoor entertainment venues is increasing to 250 (or 25% capacity, whichever is less). Indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, can reopen at 25% capacity. Youth sports games can resume on Jan. 14 with spectators, so long as social distancing is enforced. Indoor private events (such as weddings) that serve food are limited to 10 people from a maximum of two households. Outdoor events are limited to three households or 15 people.
• January 8: On Thursday, Jan. 7, Walz issued executive orders aimed at protecting federal COVID-19 relief payments. The first order protects those payments from garnishment for consumer debt, while the second prohibits the payments from being counted as income for federal assistance programs.
• January 7: On Jan. 6, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced he would ease coronavirus restrictions on Jan. 11. On that day, bars and restaurants can reopen to indoor dining at 50% capacity, and the maximum capacity at outdoor entertainment venues will increase to 250 (or 25% capacity, whichever is less). Indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, can reopen at 25% capacity. Youth sports games can resume on Jan. 14 with spectators, so long as social distancing is enforced. Private parties (such as weddings) that serve food are limited to two households, or 10 people, if the event is held indoors. Outdoor events are limited to 3 households or 15 people.

December 2020

• December 17: On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced he was loosening restrictions on some businesses beginning Dec. 19. Under the new order, up to 10 people from two households can gather indoors. Fifteen people from three households can gather outdoors. Additionally, fitness centers can reopen at 25% capacity with a limit of 100 people, and outdoor events can resume at 25% capacity with a limit of 100 people. On Jan. 4, amateur sports practices can resume, though games are prohibited.
• December 14: On Monday, Dec. 14, Gov. Tim Walz (D) said he would make a decision about extending coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Last week, the Governor’s office said Walz would make the decision on Dec. 14.

November 2020

• November 23: New coronavirus restrictions took effect, including a halt on indoor dining and the closure of indoor fitness centers, theaters, and bowling alleys. The order also prohibits families from holding gatherings with members of separate households. The order is scheduled to last until Dec. 18.
• November 17: On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced new coronavirus restrictions would take effect Nov. 13. Indoor and outdoor private gatherings are limited to 10 people from a maximum of three households, and capacity at bars and restaurants is limited to 50%. Additionally, wedding and funeral receptions are limited to 50 people beginning Nov. 27 and 25 people beginning Dec. 11.
• November 6: Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed an executive order that discourages schools from requiring teachers to teach both in-person and remote classes at the same time. The order also requires schools to provide teachers with 30 extra minutes a day to prepare for remote teaching.

October 2020

• October 19: On Monday, Oct. 19, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced $7.7 million in federal CARES Act support to farmers, agricultural producers, and meat processors.
• October 12: On Monday, Oct. 12, Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued an order extending the statewide emergency through Nov. 12.
• October 7: On Wednesday, Oct. 7, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that he planned to extend the state of emergency another 30 days. The extension will trigger a special session of the legislature. The state of emergency is the basis for many coronavirus restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate.

September 2020

• September 11: On Sept. 11, Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued an executive order extending the peacetime emergency through Oct. 12. He first enacted the peacetime emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

August 2020

• August 10: The Minnesota Department of Health released guidance for reopening long-term care facilities. Facilities with no exposure to COVID-19 in the last 28 days may consider reopening to visitors.

July 2020

• July 30: Gov. Tim Walz (D) released the Safe Learning Plan for reopening public schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The plan requires a county to have fewer than 9 coronavirus cases per 10,000 residents over a 14 days to fully reopen schools.
• July 22: On July 22, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that he will issue a statewide mask mandate effective July 25. The order will require all people except small children and those with documented medical conditions to wear a mask in businesses open to the public.

June 2020

• June 10: Minnesota entered Phase Three of its reopening plan Wednesday, June 10. Restaurants can reopen to indoor dining at 50% capacity. Gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and pools are also permitted to reopen with restrictions.
• June 1: Restaurants and bars are allowed to offer limited outdoor seating starting, up to 50 people, on June 1. Salons and barbershops are also permitted to reopen on June 1 at 25% capacity.

May 2020

• May 21: On May 20, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that restaurants and bars would be allowed to offer limited outdoor seating effective June 1 (outdoor spaces can accommodate no more than 50 people at a time). Salons and barber shops will also be permitted to reopen on June 1 at 25 percent capacity.
• May 20: Gov. Tim Walz (D) was scheduled to hold a press conference at 4 p.m. Eastern time outlining new guidance on restaurant and bar reopenings. We'll have more on this in our May 21 edition.
• May 18: Effective May 18, most non-critical businesses were allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. Businesses must establish and implement preparedness plans to reopen. The closure of bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation has been extended through May 31. The state's stay-at-home order expired on May 17.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced on Thursday afternoon that the state’s stay-at-home order will remain in effect until May 18. The order was set to expire on May 4. Some businesses will be permitted to partially resume operations through curbside pick-up on May 4. Minnesota is under divided government, with a Democratic governor, a Democratic majority in the state House, and a Republican majority in the state Senate.

Mississippi

Most recent five updates

• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) made the announcement May 10.
• May 11: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. Mississippi is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• May 3: On April 30, Gov. Tate Reeves (R) liftedall remaining coronavirus restrictions (including all capacity restrictions on sports and entertainment venues) except for the mask requirement inside schools.
• April 1: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order easing restrictions for certain events. Large events at indoor arenas can expand to 75% capacity, and K-12 extracurricular events can expand to 50% capacity indoors, with no limit on outdoor events.
• March 16: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced the state is eliminating vaccine eligibility restrictions for anyone over the age of 16 starting March 16. Mississippi is the second state (after Alaska on March 9) to open vaccinations up for anyone over the age of 16 statewide.

June 2021

• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) made the announcement May 10.

May 2021

• May 11: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. Mississippi is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• May 3: On April 30, Gov. Tate Reeves (R) liftedall remaining coronavirus restrictions (including all capacity restrictions on sports and entertainment venues) except for the mask requirement inside schools.

April 2021

• April 1: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order easing restrictions for certain events. Large events at indoor arenas can expand to 75% capacity, and K-12 extracurricular events can expand to 50% capacity indoors, with no limit on outdoor events.

March 2021

• March 16: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced the state is eliminating vaccine eligibility restrictions for anyone over the age of 16 starting March 16. Mississippi is the second state (after Alaska on March 9) to open vaccinations up for anyone over the age of 16 statewide.
• March 3: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) is lifting the state’s regional mask requirement and all restrictions on businesses starting March 3. The state still requires masks in K-12 school buildings, while large indoor venues like arenas with ticketed seating will be limited to 50% seating capacity. The order also lifts gathering restrictions for individuals. Previously, 10 people could gather indoors and 50 could gather outdoors.
• March 1: School staff and first responders are eligible for vaccination starting March 1. Previously, individuals 65 and older were eligible.

February 2021

• February 4: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s regional mask order and Safe Return order (including the 10-person indoor and 50-person outdoor gathering limits) until March 3 at 5 p.m.

January 2021

• January 19: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s regional mask order and Safe Return order (including the 10-person indoor and 50-person outdoor gathering limits) until Feb. 3.

December 2020

• December 23: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) added 16 counties to the state’s mask order, bringing the number of counties under the order to 78 out of 82. The order is set to expire Jan. 15, 2021.
• December 15: State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs announced hospitals have to postpone elective surgeries that require overnight hospitalization starting Dec. 15 through at least Dec. 23.
• December 10: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) amended the state’s Safe Recovery Order to limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 50 when social distancing cannot be practiced. He also added 12 counties and removed four from the state’s mask requirement, bringing the total number of counties under the face-covering order to 62.
• December 2: Gov. Tate Reeves added 13 counties to the state’s mask mandate, bringing the total number of counties with face-covering requirements to 54.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) added 19 counties to the state’s targeted mask mandate order, bringing the total number of counties with face-covering requirements to 41. The order is effective through Dec. 11.
• November 18: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) added seven counties to the state’s targeted mask mandate order, bringing the total number of counties with face-covering requirements to 22. The order is effective through Dec. 11.

October 2020

• October 27: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s additional mitigation measures to seven more counties, bringing the total number of counties under the order to 16, effective Oct. 28. The order limits gatherings to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. It also requires masks in all indoor public places where social distancing cannot be maintained.
• October 21: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order implementing targeted mitigation measures in nine counties with high rates of coronavirus infection, effective Oct. 21. The order limits gatherings in those counties to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. It also requires masks in all indoor public places where social distancing cannot be maintained. Hospitals statewide are also required to maintain at least 10% of their total capacity for coronavirus patients. Facilities that cannot maintain this capacity will have to pause elective procedures.

September 2020

• September 30: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order relaxing the state’s coronavirus requirements. Under the order, gatherings of up to 20 people indoors and 100 outdoors will be permitted when social distancing is not possible. Reeves also announced the public mask requirement will expire. Individuals still have to wear masks at schools and at businesses the state defines as close-contact (like barbershops and salons).
• September 17: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s Safe Return order through Sept. 30. Reeves amended the order to allow 75% capacity at businesses like gyms, restaurants, and retail shops. The amended order also allows social gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and 50 outdoors when distancing is not possible or 20 indoors and 50 outdoors with social distancing.
• September 1: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s executive order requiring individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces and bars to close at 11 p.m. every night. The order expands school sporting and extracurricular events (like school performances) to 25% capacity. Previously, only two attendees per participating student were permitted.

August 2020

• August 5: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued a statewide mask order. Everyone five years of age or older must wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing cannot be practiced. He also mandated that all students and teachers wear masks on school property. Reeves delayed school reopenings in eight counties to Aug. 17. Previously, the counties were allowed to set their own start dates for the academic year.

July 2020

• July 28: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) amended the statewide Safe Return order. The new order limits gatherings to 10 people indoors or 20 outdoors, requires bars and restaurants to stop serving alcohol between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and only allows bars to serve alcohol to seated customers. Reeves also added six counties to the county-specific mask order.
• July 20: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s Safe Return and mask requirement executive orders. Reeves added 10 additional counties to the original 13 with the mask requirement.
• July 10: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order increasing coronavirus restrictions in 13 counties. The order requires individuals to wear face masks in public and limits gatherings to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors.
• July 7: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced he was extending the state’s Safe Return order until July 20.

June 2020

• June 10: The Mississippi Department of Education released optional guidance for schools reopening in the fall. It contained recommendations for school districts to choose and implement one of three learning schedules: traditional, hybrid, or online.
• June 8: DMV's in the state are reopening on June 8.
• June 1: Gov. Tate Reeves’ (R) Safe Return order took effect on June 1. The order allows all travel to resume. It also permits indoor gatherings of up to 20 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people. If social distancing is possible, indoor gatherings of up to 50 and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 are allowed. Ballparks, theaters, libraries, and museums can also begin opening.

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced that his Safer At Home order will be replaced by a Safe Return order effective June 1. The order will allow all travel to resume. The order will allow for indoor gatherings of up to 20 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people. If social distancing is possible, indoor gatherings of up to 50 and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 will be permitted. Reeves also issued an executive order allowing ballparks, theaters, libraries, and museums to begin opening June 1.
• May 26: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s safer-at-home order through June 1. It was scheduled to expire on May 25. He also lifted some restrictions on outdoor recreation activities and businesses, including water parks, playgrounds, and sports practices.
• May 20: Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday issued recommendations for in-person religious services to reopen in the state. Religious services were classified as essential and were not mandated to shut down. On May 21, casinos that comply with Mississippi Gaming Commission and CDC guidelines can begin reopening.
• May 18: Tattoo parlors were able to reopen effective May 15 with restrictions similar to those of barbershops in the state.
• May 15: Mississippi Gaming Commission Executive Director Allen Godfrey confirmed that casinos in the state would be able to reopen on May 21.
• May 11: Barber shops, salons, and gyms were allowed to reopen starting Monday, May 11, subject to social distancing and other guidelines. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced the reopenings on May 8.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order loosening some of the restrictions in his original April 3 stay-at-home order. The new "Safer at Home" plan allows some businesses to reopen, with restrictions, such as limiting the number of customers allowed inside and making hand sanitizer widely available. Gatherings of 10 or more individuals are still prohibited. Mississippi is a Republican trifecta.

Missouri

Most recent five updates

• July 22: On July 21, Gov. Mike Parson (R) launched a vaccine incentive program, MO VIP. Parson said that 900 Missourians who had been vaccinated or who get vaccinated over the next three months will be eligible to receive cash or education savings account prizes worth $10,000. Drawings begin Aug. 13 and will continue every two weeks until Oct. 8.
• July 8: On July 7, Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed SB51 into law, which protects healthcare providers, businesses, religious organizations, and other entities from civil liability related to the coronavirus.
• June 16: Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed HB 271, prohibiting local governments from requiring proof of vaccination to access public facilities and services. The bill also limits local emergency powers. Local governments can only issue public health orders that restrict the activities of businesses, churches, schools, and other places of assembly for up to 30 days in a 180-day period if the governor has declared a state of emergency. If the governor has not declared an emergency, local governments can issue public health restrictions for up to 21 days in a 180-day period. Local governing bodies can extend public health restrictions with a simple majority vote if a statewide emergency exists. If no statewide emergency exists, local governing bodies can extend public health restrictions with a two-thirds vote.
• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Mike Parson (R) made the announcement May 11.
• May 17: Gov. Mike Parson (R) directed all state employees to return to pre-coronavirus in-person work settings no later than May 17. All state buildings must reopen to the public during normal business hours.

July 2021

• July 22: On July 21, Gov. Mike Parson (R) launched a vaccine incentive program, MO VIP. Parson said that 900 Missourians who had been vaccinated or who get vaccinated over the next three months will be eligible to receive cash or education savings account prizes worth $10,000. Drawings begin Aug. 13 and will continue every two weeks until Oct. 8.
• July 8: On July 7, Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed SB51 into law, which protects healthcare providers, businesses, religious organizations, and other entities from civil liability related to the coronavirus.

June 2021

• June 16: Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed HB 271, prohibiting local governments from requiring proof of vaccination to access public facilities and services. The bill also limits local emergency powers. Local governments can only issue public health orders that restrict the activities of businesses, churches, schools, and other places of assembly for up to 30 days in a 180-day period if the governor has declared a state of emergency. If the governor has not declared an emergency, local governments can issue public health restrictions for up to 21 days in a 180-day period. Local governing bodies can extend public health restrictions with a simple majority vote if a statewide emergency exists. If no statewide emergency exists, local governing bodies can extend public health restrictions with a two-thirds vote.
• June 14: The state ended its participation in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 12. Gov. Mike Parson (R) made the announcement May 11.

May 2021

• May 17: Gov. Mike Parson (R) directed all state employees to return to pre-coronavirus in-person work settings no later than May 17. All state buildings must reopen to the public during normal business hours.
• May 12: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12.
• May 7: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the Missouri National Guard is scaling back its operations at mass vaccination sites and will end its involvement by June 1. Parson said the change is due to greater vaccine availability at local pharmacies and lower demand.
• May 6: Gov. Mike Parson (R) directed all state employees to return to pre-coronavirus in-person work settings no later than May 17. On the same day, all state buildings must reopen to the public during normal business hours.

April 2021

• April 9: All residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 9. Previously, all residents in Phase 2 were eligible.

March 2021

• March 30: Gov. Mike Parson (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Aug. 31.
• March 29: All residents in Phase 2 (including construction workers, higher education faculty and staff, and homeless people) are eligible for vaccinations starting March 29.
• March 19: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced everyone in Phase 2 (including construction workers, higher education faculty and staff, and homeless people) will be eligible for vaccinations starting March 29. On April 5, all adults will become eligible to receive vaccines.
• March 15: Individuals in Phase 1B - Tier 3 are eligible for vaccinations starting March 15. The phase includes school employees, grocery store workers, and critical infrastructure workers (including people in the energy, food, and agriculture sectors).
• March 5: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the state will allocate 15% of its vaccine supply to the State Pharmacy Program.
• March 2: Gov. Mike Parson (R) released information on vaccine allocations to high-volume vaccination centers for March 1-14.

February 2021

• February 26: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced individuals in Phase 1B - Tier 3 will be eligible for vaccinations starting March 15. The phase will include school employees, grocery store workers, and critical infrastructure workers (including people in the energy, food, and agriculture sectors).
• February 10: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the locations for mass vaccination events between Feb. 9-13.
• February 9: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the launch of the COVID-19 Vaccine Navigator tool. Residents can register to be notified when they become eligible to receive a vaccine and schedule appointments at local vaccination sites.
• February 3: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the locations for mass vaccination events between Feb. 4-6. Parson also announced partnerships with certain hospitals to support high-volume distribution in each region. The state will select hospitals it identifies as having the capacity to administer at least 5,000 vaccines per week.

January 2021

• January 27: The state released a vaccine distribution dashboard on Jan. 26.
• January 19: Phase 1b - Tier 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan started Jan. 18. It includes individuals age 65 or older and any adult with a high-risk condition (like COPD, cancer, type 2 diabetes, or severe obesity). Previously, Phase 1b - Tier 1 started Jan. 14, making the vaccine available to first responders and public health professionals.

November 2020

• November 23: Gov. Mike Parson (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 31, 2021.
• November 20: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced he is extending the state’s coronavirus emergency through March 2021.

September 2020

• September 25: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced updated guidance for nursing home and long-term care facility visitation. The guidance is non-binding.

July 2020

• July 13: The Department of Education released guidance for reopening schools. Recommendations include screening students and faculty for symptoms, limiting students and faculty to the same group of people every day (cohorting), and requesting students and faculty wear masks.

June 2020

• June 16: The state is entering the second phase of reopening on June 16. Phase Two completely lifts statewide restrictions and health orders. Local officials can still implement more stringent regulations.
• June 12: Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the state will enter the second phase of reopening starting June 16. Phase Two will completely lift statewide restrictions and health orders. Local officials will still be able to implement regulations. Parson also extended Missouri’s state of emergency through Dec. 30, 2020.
• June 11: On June 11, Gov. Mike Parson (R) was expected to announce the state will enter Phase Two of the reopening plan on June 15. Information on Phase Two changes is not yet available.
• June 10: The state announced fall reopenings for schools would occur at the discretion of county and school board officials.
• June 1: Casinos are permitted to reopen on June 1.

May 2020

• May 29: Gov. Mike Parson (R) extended Phase One of the Show Me Strong Recovery Plan through June 15.
• May 18: Missouri state park campgrounds began reopening to guests with reservations on May 18. State park beaches will also open to the public on May 21.
• May 4: In Missouri, retail businesses can reopen their physical locations Monday, provided the locations limit the number of persons to either 25 percent or less of maximum occupancy for buildings with square footage of less than 10,000 sq. ft., or 10 percent or less of maximum occupancy for buildings with square footage of 10,000 sq. ft. or more. The order, which Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services Randall W. Williams issued, also allowed restaurants to resume dine-in services, provided they abide by social distancing guidelines. Missouri is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Mike Parson (R) is scheduled to announce reopening plans Monday afternoon.

Montana

Most recent five updates

• July 1: On June 30, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) endedMontana’s state of emergency.
• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 27. Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) made the announcement May 4.
• May 5: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced the state will opt-out of all federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs and transition back to pre-pandemic eligibility and benefits by June 30. Montana will be the first state to fully opt-out of the federal unemployment programs. Gianforte also announced the state will offer $1,200 Return-to-Work bonuses for people who get off unemployment benefits after May 4 and complete four paid weeks of employment. For more information on the unemployment changes, click here. For more information on the Return-to-Work bonus initiative, click here.
• April 14: 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.
• April 1: Residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 1. Currently, the state is in Phase 1B+, which allows vaccinations for everyone 60 and older.

July 2021

• July 1: On June 30, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) endedMontana’s state of emergency.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 27. Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) made the announcement May 4.

May 2021

• May 5: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced the state will opt-out of all federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs and transition back to pre-pandemic eligibility and benefits by June 30. Montana will be the first state to fully opt-out of the federal unemployment programs. Gianforte also announced the state will offer $1,200 Return-to-Work bonuses for people who get off unemployment benefits after May 4 and complete four paid weeks of employment. For more information on the unemployment changes, click here. For more information on the Return-to-Work bonus initiative, click here.

April 2021

• April 14: 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.
• April 1: Residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 1. Currently, the state is in Phase 1B+, which allows vaccinations for everyone 60 and older.

March 2021

• March 17: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced March 16 that everyone 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 1. Currently, the state is in Phase 1B+, which allows vaccinations for everyone 60 and older.
• March 8: The state begins Phase 1B+ of vaccine distribution on March 8. Eligibility is expanding to individuals aged 60 and older and anyone aged 16-59 with an underlying health condition like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease.
• March 3: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced the state will start Phase 1B+ of vaccine distribution on March 8. Eligibility will expand to individuals aged 60 and older and anyone aged 16-59 with an underlying health condition like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease.

February 2021

• February 12: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) is letting the state’s face-covering requirement expire on Feb. 12. Montana is the fourth state to lift a statewide mask order. Former Gov. Steve Bullock (D) issued the face-covering requirement July 15, 2020.
• February 3: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced 19,500 unused doses of the vaccine will be redistributed from the federal government’s long-term care vaccination program to people in Phase 1B of the state’s plan.

January 2021

• January 20: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) moved the state into Phase 1B of vaccine distribution on Jan. 19. The phase includes individuals age 70 and older, people with high-risk medical conditions, and “Native Americans and other persons of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications.”
• January 7: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced that after healthcare workers are vaccinated, the state’s distribution plan will prioritize residents over the age of 70, individuals with preexisting conditions, and Native Americans. Previously, the plan prioritized certain frontline essential workers and individuals in congregate care and correctional facilities in Phase 1B.
• January 4: Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced an updated vaccine distribution plan and timeline based on the most recent CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for allocation to critical groups.

October 2020

• November 18: Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced additional mitigation measures, effective Nov. 20. Gatherings will be limited to 25 people when social distancing is not possible. Bars, restaurants, and casinos will have a 10 p.m. curfew every night and will be limited to 50% capacity.

September 2020

• September 11: Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced the Outbreak Response Protocols guidance document for K-12 schools responding to confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

July 2020

• July 15: Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced a statewide mask requirement, effective immediately. It requires individuals to wear masks inside certain businesses and at outdoor gatherings of greater than 50 people where social distancing is not possible.
• July 7: Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced guidelines for reopening schools in the state. The plan encourages schools to consider several precautions, including limiting occupancy, adjusting transportation schedules, and adopting special cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

June 2020

• June 29: Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced nursing homes and assisted living facilities capable of upholding CMS and CDC guidelines can begin reopening to visitors.
• June 1: Montana started the second phase of reopening on June 1. Phase Two allows restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, casinos, gyms, and pools to operate at 75% capacity if they maintain the physical distancing and sanitation protocols established in Phase One. Other venues like concert halls and bowling alleys can operate with reduced capacity under distancing guidelines. In Phase Two, residents are asked to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people unless social distancing can be maintained. Visitors to the state will not have to self-quarantine for 14 days.

May 2020

• May 20: Gov. Steve Bullock announced Montana would move into the second phase of reopening beginning June 1. Phase Two will allow restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, casinos, gyms, and pools to operate at 75% capacity if they maintain the physical distancing and sanitation protocols established in Phase One. Other venues like concert halls and bowling alleys will be able to operate with reduced capacity under distancing guidelines. In the second phase, residents will be asked to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people unless social distancing can be kept. Visitors to the state will not have to complete a 14-day self-quarantine.

Nebraska

Most recent five updates

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) made the announcement May 24.
• May 25: On Monday, May 24, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced he would end all COVID-19 health orders at 11:59 p.m. Monday, including the requirement to quarantine if sick with COVID-19. Ricketts also announced the state would end its participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 19.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced that local health departments will have the option of expanding vaccine eligibility to residents 16 and older starting April 5.
• March 22: The state moved into Phase 2 of its vaccination plan March 22, allowing people 50 and above to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• February 1: 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.

June 2021

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) made the announcement May 24.

May 2021

• May 25: On Monday, May 24, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced he would end all COVID-19 health orders at 11:59 p.m. Monday, including the requirement to quarantine if sick with COVID-19. Ricketts also announced the state would end its participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 19.

April 2021

• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced that local health departments will have the option of expanding vaccine eligibility to residents 16 and older starting April 5.

March 2021

• March 22: The state moved into Phase 2 of its vaccination plan March 22, allowing people 50 and above to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

February 2021

• February 1: 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.

December 2020

• December 14: On Friday, Dec. 11, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced the state would move from the orange to the yellow phase of reopening because the statewide percentage of hospitalized coronavirus patients had fallen below 20%. The yellow phase removes or loosens some restrictions, including the requirement that only members of a participant’s household could attend youth extracurricular activities.
• December 7: On Dec. 4, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced new guidance for long-term care facilities. Facilities can designate friends or family members “essential caregivers” if they provided support to the resident before the pandemic. The designation allows the caregiver to have more access to the resident and supplement facility staff.
• December 3: On Dec. 2, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced that up to 100,000 doses of the first coronavirus vaccines were scheduled to arrive in the state between Dec. 13-19, conditional on final FDA approval.
• December 1: On Monday, Nov. 30, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) extended the state’s coronavirus restrictions, including mask and social distancing requirements in certain businesses, through December.

November 2020

• November 12: On Monday, Nov. 9, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced new coronavirus restrictions would take effect Nov. 11. The new measures include a requirement that people in bars, gyms, and churches be kept 6 feet apart and establishes a 25% indoor capacity limit.

October 2020

• October 16: On Friday, Oct. 16, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) said new restrictions would take effect statewide on Oct. 21 in response to increasing coronavirus-related hospitalizations. Restrictions include a reduction in the indoor gatherings limit from 75% capacity to 50%, and a requirement that restaurants and bar patrons remain seated unless ordering, going to the bathroom, or playing a game.

September 2020

• September 14: All counties except Lancaster County will enter Phase Four of reopening. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) made the announcement on Sept. 10. At the time of his announcement, 27 counties were in Phase Four.
• September 10: Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced that all counties except Lancaster County would enter Phase Four of reopening on Sept. 14. Currently, there are 27 counties in Phase Four.

August 2020

• August 27: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced the directed health measures for Phase 3 set to expire Aug. 31 were extended through Sept. 13. Sixty-six counties are in Phase 3. The other 27 counties in Phase 4 will remain in Phase 4 through Sept. 30.

July 2020

• July 21: The Loup Basin Public Health Department became the first public health district in the state to proceed to Phase Four of reopening. Phase Four removes the capacity limits on bars, restaurants, and childcare facilities. Outdoor venues can operate at 100% capacity, while indoor venues can operate at 75% capacity.
• July 7: On July 6, the final four counties in Phase 2—Dakota, Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick—entered Phase 3 of reopening. Under Phase 3, indoor gatherings are limited to 50% occupancy with no more than 10,000 people, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 75% occupancy with no more than 10,000 people. Childcare facilities reopened with limits that vary by the age of children. This brought the entire state into Phase 3.

June 2020

• June 22: Eighty-nine of 93 counties entered Phase 3 of Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) reopening plan on June 22. The following businesses and activities resumed: bars and restaurants (100% occupancy with social distancing measures); gyms and fitness facilities (75% occupancy); personal care services (75% occupancy); wedding and funeral receptions. Under Phase 3, indoor gatherings are limited to 50% occupancy with no more than 10,000 people, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 75% occupancy with no more than 10,000 people. Childcare facilities reopened with limits that vary by the age of children.
  • The remaining counties— Dakota, Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick—entered Phase 2 on June 22. Under that phase, bars and strip clubs may reopen at 50% capacity, host parties up to six people, and patrons are required to stay six feet away from entertainers. Games, such as darts and pool, are prohibited. Gatherings of up to 25 or 25% capacity (excluding staff) for indoor or outdoor attractions are allowed in Phase 2. For larger venues, no more than 3,000 people are allowed, even if that number is less than 25% occupancy. Weddings and funerals can also resume, limited to up to 25 people or 50% occupancy, excluding staff. Phase 2 allows limited, noncontact sports, such as baseball and softball, to resume practices. Games are allowed to resume on June 18. Basketball, tackle football, soccer, and wrestling remain prohibited in Phase 2.
• June 16: Gov Pete Ricketts (R) announced that 89 of 93 counties would move into Phase 3 of his reopening plan on June 22. The following businesses and activities will be permitted to resume: bars and restaurants (100% occupancy with social distancing measures); gyms and fitness facilities (75% occupancy); personal care services (75% occupancy); wedding and funeral receptions. Under Phase III, indoor gatherings will be limited to 50% occupancy with no more than 10,000 people, and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 75% occupancy with no more than 10,000 people. Childcare facilities can reopen with the following limits: infants to 3 years old (15 children per room); 3-year-olds (20 children per room), 4-5-year-olds (24 children per room); and school-age children (30 children per room). Contact sports, like football and basketball, are permitted to resume practice and play games on July 1. The remaining counties— Dakota, Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick—will enter Phase 2 on June 22. Under that phase, bars and strip clubs can reopen at 50% capacity, host parties up to six people, and patrons are required to stay six feet away from entertainers. Games, such as darts and pool, are prohibited. Gatherings of up to 25 or 25% capacity (excluding staff) for indoor or outdoor attractions, such as arenas, fairgrounds, libraries, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space are allowed in Phase 2. For larger venues, no more than 3,000 people are allowed, even if that number is less than 25% occupancy. Weddings and funerals can also resume, limited to up to 25 people or 50% occupancy, excluding staff. Phase 2 allows limited, noncontact sports, such as baseball and softball, to resume practices. Games are allowed to resume on June 18. Basketball, tackle football, soccer, and wrestling remain prohibited in Phase 2. Ricketts also announced that elective surgeries are allowed in all counties.
• June 1: Eighty-nine of Nebraska’s 93 counties entered Phase II of the reopening plan on June 1. Bars and strip clubs were permitted to reopen at 50 percent capacity, with tables spaced six feet apart, and required patrons to maintain six feet of distance from entertainers. Games, such as darts and pool, remain prohibited. Gatherings of up to 25 or 25 percent capacity (excluding staff) for indoor or outdoor attractions, such as arenas, fairgrounds, libraries, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space are allowed in Phase II. For larger venues, attendance is limited to 3,000, even if that number is less than 25 percent occupancy. Weddings and funerals also resumed, but are limited to no more than 25 people or 50 percent occupancy, excluding staff. Parades, carnivals, midways, dances, and beer gardens are prohibited through June 30. People who traveled internationally are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days. The new phase allows limited, noncontact sports, such as baseball and softball, to resume practices, with games being allowed to resume on June 18. Basketball, tackle football, soccer, and wrestling remain prohibited.

May 2020

• May 22: On May 21, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced that 89 counties will enter Phase II of the state’s reopening plan starting June 1. Under Phase II, bars and strip clubs are permitted to reopen at 50 percent capacity, host parties up to six people, and patrons must stay six feet away from entertainers. Games, such as darts and pool, are prohibited. Gatherings of up to 25 or 25 percent capacity (excluding staff) for indoor or outdoor attractions, such as arenas, fairgrounds, libraries, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space are allowed in Phase II. No more than 3,000 people are allowed in larger venues, even if that is less than 25 percent occupancy. Weddings and funerals may also resume, up to 25 people or 50 percent occupancy, excluding staff. Parades, carnivals, midways, dances, and beer gardens are prohibited through June 30. Phase II also lifts the recommendation that residents who traveled to a country or a state with a widespread COVID-19 outbreak self-quarantine for two weeks. Under the new phase, only those who traveled internationally will need to self-quarantine for 14 days. The new phase will allow limited noncontact sports, such as baseball and softball, to resume practices by June 1, with games resuming on June 18. Basketball, tackle football, soccer, and wrestling remain prohibited in Phase II. Ricketts also announced four counties that were not included in Phase I reopenings will be able to enter that phase in June. Under Phase I, the following businesses will be permitted to reopen: personal services, such as salons and barbershops, and in-restaurant dining at 50 percent capacity.
• May 18: Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) announced on May 15 that long-term care centers, such as nursing homes, will be required to develop formal plans on how to mitigate the spread of coronavirus among vulnerable residents who live in the facilities.
• May 4: Restrictions were loosened in 10 of Nebraska's 19 health department regions beginning Monday. These reduced measures allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and personal care businesses. Nebraska is a Republican trifecta.

Nevada

Most recent five updates

• August 5: On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an order requiring staff and students at public, private, and charter schools in counties with more than 100,000 people to wear face masks while in school buildings or buses. Sisolak’s initial directive applied to schools in all counties. School superintendent objections prompted him to issue an additional order later in the afternoon exempting schools in counties with fewer than 100,000 people.
• June 18: On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced “Vax Nevada Days,” an initiative to encourage residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The initiative will include a $1 million grand prize, as well as smaller cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $250,000, and state park passes.
• May 14: On Thursday, May 13, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an order exempting vaccinated people from the statewide mask mandate. The order aligns the state’s mask mandate with CDC guidance that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask indoors in most circumstances.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an emergency directive updating the statewide mask mandate order to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidance. The updated language states that people “shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face covering in a manner consistent with current guidance issued by the CDC, and any subsequent guidance issued by the CDC.”
• May 3: County governments assumed control over most COVID-19 mitigation policies on May 1. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed the directive on April 20. Counties are permitted to set social distancing measures and restrictions on schools and large events. The Nevada Gaming Control Board still controls mitigation in casinos until June 1, when all state mitigation policies—except for the statewide mask mandate—will end. County commissioners had to approve a Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan and submit it to the state for approval before May 1. County school districts also gained control over all COVID-19 mitigation measures.

August 2021

• August 5: On Wednesday, Aug. 4, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an order requiring staff and students at public, private, and charter schools in counties with more than 100,000 people to wear face masks while in school buildings or buses. Sisolak’s initial directive applied to schools in all counties. School superintendent objections prompted him to issue an additional order later in the afternoon exempting schools in counties with fewer than 100,000 people.

June 2021

• June 18: On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced “Vax Nevada Days,” an initiative to encourage residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The initiative will include a $1 million grand prize, as well as smaller cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $250,000, and state park passes.

May 2021

• May 14: On Thursday, May 13, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an order exempting vaccinated people from the statewide mask mandate. The order aligns the state’s mask mandate with CDC guidance that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask indoors in most circumstances.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an emergency directive updating the statewide mask mandate order to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidance. The updated language states that people “shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face covering in a manner consistent with current guidance issued by the CDC, and any subsequent guidance issued by the CDC.”
• May 3: County governments assumed control over most COVID-19 mitigation policies on May 1. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed the directive on April 20. Counties are permitted to set social distancing measures and restrictions on schools and large events. The Nevada Gaming Control Board still controls mitigation in casinos until June 1, when all state mitigation policies—except for the statewide mask mandate—will end. County commissioners had to approve a Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan and submit it to the state for approval before May 1. County school districts also gained control over all COVID-19 mitigation measures.

April 2021

• April 21: On Tuesday, April 20, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed a directive allowing county governments to assume control over most COVID-19 mitigation policies on May 1. 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.
• April 14: 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.
• April 5: Effective Monday, April 5, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

March 2021

• March 31: On Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) extended a statewide evictions moratorium for 60 days.
• March 30: Effective March 30, full-contact and close-contact sports organizations, clubs, associations, and leagues can resume practices and competitions if they implement a Preparedness and Safety Plan. Full-contact sports organizers must also implement a COVID-19 testing and mitigation plan.
• March 19: People 16 and older with pre-existing conditions, including cancer and lung disease, are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine beginning March 22.
• March 15: On Friday, March 12, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced that effective Monday, March 15, large venues can host events at up to 50% capacity with approval from the Department of Business and Industry. Previously, large gatherings and events were limited to 20% capacity at venues with more than 2,500 seats. Conventions, conferences, and trade shows were limited to 1,000 people.
• March 12 : Effective March 15, gatherings of up to 250 people or 50% of the fire code capacity are permitted. Additionally, the capacity limit on businesses like gyms, restaurants, and bars increased from 35% to 50%. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) eased some restrictions Feb. 12 and announced he would further ease restrictions March 15.
• March 8: On Friday, March 5, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued an order revising the minimum distance requirements at entertainment venues. The order specifies that mask-wearing performers must maintain a distance of at least six feet from members of the audience. Previously, the minimum distance had been 25 feet. Performers who remove their masks must maintain a distance of 12 feet. The order took effect immediately.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) reclassified lacrosse and field hockey as minimal-contact sports, allowing practices at schools to begin immediately. Tournaments can resume on March 15 if a safety plan is submitted to and approved by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA).

February 2021

• February 18: On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced that full-contact high school sports regulated by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) can resume practices and games. The NIAA must develop a testing and mitigation plan before sports can resume. Sisolak also announced that the occupancy limits in schools will increase from 50% capacity or 50 people to 75% capacity or 250 people beginning Feb. 18.
• February 16: On Thursday, Feb. 12, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced he would begin lifting coronavirus restrictions over a three-month period beginning Feb. 15. The capacity limit on bars and restaurants increased from 25% to 35%, and the limit on private outdoor gatherings increased from 10 to 25. The new rules also allow houses of worship, casino floors, and gyms to operate at 35% capacity. Sisolak said he would loosen restrictions again on March 15 and May 1.
• February 5: On Thursday, Feb. 4, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced the Equity and Fairness Initiative, which he said "will work with Clark County Emergency Management and Southern Nevada Health District to clarify prioritization lanes, support fair access to vaccines through site selection, and equitable allocation across communities."

January 2021

• January 12:
  • On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions an additional 30 days. Restrictions include a requirement that businesses like restaurants, bars, and casinos operate at no more than 25% capacity.
  • On Jan. 11, Sisolak also announced the state will prioritize vaccinations for people age 70 and above. Previously, the minimum age for seniors had been 75.

December 2020

• December 14: On Sunday, Dec. 13, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) extended the current statewide coronavirus restrictions, including a requirement that caps indoor and outdoor dining at 25% capacity, through Jan. 15.

November 2020

• November 24: Starting Nov. 24, capacity in casinos, restaurants, and bars is limited to 25%. The state’s gathering limit is reduced from 250 to 50. All residents are required to wear a mask both indoors and outdoors when they are around someone from outside their household. The order is scheduled to last three weeks.
• November 12: On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced “Stay at Home 2.0,” a campaign aimed at getting Nevadans to limit nonessential activity outside of the home and practice social distancing, mask-wearing, and handwashing.

October 2020

• October 30: On Monday, Oct. 26, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced a statewide vaccine distribution program. The plan distributes a vaccine to healthcare workers and vulnerable populations first, then expands to include retail workers, teachers, and some university staff.
• October 15: On Oct. 15, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) allowed the statewide moratorium on evictions to expire.
• October 9: On Thursday, Oct. 8, the Nevada COVID-19 task force lowered the standard for testing and positivity rates that counties must meet to avoid being labeled “elevated risk.” The new standard requires counties to test more than 100 individuals per 100,000 daily and to keep the positivity rate below 8%. Previously, counties were required to test 150 individuals per 100,000 each day and keep the positivity rate below 7%.
• October 1: On Sept. 29, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced he would issue an executive order effective Oct. 1 easing some coronavirus restrictions, including raising the gathering limit from 50 to 250 people. Sports venues with more than 2,500 seats will be permitted to reopen at 10% capacity if they submit a plan and receive approval from state and local officials.

September 2020

• September 18: The COVID-19 Mitigation and Management Task Force voted to allow bars in Las Vegas to reopen beginning at midnight on Sept. 20. Bars in Reno were previously allowed to reopen at midnight on Sept. 18.
• September 14: On Sept. 11, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed Emergency Directive 32 extending the expiration date of driver’s licenses through Nov. 12. The directive affects all driver's licenses, identification cards, non-commercial instruction permits, and driver authorization cards with expiration dates between March 12 and Nov. 12.
• September 4: The state’s coronavirus mitigation task force announced that bars would remain closed in four counties for at least two more weeks. Bars are currently closed in Clark, Elko, Nye, and Washoe counties.
• September 1: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) extended the moratorium on evictions for 45 days through Oct. 15. Sisolak also announced an additional $10 million in federal relief funds for short-term rental assistance.

August 2020

• August 17: The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association announced that no school sports would be allowed to begin until January. Winter sports may begin a six-week season on Jan. 2, followed by fall sports (delayed from fall 2020), and then spring sports.
• August 12: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed legislation limiting the civil liability of most businesses in the state. To qualify for protection, businesses must adhere to government-imposed health and safety standards. The bill does not limit liabilities for schools, hospitals, and other health services.
• August 4: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced the state would take a county-by-county approach to coronavirus restrictions. Officials will review data by county and the state will work with counties deemed at risk to determine further restrictions to prevent spread.
• August 3: On July 31, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) extended his emergency order limiting businesses to 50% capacity and indoor gatherings to 50 people. The new order lasts until canceled or modified. The previous order was set to expire on July 31.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued a directive ordering all staff and students from K-12 to wear a mask in school at all times. The directive also imposed social distancing guidelines of three feet for preschools through middle schools, and six feet for high schools.
• July 28: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) said the state was abandoning its phased reopening strategy in favor of what he called a “long-term system of mitigation levels that will allow our businesses and residents to have advanced notice and understanding on what direction their county could be heading based on updated criteria.”
• July 10: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) ordered bars in several counties, including Washoe and Clark, to close effective 11:59 p.m. on July 10. Under the order, restaurants will not be allowed to seat parties larger than six and must close their bar areas.

June 2020

• June 30: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced that Nevada would remain in Phase 2 of its reopening plan through the end of July.
• June 16: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced the state is not ready to move into Phase 3 of his reopening plan, citing a 3-week upward trend in the number of new coronavirus cases. At a news conference on June 15, Sisolak said, “We have the expectation that as a result of reopening and an increase in testing, our positive cases were likely to increase and we have seen a rise in positive cases, but that has yet to negatively affect the capacity of our hospitals.” Sisolak had said he would wait two to three weeks after the state moved into Phase 2 of reopening to assess whether to move into Phase 3.
• June 15: Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles reopened with limited service on June 15. Some state museums reopened on June 15 and others have announced plans to reopen through July 3.
• June 10: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed an executive order allowing schools to reopen buildings and athletic facilities effective immediately. Nevada is the fifth state to reopen school buildings after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic this spring.
• June 4: Casinos in the state are allowed to reopen on June 4.

May 2020

• May 26: On May 22, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) set June 4 as the target date for reopening casinos, which have been closed since March. Several major resort chains have already released cleaning and health guidelines. Sisolak is scheduled to hold a news conference to unveil phase two of the state’s reopening plan at 5:30 p.m. on May 26.
• May 15: Statewide stay-at-home orders in five states—Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Vermont—ended on May 15. These became the 19th through 23rd states where stay-at-home orders have ended. Of those five states, three have Republican governors and two have Democratic governors.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) was expected to hold a press conference to discuss reopening plans at 5:00 p.m. local time Thursday. Nevada's stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 15. Nevada is a Democratic trifecta.
• April 28: Nevada joined the Western States Pact with California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington to coordinate on a regional response to the pandemic. All four states are Democratic trifectas.

New Hampshire

Most recent five updates

• July 27: On Friday, July 23, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed House Bill 220, which prohibitsstate and local government agencies from requiring people to provide proof of vaccination to enter public facilities or receive services.
• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 1: On Friday, May 28, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency an additional 14 days.
• May 17: Ten of the 11 state-run vaccination sites allow walk-in appointments starting Monday, May 17. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said each site can dedicate 50 doses a day to walk-ins.
• May 10: On Saturday, April 8, the state replaced its coronavirus restrictions with “Universal Best Practices,” a set of recommendations for all businesses that covers sanitation, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

July 2021

• July 27: On Friday, July 23, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed House Bill 220, which prohibitsstate and local government agencies from requiring people to provide proof of vaccination to enter public facilities or receive services.

June 2021

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 1: On Friday, May 28, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency an additional 14 days.

May 2021

• May 17: Ten of the 11 state-run vaccination sites allow walk-in appointments starting Monday, May 17. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said each site can dedicate 50 doses a day to walk-ins.
• May 10: On Saturday, April 8, the state replaced its coronavirus restrictions with “Universal Best Practices,” a set of recommendations for all businesses that covers sanitation, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

April 2021

• April 19:
  • Residents of other states age 16 and older are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting April 19.
  • All K-12 public schools must offer full-time, in-person instruction by April 19. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said parents still have the option of requesting remote learning.
  • On Friday, April 16, Sununu ended the statewide mask mandate and extended the statewide coronavirus state of emergency.
• April 9: On Thursday, April 8, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that all people, including residents of other states, will be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on April 19.
• April 5: On Thursday, April 1, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that all K-12 schools must return students to full-time, in-person instruction by April 19. Sununu said parents will still have the option of requesting remote learning.

March 2021

• March 31: Residents 30 and older are eligible for vaccination starting March 31. Residents 40 and older had been eligible since March 25.
• March 29: Residents 40 and older are eligible for vaccination starting March 29. Residents 30 and older will be eligible March 31. Residents 16 and older will be eligible April 2.
• March 26: On Thursday, March 25, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that people 40 and older will be eligible for vaccination on Monday, March 29, while people 30 and older will be eligible Wednesday, March 31. People 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine April 2.
• March 22: Vaccinations for private and public K-12 teachers and staff begin March 22. Registration for school staff opened March 17.
• March 17: Private and public K-12 teachers and staff can begin registering for vaccination appointments on March 17. The earliest available appointments for the group are March 22.
• March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that, effective immediately, retail businesses can operate at 100% capacity. Additionally, barbershops and salons can allow walk-ins, and bars can allow bands and games like pool and darts.
• March 8:
  • Beginning March 8, schools are required to provide at least two days of classroom instruction each week. Under the order, schools can switch to fully remote instruction for up to 48 hours without state approval. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued the requirement in a Feb. 19 order.
  • Sununu announced K-12 teachers and staff can begin registering for vaccination appointments on March 17, with the earliest appointments beginning March 22.

February 2021

• February 22: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued an order requiring schools to provide at least two days of classroom instruction beginning March 8. Under the order, schools can switch to fully remote instruction for up to 48 hours without approval from the state.
• February 19: On Thursday, Feb. 18, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced he would sign an executive order Friday, Feb. 19, requiring schools to provide at least two days of classroom instruction per week beginning March 8. Sununu had not signed the executive order as of this writing.
• February 10: On Tuesday, Feb. 9, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced a new partnership with Walgreens pharmacies to distribute vaccines at 34 locations.

January 2021

• January 26: Phase 1B of vaccine distribution begins Jan. 26. People 65 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, as well as medically vulnerable people, the caregivers of medically vulnerable children, and people in correctional facilities.
• January 15: On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that the next phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan will begin Jan. 26. People 65 and older will become eligible to receive the vaccine, as well as medically vulnerable people, the caregivers of medically vulnerable children, and people in correctional facilities.
• January 4: On Jan. 1, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the COVID-19 state of emergency for an additional 21 days.

November 2020

• November 20: On Thursday, Nov. 19, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced he was issuing a statewide mask mandate requiring anyone over the age of five to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces. The order also requires masks in outdoor settings when social distancing isn’t possible. The order takes effect Friday, Nov. 20.

October 2020

• October 22: The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office ruled that college students living outside the state due to the coronavirus pandemic could continue to claim New Hampshire as their permanent residence and vote in the November election. The ruling came after the state Republican Party requested that the office prevent those students from voting in the state.
• October 15: On Thursday, Oct. 15, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced he was banning hockey and skating events for two weeks after a rash of coronavirus cases connected to ice sports.
• October 13: On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Superior Court Judge David Anderson ruled Gov. Chris Sununu (R) was not required to obtain the legislature’s approval to spend federal dollars in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic legislative leaders filed the lawsuit, alleging that Gov. Sununu did not have the authority to unilaterally spend CARES Act funds.
• October 12: On Oct. 9, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order an additional 21 days.

September 2020

• September 25: On Sept. 25, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced he would ease restrictions on indoor dining on Oct. 1, allowing restaurants to move tables closer than six feet apart if barriers separate them.
• September 22: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed an executive order extending the state of Emergency for an additional 21 days.
• September 1: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the state of emergency through Oct. 1.

August 2020

• August 24: On Aug. 21, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that restaurants in Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford, and Merrimack counties could offer dine-in services at 100% capacity. Restaurants in those counties were previously limited to 50% capacity. Sununu said tables must still be spaced six feet apart and employees serving food must still wear face coverings.
• August 14: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) outlined guidelines for combating community spread of coronavirus in schools. Evidence of transmission between classrooms and cohorts will be classified as an outbreak and would allow school officials to revert to remote learning for two weeks.
• August 12: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued an executive order requiring masks at any scheduled event with more than 100 people. Sununu said that the Sturgis motorcycle rally prompted him to issue the order with Laconia Motorcycle Week less than two weeks away.

July 2020

• July 14: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) released guidance for reopening schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Sununu said the plan is meant to give school districts local control over how they reopen. Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said he expected students back in schools in September.

June 2020

• June 29: Effective June 29, several industries are allowed to reopen or increase capacity in the state: Movie theaters and performing arts (reopen at 50% capacity), amusement parks (reopen at 25% capacity), overnight children’s camps (reopen), and hotels (from 50% capacity to regular capacity).
• June 18: At a news conference on June 18, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that amusement parks, movie theaters, adult day services, arts and music education, and performing arts venues could reopen on June 29.
• June 16: New Hampshire’s stay-at-home order expired on June 15 at 11:59 p.m.
• June 15: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that the state’s stay-at-home order will expire on June 15 at 11:59 p.m. This will also end the 10-person limit on gatherings. Sununu said he would not set a new limit. On June 15, the following businesses were permitted to reopen: amateur sports, bowling, arcades, laser tag and billiard halls, charitable gaming, gyms and fitness centers (50% capacity), libraries, motorcycle rides, museums and art galleries, outdoor attractions, outdoor race tracks, public, campground and commercial pools, road races, and tourist trains. Low physical contact amateur sports, such as baseball and softball, were allowed to resume, and indoor recreational facilities could reopen at 50% capacity. Funeral homes could reopen and weddings could resume. In-restaurant dining capacity could rise if there's enough floor space to maintain social distancing in six counties—Belknap, Coos, Carrol, Cheshire, Sullivan, and Grafton. In-restaurant dining could resume at 50% capacity in Rockingham, Hillsborough, Merrimack and Strafford counties. Movie theaters and amusement parks may reopen on June 29.
• June 11: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) is expected to announce additional reopenings at a news conference at 3:00 p.m. on June 11. Sununu said he plans to let the state’ stay-at-home order expire on June 15, when he expects to institute a stay-at-home advisory.
• June 5: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced on June 5 that outdoor attractions, including batting cages and ropes courses, could reopen immediately with capacity limits. Sununu also announced that indoor dining could resume in all counties on June 15. Six counties—Belknap, Coos, Carrol, Cheshire, Grafton, and Sullivan—can reopen restaurants at 100% capacity with tables spaced six feet apart. All other counties may open at 50% capacity. Day camps may resume on June 22, and overnight camps may resume on June 28. Sununu also released guidance for weddings, which include social distancing measures and allowing indoor venues to operate at 50% capacity. Lodging in the state was allowed to resume on June 5. Sunbathing and traditional beach activities can resume on June 5. Beaches were allowed to reopen on June 1 for transient activities, like walking, running, and swimming.
• June 2: As part of Gov. Chris Sununu’s (R) “Stay-at-Home 2.0” order, the following businesses and activities were permitted to resume on June 1: gyms and fitness centers (50% occupancy), personal services such as nail salons (50% occupancy), and some beaches (for transitory activities like walking and running only).
• June 1: On May 29, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended his “Stay-at-Home 2.0” order through at least June 15. As part of the extension, Sununu announced that driver’s education classes could restart, and places of worship could reopen on May 29 with limitations. Beginning on June 5, hotels and lodging may reopen with restrictions, and day camps will be allowed to resume on June 22. Gyms and fitness centers will follow, no date has been given for when they can reopen.

May 2020

• May 21: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced on Wednesday, May 20 that he hopes the state can reopen coastal beaches, such as Hampton Beach, by June 1.
• May 19: On May 18, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) approved the immediate reopening of the following businesses, with limitations: fishing charters, horse riding and boarding, mini-golf, driving and shooting ranges, and bike, canoe, and kayak rentals. Outdoor attractions are limited to groups of 10 or less. Sununu also announced that beaches in the state would not reopen for Memorial Day. On beaches, Sununu said, “If we can open by June 1st, that’s a goal, but it’s by no means a promise.”
• May 18: As part of Gov. Chris Sununu’s (R) “Stay-at-Home 2.0” order, restaurants could reopen on May 18 for outdoor dining with social distancing measures. That means parties of no more than six and tables must be spaced six feet apart.
• May 11: Golf courses, barbershops, salons, drive-in movie theaters, and retail locations could reopen Monday under state guidelines, as part of Gov. Chris Sununu’s “Stay-at-Home 2.0” order issued on May 1.
• May 4: New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced Friday that certain healthcare services could begin to phase in operations Monday. The change is part of a modified stay-at-home order now in place through May 31. The original order, which went into effect March 27, expired Monday. New Hampshire is under divided government, with a Republican governor and Democratic majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

New Jersey

Most recent five updates

• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli recommended all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings where there is increased risk of coronavirus transmission.
• July 6 On July 4, health and safety protocols enacted under the statewide public health emergency expired, including those related to social distancing and masking. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed Assembly Bill 5820 on June 4, ending the public health emergency. After signing the legislation, Murphy issued an order allowing health protocols issued under the emergency to remain in place through July 4.
• June 29: On June 28, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced new guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Education for mask usage during the upcoming school year. Murphy said, barring changes to CDC guidance or health metrics, masks will not be required for students in schools. School districts can still require mask usage.
• June 7: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order ending the state’s coronavirus emergency on June 4. Murphy declared the emergency March 9, 2020. On the same day, Murphy signed legislation leaving certain executive orders (including the eviction moratorium and the prohibition against garnishing stimulus checks) in place until Jan. 1, 2022.
• June 4: On June 4, all remaining gathering limits ended in the state, and capacity restrictions on large indoor venues (with fixed seating capacity of 1,000 people or more) were lifted.

July 2021

• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli recommended all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings where there is increased risk of coronavirus transmission.
• July 6 On July 4, health and safety protocols enacted under the statewide public health emergency expired, including those related to social distancing and masking. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed Assembly Bill 5820 on June 4, ending the public health emergency. After signing the legislation, Murphy issued an order allowing health protocols issued under the emergency to remain in place through July 4.

June 2021

• June 29: On June 28, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced new guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Education for mask usage during the upcoming school year. Murphy said, barring changes to CDC guidance or health metrics, masks will not be required for students in schools. School districts can still require mask usage.
• June 7: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order ending the state’s coronavirus emergency on June 4. Murphy declared the emergency March 9, 2020. On the same day, Murphy signed legislation leaving certain executive orders (including the eviction moratorium and the prohibition against garnishing stimulus checks) in place until Jan. 1, 2022.
• June 4: On June 4, all remaining gathering limits ended in the state, and capacity restrictions on large indoor venues (with fixed seating capacity of 1,000 people or more) were lifted.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced the state would be shutting down its mass vaccination sites between June 18 and July 23. The approximately 1,800 community vaccination sites in New Jersey will continue to operate. Closure date details can be found here.
• June 1: New Jersey held a vaccination program over Memorial Day weekend called Shots at the Shore that offered vaccines at various locations at Monmouth County beaches, including the Grande Arcade on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, the Gateway National Recreational Area in Sandy Hook, and the gazebo at Pier Village in Long Branch.

May 2021

• May 28: Effective May 28, the state’s indoor mask requirement ended for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Masks are still required in state offices open to the public, schools and childcare centers, on public transportation, and in health care settings. The six-foot social distancing requirement also ended, along with restrictions on dance floors and standing service at bars and restaurants.
• May 25:
  • Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced he will end the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated people starting May 28. Murphy said the six-foot social distancing requirement will end on the same day. Dance floors and standing service at bars and restaurants will also be permitted.
  • On June 4, all remaining gathering limits will end, and capacity restrictions on large indoor venues (with fixed seating capacity of 1,000 people or more) will be lifted.
• May 20: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced the state will offer State Parks Vax Passes to individuals who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine starting May 27. The passes will allow free access to all state park and forest facilities (including Island Beach State Park) through Dec. 31. Residents have to receive their first dose by July 4 to get a pass. The Department of Environmental Protection will refund fully vaccinated residents who already purchased Annual State Park Passes. Murphy also announced a partnership with participating wineries to give a free glass of wine to residents 21 and older who receive their first dose in May. Residents with at least one shot can also enter to win a dinner with Gov. Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy.
• May 19:
  • Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order easing restrictions starting May 19. The outdoor gathering limit is ending, and the private indoor gathering limit is expanding from 25 to 50 people. Capacity restrictions on most businesses (including restaurants, retailers, and personal care service businesses) are ending, though six-foot social distancing is still required. Large indoor venues can expand from 20% to 30% capacity. Indoor catered events are still limited to 250 people but do not also have to observe 50% capacity restrictions.
  • Murphy ended New Jersey’s interstate travel advisory on May 17.
  • Murphy signed an executive order ending the state’s outdoor public mask requirement. The indoor requirement remains in effect for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
  • Murphy announced all public schools will have to offer full-time in-person instruction during the 2021-2022 school year. Parents will not be able to choose an online option if their child attends public school.
• May 17: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through June 13.
• May 14: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order easing restrictions starting May 19. The outdoor gathering limit will end, and the private indoor gatherings limit will expand from 25 to 50 people. Capacity restrictions on most businesses (including restaurants, retailers, and personal care service businesses) will end, though six-foot social distancing will still be required. Large indoor venues can expand from 20% to 30% capacity. Indoor catered events will still be limited to 250 people but will not also have to observe 50% capacity restrictions.
• May 10: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is easing some mitigation restrictions May 10. The outdoor gathering limit is expanding from 200 to 500 people. Outdoor event venues with more than 1,000 fixed seats can expand to 50% capacity (currently, venues with 2,500 or more seats can operate at 35% capacity). Indoor catered events (including proms, weddings, and political events) can expand from 35% capacity with a maximum of 150 people to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Indoor catered events can also have dance floors with social distancing and mask-wearing.
• May 4: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announcedcapacity restrictions on most businesses (including restaurants, retailers, and personal care service businesses) will end May 19. The businesses will still have to leave space for social distancing.

April 2021

• April 29: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an order, effective immediately, allowing overnight summer camps to resume in accordance with Department of Health guidance.
• April 27: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced some mitigation restrictions will ease May 10. The outdoor gathering limit will expand from 200 to 500 people. Outdoor event venues with more than 1,000 fixed seats can expand to 50% capacity (currently, venues with 2,500 or more seats can operate at 35% capacity). Indoor catered events (including proms, weddings, and political events) can expand from 35% capacity with a maximum of 150 people to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Indoor catered events will also be allowed to have dance floors with social distancing and mask-wearing.
• April 19: Residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 19.
• April 16: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 15.
• April 6:
  • Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 19.
  • Murphy also announced updated travel guidance to reflect the most recent CDC recommendations. The new guidance says fully vaccinated individuals do not need to test negative or quarantine after interstate travel. For more information on New Jersey’s travel guidance, click here.
• April 5: On April 5, New Jersey expandedvaccine eligibility to all residents 55 years of age and older.

March 2021

• March 30: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced the general outdoor gathering limit will expand from 50 to 200 people starting April 2. Large venues (like sports stadiums and concert halls) with seating capacity 2,500 or greater will also be able to operate at 20% capacity indoors or 30% outdoors. Previously, only large venues capable of seating 5,000 or more people could operate at 10% capacity indoors or 15% outdoors. Indoor gatherings are still limited to 25 people.
• March 29: On March 29, vaccine eligibility expands to include agriculture workers, warehouse employees, clergy, and elections personnel. Starting April 5, all residents aged 55-64, residents 16 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, educators, and other state-defined essential frontline workers will be eligible. To see a full list of eligible groups, click here.
• March 19:
  • Businesses like restaurants, bars, personal care service providers (such as salons and barbershops), and state-defined indoor recreation businesses (like casinos, gyms, and others) can expandfrom 35% to 50% capacity starting March 19. On the same day, the indoor gathering limit will expand from 10 to 25 people. Outdoor gatherings can expand from 25 to 50 people.
  • Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order allowing outdoor interstate youth sports competitions to resume, effective 6:00 a.m. March 19.
  • Murphy extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 16.
• March 16: Some essential workers (including transportation workers, probation officers, and fire safety inspectors) and residents of homeless shelters became eligible for vaccination March 15. The state also added conditions like asthma, type 1 diabetes, high blood pressure, and being overweight to the state’s list of qualifying underlying conditions.
• March 15: School staff and homeless people are among those eligible for vaccination starting March 15. On March 29, eligibility will expand to include agriculture workers, warehouse employees, clergy, and elections personnel. To see full lists of eligible groups for each date, click here.
• March 11: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced businesses like restaurants, bars, personal care service providers (like salons and barbershops), and state-defined indoor recreation businesses (like casinos and gyms) can expand from 35% to 50% capacity starting March 19. On the same day, the indoor gathering limit will expand from 10 to 25 people. Outdoor gatherings can expand from 25 to 50 people.
• March 5: Gov. Phil Murphy announced indoor wedding receptions can expand to the lesser of 35% of venue capacity or 150 people starting March 5. Outdoor receptions of up to 150 people will also be permitted. Previously, wedding ceremonies were limited to 35% capacity—up to 150 people. Receptions were limited to 10 people indoors or 25 outdoors. Murphy also announced overnight camps can resume operations for the summer season. The state is expected to release guidance for camps closer to summer.
• March 4: Gov. Phil Murphy announced indoor wedding receptions can expand to the lesser of 35% of venue capacity or 150 people starting March 5. Outdoor receptions of up to 150 people will also be permitted. Previously, wedding ceremonies were limited to 35% capacity—up to 150 people. Receptions were limited to 10 people indoors or 25 outdoors. Murphy also announced overnight camps can resume operations for the summer season. The state is expected to release guidance for camps closer to summer.

February 2021

• March 2: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced pre-K-12 school staff and homeless people will be among those eligible for vaccination starting March 15. On March 29, eligibility will expand to include agriculture workers, warehouse employees, clergy, and elections personnel. To see full lists of eligible groups for each date, click here.
• February 23: On Feb. 22, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced religious services can operate at 50% of a room’s capacity. Previously, religious services were limited to the lesser of 35% capacity or 150 individuals. Murphy also said up to two parents per student can attend collegiate sports practices and competitions, as long as the number of spectators does not exceed 35% of the event room’s capacity (if the event is indoors). Sports stadiums and entertainment venues with a capacity of 5,000 people or more can operate at 10% capacity indoors or 15% outdoors. The changes were effective immediately.
• February 18: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until March 19.
• February 16: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) issued an order allowing limited spectators at youth sporting events. Two parents or legal guardians are allowed to attend per athlete, and total attendance can never exceed the lesser of 35% capacity or 150 people.
• February 5: Food and drink establishments and entertainment and recreational venues (like casinos and gyms) can increase capacity from 25% to 35%, starting Feb. 5. The order also lifts the 10 p.m. nightly indoor dining curfew, which had been in place since Nov. 12.

January 2021

• January 20: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Feb. 18.
• January 15: On Jan. 14, individuals age 65 and older and people between the ages of 16 and 64 with high-risk medical conditions (including people who smoke and individuals with type 2 diabetes, COPD, and cancer) became eligible to receive the vaccine. Previously, eligible recipients included healthcare workers, nursing home residents and staff, and first responders. Before Gov. Phil Murphy (D) expanded eligibility, individuals 75 and older and essential frontline workers were scheduled to be next in line.
• January 13: On Jan. 13, Gov Phil Murphy (D) announced the state will begin offering vaccines to individuals age 65 and older "effective almost immediately, within the next day or two."
• January 8: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced firefighters and police officers are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

December 2020

• December 23: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Jan. 20, 2021.
• December 22: Gov. Phil Murphy extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Jan. 20.
• December 7: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced an administrative order clarifying that indoor entertainment venues (like movie theaters or performing arts centers) can conduct operations in an adjacent outdoor area under the same capacity limits that apply to their normal indoor operations. All high-school and youth sports were suspended starting Dec. 5 through at least Jan. 2. Starting Dec. 7, outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
• December 1: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced all high-school and youth sports will be banned starting Dec. 5 through at least Jan. 2. Starting Dec. 7, outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people.

November 2020

• November 23: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the coronavirus emergency order for 30 days. Starting Nov. 23, outdoor gatherings are limited to 150 people, down from 500.
• November 17: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an order lowering indoor gathering limits from 25 to 10 people, effective Nov. 17. Starting Nov. 23, outdoor gatherings will be limited to 150 people, down from 500. The state also issued guidance for long-term care facility holiday visitation.
• November 12: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) issued an order requiring restaurants and bars close by 10 p.m. every night, starting Nov. 12. The order also prohibits seating at bar areas and interstate school sporting events.
• November 10: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced restaurants and bars will have to end indoor service at 10 p.m. every night, starting Nov. 12.

October 2020

• October 30: On Oct. 24, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order for 30 more days.
• October 13: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order allowing state-classified medium- and high-risk sports practices and competitions (like hockey, basketball, and cheerleading) to resume in indoor venues with capacity limits.
• October 1: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced Colorado had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Arizona and Virginia were removed from the list. Murphy and Cuomo also announced the launch of a coronavirus exposure notification app in their states.

September 2020

• September 29: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed a $32.7 billion budget for the period from Oct. 1, 2020, through Jun. 30, 2021. Murphy said the state needed to close a $5.28 billion budget gap due to the coronavirus.
• September 25: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) extended the state’s coronavirus public health emergency order for 30 more days.
• September 16: On Sept. 15, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Puerto Rico had been placed back on the joint travel advisory requiring visitors to the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days. California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio were removed from the list.
• September 9: On Sept. 8, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia had been added to the joint travel advisory list requiring visitors from those states to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. The governors removed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands from the list.
• September 4: Indoor dining services and movie theaters are reopening on Sept. 4.
• September 2: On Sept. 1, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Alaska and Montana had been placed back on the joint travel advisory list, after having been removed Aug. 25. The travel advisory requires travelers entering the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an order extending the state’s coronavirus emergency declaration. Murphy also announced a $250 million initiative to help families pay for child care and assist child care facilities in reopening.
• August 26:
  • Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced gyms and indoor amusement facilities (like movie theaters and bowling alleys) will be able to reopen starting Sept. 1.
  • On Aug. 25, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Montana had been removed from the joint travel list requiring visitors to the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days. Guam was added to the list.
• August 25: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) released regional COVID-19 metrics to help schools and school districts make reopening decisions. Murphy said the state considers all six regions safe for school reopenings, but maintained that districts need the flexibility to meet the needs of their communities.
• August 20: The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association released plans for conducting high school sports. Outdoor sports like football, soccer, and cross country will be allowed to start practicing on Sept. 14 and competing at the beginning of October. Indoor sports (like gymnastics) will not reopen until Feb. 16, 2021.
• August 18: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 18 that Delaware and Alaska had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Washington was removed from the list.
• August 17: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) issued an executive order requiring county election officials to send a mail-in ballot to all active registered voters.
• August 12: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order on Aug. 12 allowing public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to offer in-person instruction when they reopen. Schools will decide whether to offer remote learning, in-person instruction, or a hybrid approach. Schools that cannot meet requirements set out by the New Jersey Department of Education will be required to begin the school year remotely.
• August 11: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Hawaii, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands had been added to the tristate quarantine list. The governors removed Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
• August 11: At a news conference on Monday, Aug. 10, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said it was still too risky to allow indoor dining across the state, citing a study that looked at the spread of the virus in a restaurant in China
• August 3: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) lowered the state’s cap on indoor gathering limits from 100 people to 25. The order does not apply to religious gatherings, weddings, funerals, or political activities. Murphy also announced all students will be required to wear face coverings in schools, with exceptions for students with disabilities.

July 2020

• July 24: The state released guidance regarding a remote-only learning option for public school students. During the 2020-2021 school year, parents will be able to enroll their children in a fully online learning schedule.
• July 22: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on July 21 that 10 additional states had been added to their joint travel advisory. Travelers from Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Minnesota was removed from the list, bringing the number of states on it to 31.
• July 20: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced sports the state classified as high-risk can begin reopening if they take place at outdoor venues. Murphy also said the state’s public school reopening plan will permit parents to opt their children into a fully online learning schedule.
• July 14: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Travelers from those states will need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. Delaware, which was added to the list on July 7, has been removed. The list now includes 22 states. Gov. Cuomo also announced that visitors to New York from those 22 states will need to fill out a form with contact information or face a $10,000 fine. Gov. Lamont said Connecticut would join New York in requiring visitors to fill out a similar form.
• July 8: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is signing an executive order on July 8 requiring individuals to wear face masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
• July 7:
  • The state increased outdoor gathering limits to 500 people. Youth day camps and summer programs reopened and NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail services resumed a full weekday schedule. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) also announced he was pausing further reopenings.
  • Govs. Lamont, Murphy, and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on July 7 that visitors entering their states from Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The three governors announced the joint travel advisory on June 24. The initial list included eight states. It now applies to 19 states.
• July 2: The state is allowing more businesses to begin reopening on July 2, including amusement parks, bowling alleys, casinos, and gyms for individualized training appointments. The reopening of indoor dining is still postponed indefinitely.

June 2020

• June 30: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced June 30 that visitors arriving in their states from eight additional states will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The three governors announced the joint travel advisory on June 24. The initial list included eight states. The new states include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Tennessee.
• June 29: On June 26, the New Jersey Department of Education released a 104-page reopening plan that includes social distancing guidelines and a face-covering requirement for teachers and staff. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said that schools would reopen to in-person instruction this fall. Murphy also indefinitely postponed reopening indoor dining, which was set to occur on July 2. Shopping malls are reopening at 50% capacity on June 29.
• June 26: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced guidance for schools reopening in the fall. Each school district will develop a plan that complies with state requirements. The state will require faculty and visitors to wear face coverings and encourage students to do the same.
• June 24:
  • Gov. Murphy announced playgrounds and attractions like waterparks and amusement parks can reopen starting July 2.
  • Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on June 24 that travelers arriving in their states from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. The infection rate is based on a seven-day rolling average of the number of infections per 100,000 residents. As of June 24, the states that meet that threshold are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
• June 22: On June 22, modified, no contact practices for medium contact sports like baseball and high contact sports like football, public and private pools, and personal care services such as hair salons resumed. Outdoor gathering limits increased from 100 to 250 people, so long as six feet of social distance can be maintained. Protests and religious gatherings are exempt from limits on gatherings. On June 22, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced that indoor dining and casinos can reopen on July 2, both at 25% capacity.
• June 18: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order which will allow in-person clinical, lab, and hands-on programming at higher education institutions to resume on July 1. Trade and training schools will also reopen on July 1.
• June 16: The New Jersey Department of Health issued guidance for outdoor organized sports on June 15. Guidance allows practices and competition for low-contact sports like golf and tennis. It allows modified, no contact practices for medium contact sports like baseball and high contact sports like football to resume on June 22. Medium contact sports are expected to resume traditional practices and games on July 6. High contact sports practices and games are expected to resume on July 20. On June 15, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced the state could move into Stage 3 of his reopening plan in a matter of weeks. Stage 3 would allow indoor dining, and bars and entertainment to reopen with restrictions. There is currently no date set for Stage 3.
• June 15: The state moved into Stage 2 of its reopening plan on June 15. Outdoor dining and retail could reopen at 50% capacity. Child daycare centers and libraries (curbside pick up only) could also reopen on that day. Public and private pools and personal care services such as hair salons can reopen on June 22. Youth summer programs may resume on July 6. Places of worship could reopen indoor services if they comply with the state’s guidelines on mass gatherings. Gyms and fitness (limited capacity), limited in-person government services, and museums will also be able to resume, though no dates for reopening have been set.
• June 10: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced on June 9 that schools in New Jersey could plan to have up to 500 people at outdoor graduations ceremonies starting July 6. Murphy signed two executive orders on June 9. One raised the limits on indoor (25% capacity or up to 50 people) and outdoor gatherings (up to 100). The other allows outdoor recreation and entertainment businesses to reopen immediately, with the exception of amusement parks, water parks, and arcades. Murphy also authorized public pools to reopen on June 22. State parks, forests, and county and municipal parks can reopen to full capacity. Public and private social clubs are permitted to reopen outdoor spaces, so long as they comply with state guidelines.
• June 9: On June 9, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced that he was lifting the stay-at-home order, effective immediately. Murphy’s stay at home order was issued on March 21 and did not have a set expiration date before being lifted. New Jersey was the third state to issue a stay-at-home order and the 37th to lift it. Murphy also raised the limit on indoor gatherings to 25% occupancy or up to 50 people, whichever is less. The cap on outdoor gatherings was raised from 25 people to 100 people. Murphy announced that places of worship could reopen indoor services under the new capacity limits, but parishioners must wear face coverings and be seated six feet apart. The state is expected to move into Phase 2 of Murphy’s reopening plan on June 15. On June 8, New Jersey’s Health Department issued guidelines for Summer Youth camps, including social distancing and sanitation measures. Summer youth camps are expected to reopen on July 6.
• June 4: On June 3, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order permitting outdoor dining with certain restrictions in New Jersey on June 15. Protocols for restaurants include limiting parties to no more than eight with tables spaced six feet apart. Murphy also announced a special ruling from the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control that will temporarily allow establishments with liquor licenses to expand their licensed premises into outdoor areas.
• June 1: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced the state will ready to enter phase 2 of Murphy’s “The Road Back” plan on June 15. That day, outdoor dining and limited in-person retail may resume. On June 22, limited personal services such as barbershops and salons can resume.

May 2020

• May 29: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced that childcare centers would be able to reopen on June 15. Murphy also said outdoor, non-contact youth sports can resume starting June 22, and day camps can open on July 6.
• May 26: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced that elective medical procedures and professional sports activities would be able to resume starting May 26. Murphy also signed an order allowing for modified in-person graduation ceremonies on or after June 6.
• May 22: On May 22, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order opening public and private campgrounds and permitting gatherings of 25 or fewer outdoors ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The gathering limit also applies to other outdoor recreation, such as charter and fishing boats, and outdoor batting cages. Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 people. On May 21, Murphy said that more indoor businesses, such as gyms, salons, and barbershops may reopen in a matter of weeks. Murphy’s administration also released guidelines for seasonal farmworkers and employers.
• May 20: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan announced that on May 20, in-person sales can resume at car, motorcycle, and boat dealerships, and bike shops, by appointment and with social distancing measures.
• May 19: On May 18, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced a new three-stage reopening plan titled, “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health.” Stage 1 allows for relaxed restrictions on low-risk activities with appropriate safety measures in place, such as curbside retail. The state is currently in this stage. Stage 2 would relax restrictions on additional activities, such as expanded retail, with safety measures. Stage 3 would relax restrictions on most activities, with safety measures, and may include reopening bars with limited capacity. Murphy's earlier reopening plan was issued on April 27. Also on May 18, Murphy signed an order allowing the following businesses to reopen effective May 22 at 6:00 a.m.: outdoor recreation, including archery ranges and batting cages, community gardens, all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike rentals, and golf courses.
• May 18: Fishing and charter boats could resume service on May 17. Also on May 17, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order allowing the following business to reopen, effective May 18: nonessential retail stores (for curbside pick up only), nonessential construction (with social distancing measures), drive-through and drive-in events, including church services and drive-in movies (people must remain in their vehicles). If cars are unable to maintain six feet of distance, windows must stay closed. The governor also said that drive-by and drive-in graduations celebrations are allowed, so long as people remain in their vehicles. On May 14, Murphy said Jersey Shore beaches could reopen effective May 22. Under that order, beaches and lakes must limit the number of visitors so that people can practice social distancing.
• May 13: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he would sign an executive order today allowing certain reopenings to begin Monday, May 18. The order will allow retail stores the state defined as nonessential to reopen for curbside pick up, nonessential construction to resume under social distancing measures, and drive-in events like church services and movies to resume if people remain in their cars. If cars are unable to maintain six feet of distance, windows must stay closed.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced six principles for recovery: a sustained reduction in new cases, expanded testing, robust contact tracing, safe places for those with positive diagnoses to isolate, responsible economic restart, and ensuring resiliency. Murphy said the first four principles must be attained before the last two. New Jersey is a Democratic trifecta.

New Mexico

Most recent five updates

• July 1: Effective July 1, New Mexico retired its county-by-county restriction system and all business capacity and mass gathering restrictions.
• June 21: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state will end the color-coded tier system July 1. The state will end all capacity restrictions on events (including large indoor events), businesses, and state-defined mass-gatherings. The indoor public mask requirement will remain for unvaccinated individuals. Currently, every county in the state has Turquoise (lowest risk) restrictions.
• June 15: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state will offer $100 cash payments to residents who receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine or their second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine between June 14-17. To read more about identification and eligibility requirements, click here.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced all counties in the state were at the least restrictive, “Turquoise,” COVID-19 regulation level. This lets counties allow higher maximum capacities in certain businesses and higher gathering limits.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced a vaccination incentive program, Vax 2 the Max, that would allow vaccinated New Mexico residents to enter into a lottery for cash prizes. Four participants will win $250,000 in each of the five weekly drawings and one participant will win $5,000,000 in the final statewide drawing.

July 2021

• July 1: Effective July 1, New Mexico retired its county-by-county restriction system and all business capacity and mass gathering restrictions.

June 2021

• June 21: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state will end the color-coded tier system July 1. The state will end all capacity restrictions on events (including large indoor events), businesses, and state-defined mass-gatherings. The indoor public mask requirement will remain for unvaccinated individuals. Currently, every county in the state has Turquoise (lowest risk) restrictions.
• June 15: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state will offer $100 cash payments to residents who receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine or their second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine between June 14-17. To read more about identification and eligibility requirements, click here.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced all counties in the state were at the least restrictive, “Turquoise,” COVID-19 regulation level. This lets counties allow higher maximum capacities in certain businesses and higher gathering limits.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced a vaccination incentive program, Vax 2 the Max, that would allow vaccinated New Mexico residents to enter into a lottery for cash prizes. Four participants will win $250,000 in each of the five weekly drawings and one participant will win $5,000,000 in the final statewide drawing.

May 2021

• May 17: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings.
• May 6: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced one county has Yellow Level restrictions, two are Green, and 30 are Turquoise for the two-week period starting May 5. No counties are in the Red Level. In the previous period, three counties were Yellow Level, six were Green, and 24 were Turquoise.
• May 3:
  • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until May 28.
  • Three counties have yellow level restrictions, six are green, and 24 are turquoise for the two-week period starting April 30. To see your county’s color and read more about criteria and restrictions for each level, click here.

April 2021

• April 29:
  • Health Secretary Tracie Collins amended the state’s Red to Green reopening framework to make it easier for counties to move to less restrictive color phases. Criteria now include:
    • A per-capita rate of new COVID-19 cases of 10 per 100,000 residents or less over 14 days,
    • A positivity rate of 7.5% or less over 14 days, and
    • A target percentage of fully vaccinated residents that will start at 35% April 30, increase to 40% May 5, and increase by 5% every two weeks afterward.
  • Counties that meet none of the three criteria will be in the red (most restrictive) phase. Counties can move to yellow if they meet one of the benchmarks, green if they meet two, and turquoise if they meet all three. Counties that stay green in two consecutive (biweekly) map updates can also move to turquoise. Once a county moves to turquoise, its data is only reviewed every four weeks (not biweekly like red, yellow, and green counties’ data).
  • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) also announced once 60% of state residents are fully vaccinated, the Red to Green framework will end.
• April 6: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through April 30.

March 2021

• March 25: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced 10 counties have Yellow Level restrictions, 10 are Green, and 13 are Turquoise for the two-week period starting March 24. No counties are in the Red Level. In the previous period, one county was Red Level, 18 were Yellow, seven were Green, and seven were Turquoise.
• March 11: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced one county will have Red Level restrictions, 18 will be Yellow, seven will be Green, and seven will be Turquoise for the two-week period starting March 10. In the previous period, four counties were Red Level, 19 were Yellow, six were Green, and four were Turquoise.
• March 8: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 2.
• March 4: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed SB 1 and SB 3, which she said will provide coronavirus aid to businesses and individuals. The package includes $600 tax rebates to state-defined frontline and low-wage workers, $200 million for small business grants, $500 million for small business loans, and a four-month tax holiday for some food and beverage businesses. To learn more about the package, click here.

February 2021

• February 25:
  • On Feb. 24, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state added the Turquoise Level (the new least-restrictive level) to its red-yellow-green risk level classification system. The state also made the Red, Yellow, and Green levels less restrictive. Bars and clubs can now operate in the Green and Turquoise levels, and recreational facilities (like amusement parks, bowling alleys, and arcades) can reopen in all risk levels. Large entertainment venues (like sports stadiums, concert venues, and movie theaters) can open in Yellow, Green, and Turquoise levels. Previously, all of the above industries were closed statewide, regardless of county risk level. State parks also opened to camping and out-of-state visitors.
  • The governor said four counties will have Red Level restrictions, 19 will be Yellow, six will be Green, and four will be Turquoise for the two-week period starting Feb. 24. In the previous period, 14 counties were Red Level, 15 were Yellow, and four were Green.

January 2021

• February 8: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 5.
• January 28: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced 25 countries will have Red Level restrictions, seven will be Yellow Level, and one will be Green Level for the two-week period starting Jan. 27. In the previous period, 31 counties were Red Level, one was Yellow, and one was Green.

December 2020

• December 23: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) released holiday guidance and suggested alternatives to traditional activities that comply with state health orders.
• December 17: The Department of Health announced all 33 counties are in the Red Level for the two week period from Dec. 16-30. Previously, 32 counties were in the Red Level from Dec. 2-16. San Miguel County county was in the Yellow Level.
• December 2: The state is reopening from its Nov. 16-30 reset under a phased, county-by-county plan starting Dec. 2. At the time of the framework’s announcement, 32 of the state’s 33 counties were in the red phase, which prohibits indoor dining, limits gatherings to five people, and limits religious services to 25% capacity.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state will begin reopening from its Nov. 16-30 reset under a county-by-county color-coded reopening phase structure starting Dec. 2. At the time of the announcement, 32 of the state’s 33 counties were in the red phase, which prohibits indoor dining, limits gatherings to five people, and limits religious services to 25% capacity.
• November 24: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) released Thanksgiving guidance and alternatives to traditional holiday activities that comply with state health orders.
• November 17: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) issued a statewide order Nov. 13 requiring nonessential businesses to stop all in-person activity, effective Nov. 16-30. Restaurants are limited to delivery and curbside pickup. Religious services and state-defined essential retail spaces are not allowed to exceed the lesser of 25 percent occupancy or 75 total individuals. Gatherings of up to 5 people from different households are still allowed. For a full list of restrictions on business and individual activities, click here to view Lujan Grisham’s full executive order.

October 2020

• October 23: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order. The new order requires restaurants to complete the state’s Safe Certification training program no later than Oct. 30 if they wish to continue offering indoor dining at 25% capacity beyond that date. Restaurants that do not complete the certification will still be able to offer outdoor service at 75% capacity. The order also requires retail establishments to close by 10 p.m. every night and shuts down state museums and historical sites.
• October 16: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) added additional restrictions to the state’s public health order, effective Oct. 16. Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol have to close by 10 p.m. every evening, and gatherings are limited to a maximum of five individuals. Travelers from states with COVID-19 positivity rates exceeding 5% can no longer present a recent negative coronavirus test to avoid New Mexico’s 14-day self-quarantine requirement. Health Secretary Kathyleen Kunkel extended the state’s stay-at-home order through Nov. 13.
• October 14: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced she will add additional restrictions to the state’s public health order starting Oct. 16. Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol will have to close by 10 p.m. every evening, and gatherings will be limited to a maximum of five individuals. Travelers from states with COVID-19 positivity rates exceeding 5% will not be able to avoid New Mexico’s 14-day self-quarantine requirement by presenting a recent negative coronavirus test.

September 2020

• September 23: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) added Colorado, Oregon, and Rhode Island to the list of high-risk states. She moved Michigan and Hawaii to the low-risk classification. Individuals arriving from high-risk states are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
• September 21: Health Secretary Kathyleen Kunkel extended the state’s stay-at-home order through Oct. 16.
• September 4: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced travelers from states with a positivity rate under 5% do not have to self-quarantine, effective Sept. 4. Lujan Grisham also said hotels that have been safe-certified will be able to expand their maximum occupancy to 75%.

August 2020

• August 31: Health Secretary Kathyleen Kunklel extended the state’s stay-at-home public health order and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended and revised the state’s emergency executive order. Both orders are effective from Aug. 29 through Sept. 18. Under the revised emergency order, indoor dining services will be permitted at restaurants and bars at 25% capacity. Church gathering capacity will be increased from 25% to 40%, and other gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed. Museums with static (non-interactive) displays will also be able to resume operations.
• August 26: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced indoor dining services will be permitted at restaurants and bars at 25% capacity, starting on Aug. 29. Church gathering capacity will also be increased from 25% to 40%.
• August 14: On Aug. 13, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases needs to fall to 168 or less before she considers further reopenings.
• August 13: On Aug. 12, the New Mexico Supreme Court agreed to hear oral arguments in a lawsuit filed on behalf of the New Mexico Restaurant Association over Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) restrictions on indoor dining. The Court will hear the case on Aug. 26.
• August 7: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) issued an executive order Aug. 6 updating the state’s quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers and returning residents. The new order exempts New Mexico residents who leave the state to seek medical care or who leave the state for less than 24 hours as part of their parenting responsibilities.

July 2020

• July 31: Secretary of Health Kathyleen Kunkel extended the state’s stay-at-home order through Aug. 28.
• July 24: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced schools will not be able to open for in-person instruction until after Sept. 7. Individual school districts decide when classes begin in New Mexico, so there is no statewide reopening date.
• July 20: Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Raymond Romero issued a 10-day injunction allowing restaurants and breweries to reopen for indoor dining at 50% capacity. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) previously issued an executive order rolling back indoor dining effective July 13 after it was initially allowed to reopen on June 1. The New Mexico Restaurant Association filed a lawsuit in response to the Governor’s re-closure. Another hearing is scheduled for July 30 to determine if restaurants will be permitted to stay open after the 10-day injunction expires.
• July 13: The state is rolling back its reopening due to increasing coronavirus cases, effective July 13. Indoor dining, which had been permitted since June 1, is now prohibited at restaurants and bars. State parks are closed to out-of-state visitors and visitors who cannot prove their residency. The state’s mask requirement is expanding to include anyone exercising in a public space.
• July 2: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she extended the state’s stay-at-home order through July 15. Grisham also said out-of-state visitors will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, and mask requirements will be enforced with $100 fines, effective July 1.

June 2020

• June 26: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state would pause reopening and likely delay entering Phase 2.
• June 24: The Public Education department released rules and guidance for schools reopening in the fall. Public schools must begin the year using a hybrid in-person and online model with classrooms limited to 50% capacity.
• June 15: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced indoor service at restaurants could resume at 50% capacity on June 15. Parties are limited to six people and must be spaced for social distancing. Bar and counter service remains closed.
• June 9: Public swimming pools reopened on June 8. Pools can operate at 50% capacity and social distancing must be enforced.
• June 1: Secretary of the New Mexico Health Department Kathyleen M. Kunkle issued a new public health order extending the state’s stay-at-home order through June 30. While the order allows some businesses to reopen, it says that “all New Mexicans should be staying in their homes for all but the most essential activities and services.” The following businesses are permitted to reopen on June 1: in-restaurant dining (50 percent capacity), gyms and fitness centers (50 percent capacity), indoor malls (25 percent capacity), personal services such as barbershops and salons (25 percent occupancy), drive-in theaters, and hotels (50 percent capacity). The new order also lifted the requirement that anyone entering New Mexico through an airport self-quarantine for 14 days. Nine state parks were permitted to open for day use on May 30 and five more were allowed to open on June 1.

May 2020

• May 27: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced that the state would permit outdoor dining at restaurants starting May 27. Indoor dine-in services remain prohibited.
• May 22: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced on May 20 that the state was on track for more businesses and services to begin opening on June 1. On June 1, in-restaurant dining, salons, gyms, and malls could potentially reopen.
• May 13: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she would address the public health stay-at-home order in a press conference at 4 p.m. local time today. We will have more details in tomorrow's edition.

New York

Most recent five updates

• August 3: On Aug. 3, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that proof of vaccination will be required for patrons and staff at indoor businesses, such as restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues, starting on Sept. 13.
• July 27: On Monday, July 26, New York City announced that starting mid-September all government employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be tested weekly for COVID-19.
• June 24: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is ending the state’s coronavirus emergency order June 24. Masks are still required statewide for unvaccinated individuals.
• June 21: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state is starting to close down mass vaccination sites and will move resources to zip codes with low vaccination rates starting June 21.
• June 16: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) ended New York Forward industry-specific requirements (including social distancing requirements, gathering limits, capacity restrictions, and cleaning protocols) for most businesses. Restaurants, bars, gyms, retailers, and personal care service providers are among the businesses that no longer have restrictions. Unvaccinated people still have to wear masks statewide. Requirements did not change for state-defined large-scale event venues, K-12 schools, public transit, nursing homes, or correctional facilities.

August 2021

• August 3: On Aug. 3, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced that proof of vaccination will be required for patrons and staff at indoor businesses, such as restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues, starting on Sept. 13.

July 2021

• July 27: On Monday, July 26, New York City announced that starting mid-September all government employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be tested weekly for COVID-19.

June 2021

• June 24: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is ending the state’s coronavirus emergency order June 24. Masks are still required statewide for unvaccinated individuals.
• June 21: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state is starting to close down mass vaccination sites and will move resources to zip codes with low vaccination rates starting June 21.
• June 16: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) ended New York Forward industry-specific requirements (including social distancing requirements, gathering limits, capacity restrictions, and cleaning protocols) for most businesses. Restaurants, bars, gyms, retailers, and personal care service providers are among the businesses that no longer have restrictions. Unvaccinated people still have to wear masks statewide. Requirements did not change for state-defined large-scale event venues, K-12 schools, public transit, nursing homes, or correctional facilities.
• June 15: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced six upstate public transportation providers will offer free seven-day transportation passes for anyone who receives at least one dose of a vaccine between June 15 and July 14. For more information, click here.
• June 8:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced most coronavirus restrictions will end once 70% of adults 18 and older receive at least one dose of a vaccine. New York Forward guidance will be optional for businesses like restaurants, retailers, and gyms. Masks will still be required for unvaccinated residents, and restrictions will remain in place for large event venues, correctional facilities, and healthcare facilities.
  • Cuomo also announced school districts can choose to end the indoor mask requirement.
• June 1:
  • On Monday, May 31, the midnight curfew on indoor dining facilities and catered events ended for vaccinated and unvaccinated customers and attendees. The curfew for catered events ended May 17 for events where all attendees are fully vaccinated or provide proof of a recent negative test to event organizers, but remained in place for unvaccinated people.
  • On May 28, 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced a two-week extension of the Vax and Scratch program, which offers free scratch-off lottery tickets to first-dose recipients 18 and older. Cuomo said the grand prize would be $5 million.

May 2021

• May 28:
  • On May 27, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the New York Department of Labor will be issuing guidance that says any necessary recovery time from a COVID-19 vaccination is covered under the state’s Paid Sick Leave Law.
  • Cuomo announced a weeklong extension of the MTA pop-up vaccination and MetroCard incentive program at Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station.
• May 27:
  • On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced a vaccine incentive program for 12 to 17 year-olds that would enter them into a random drawing to receive a full scholarship to any New York state public college or university. Individuals in the age group receiving a vaccine starting May 27 will be entered into a random drawing, from which 10 winners a week will be selected over five weeks for a total of 50 winners.
  • On May 26, Cuomo announced businesses can open to full capacity for vaccinated individuals. Businesses can also open to 50% vaccinated and 50% unvaccinated individuals, with social distancing required among unvaccinated people.
• May 26:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced children between the ages of two and five no longer need to wear masks. The state still recommends mask-wearing for children who are able.
  • Cuomo also said schools will reopen statewide for full-time instruction in September, based on current data.
• May 24: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced 10 mass vaccination sites open from May 24-28 will offer free $20 scratch-off lottery tickets to first-dose recipients 18 and older. The grand prize will be $5 million. To see a full list of the vaccination sites, click here.
• May 19:
  • Vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 19, aligning the state’s policy with recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
  • Capacity restrictions on most businesses (including restaurants, retailers, and personal care service businesses) are ending May 19. The businesses still have to leave space for social distancing.
  • Percentage capacity restrictions for state-defined large-scale outdoor event venues (like sports stadiums) are ending May 19. Those venues are only limited by six-foot social distancing requirements. Large outdoor event venues can also create sections reserved for fully vaccinated individuals where socially distanced seating between separate parties is not required.
  • Large indoor event venues (like sports stadiums) can operate at 30% capacity starting May 19.
  • On May 19, the indoor social gathering limit is expanding from 100 to 250 people. The indoor residential gathering limit is increasing from 10 to 50 people on the same day. The 25-person outdoor residential gathering limit (for events like cookouts) is replaced by the 500-person outdoor social gathering limit. Commercial social events can exceed the 500-person outdoor and 250-person indoor limits if everyone has proof of vaccination or a recent negative test and social distancing is possible.
• May 17:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is lifting the midnight curfew on bars and restaurants starting May 17 for outdoor dining areas. The 1 a.m. curfew for catered events is also ending May 17 for events where all attendees are fully vaccinated or provide proof of a recent negative test to event organizers.
  • Gyms in New York City expanded to 50% capacity May 15.
• May 13: On May 12, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced pools and beaches will be able to operate with six-foot social distancing and no percentage capacity limits by Memorial Day. Cuomo also said the state is targeting July 4 to fully reopen pools and beaches without restrictions.
• May 12:
  • Eight pop-up vaccination sites are open at MTA stations from May 12-16. The sites offer Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Locations include Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and Broadway Junction. For a full list of the sites, click here. Each site can accept up to 300 walk-ups per day and offer free seven-day metro cards, Long Island Railroad tickets, or Metro-North tickets to recipients.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state’s and New York City’s public university systems will require vaccinations for Fall 2021 in-person classes. Cuomo encouraged private colleges to require vaccines.
• May 10: On May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit (which applies to organized social events like weddings) is expanding from 200 to 500 people.
• May 7:
  • Barbershops, salons, and other personal care service businesses are allowed to expand from 50% to 75% capacity starting May 7. Indoor dining is also expanding to 75% capacity in New York City on the same day.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced Broadway theaters will fully open at 100% capacity starting Sept. 14.
  • Cuomo also announced percentage capacity restrictions for state-defined large-scale outdoor event venues (like sports stadiums) will end May 19. Those venues will only be limited by six-foot social distancing requirements. Large outdoor event venues will also be able to create sections reserved for fully vaccinated individuals where socially distanced seating between separate parties is not required.
• May 4:
  • Gov Andrew Cuomo (D) announced capacity restrictions on most businesses (including restaurants, retailers, and personal care service businesses) will end May 19. The businesses will still have to leave space for social distancing.
  • Cuomo also announced the state will loosen gathering restrictions. On May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit (which applies to organized social events like weddings) will expand from 200 to 500 people. On May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will expand from 100 to 250 people. The 25-person outdoor residential gathering limit (for events like cookouts) will also be replaced by a 500-person outdoor social gathering limit on May 19. The indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people on the same day. Commercial social events can exceed the 500-person outdoor and 250-person indoor limits if everyone has proof of vaccination or a recent negative test and social distancing is possible.
  • Large event venues (like sports stadiums) will be able to operate at 30% capacity indoors and 33% capacity outdoors starting May 19. Proof of vaccination or a recent negative test will be required for attendance.
• May 3:
  • Catered events can resume at private residences May 3. Bar seating is also resuming in New York City.
  • Graduation and commencement ceremonies were permitted to resume with capacity restrictions on May 1. To read the state’s full guidance, click here.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced barbershops, salons, and other personal care service businesses can expand from 50% to 75% capacity starting May 7. Cuomo also said indoor dining will expand to 75% capacity in New York City on May 7. Gyms in the city will expand to 50% capacity May 15.

April 2021

• April 29:
  • All state-run mass vaccination sites are open for walk-in appointments for everyone 16 and older starting April 29. Walk-in appointments are only available for people receiving a first dose. Appointments for second doses will be scheduled automatically for recipients of a first dose.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) also announced people who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks in public outdoor spaces, effective April 27. Previously, everyone had to wear masks outdoors when social distancing could not be maintained.
  • Cuomo announced he will lift the midnight curfew on bars and restaurants starting May 17 for outdoor dining areas and May 31 for indoor dining facilities. The 1 a.m. curfew for catered events will end May 17 for events where all attendees are fully vaccinated or provide proof of a recent negative test. The curfew will end for all catered events (regardless of vaccination and testing status) May 31. Catered events can also resume at private residences May 3. Bar seating can resume in New York City on the same day.
• April 27:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state will ease mitigation restrictions effective May 15. Casinos and gaming facilities will be allowed to expand from 25% to 50% capacity. Office spaces will expand from 50% to 75% capacity. Capacity limits on gyms and fitness centers outside of New York City will expand from 33% to 50%.
  • State-defined large outdoor event venues (like professional sports stadiums and performing arts venues) can expand spectator capacity from 20% to 33% starting May 19.
• April 23:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) released a list of 16 mass vaccination sites that will begin accepting walk-ins age 60 and older on April 23.
  • Spectators are allowed at horse and auto races at 20% capacity starting April 22.
• April 19: Erie County Supreme Court Justice Timothy Walker rejected a request from 93 restaurants and bars for a permanent injunction exempting them from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) 11 p.m. curfew order. Walker’s decision upheld a state appellate court order issued April 8 requiring the restaurants and bars suing the state to comply with Cuomo’s 11 p.m. curfew order for food and drink establishments. On Feb. 27, Walker issued a preliminary injunction temporarily allowing the bars and restaurants suing the state to stay open past 11 p.m. every night.
• April 15: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announcedspectators will be allowed at horse and auto races at 20% capacity starting April 22.
• April 13:
  • 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.
  • Cuomo also announced the state is allocating 35,000 vaccines for college students. 21,000 of those vaccines are reserved for State University of New York system students, and 14,000 are reserved for students at private institutions.
  • On April 8, a state appellate court issued an order requiring about 90 restaurants and bars suing the state to comply with Cuomo’s 11 p.m. curfew order for food and drink establishments. On Feb. 27, state Supreme Court Justice Timothy Walker issued a preliminary injunction temporarily allowing the 90 bars and restaurants suing the state to stay open past 11 p.m. every night.
• April 6:
  • Residents 16 and older are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting April 6.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) lifted the 11 p.m. curfew for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiard halls, and gyms on April 5. The 11 p.m. curfew for restaurants and bars and the 12 a.m. curfew for catered events remains in effect.
  • On April 3, the first public performance on Broadway occurred since all 41 theaters closed on March 12, 2020. Dancer Savion Glover and actor Nathan Lane performed one at a time before a socially distanced and masked audience of 150.

March 2021

• March 30:
  • On March 29, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced all residents age 30 and older are eligible for vaccination starting March 30. Cuomo also said residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 6. Previously, people 50 and older were eligible.
  • On March 26, Cuomo announced the launch of Excelsior Pass, an app that provides digital proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test. The app is optional for individuals and businesses that require such proof to allow people to enter (like wedding reception, concert, or sports venues). Individuals can download the app now, and businesses will be able to start using it to verify vaccinations and negative tests starting April 2. Individuals can still provide other documents as proof of vaccination.
• March 26:
  • Indoor family entertainment centers and amusement parks will be able to reopen at 25% capacity starting March 26.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced new nursing home visitation guidelines, effective immediately. The guidance allows visits for all residents at all facilities. Previously, facilities had to be free of COVID-19 cases for 14 days before visits were permitted. To read the full guidance, click here.
• March 23: Residents 50 and older startedregistering for vaccination appointments at 8 a.m. March 23. Previously, the state allowed vaccinations for residents 60 and older.
• March 22:
  • Starting March 22, residential outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people are allowed. Indoor gatherings remain capped at 10 people. Non-residential gatherings of up to 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors are permitted.
  • Starting April 1, large sports venues (that hold more than 1,500 people indoors or 2,500 outdoors) will open at 10% capacity indoors or 20% capacity outdoors. Outdoor performing arts venues can also reopen at 20% capacity.
  • On March 21, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced pharmacies were allowed to start vaccinating individuals 16 and older with comorbidities (including diabetes, cancer, and severe obesity). Previously, pharmacies were required to focus on vaccinating people 60 and older.
• March 19: Restaurants outside of New York City can expand indoor dining from 50% to 75% capacity starting March 19. Restaurants in New York City remain at 35% capacity.
• March 17: Government and nonprofit employees who deal with the public can receive vaccines starting March 17.
• March 11: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced domestic travelers will not have to quarantine when arriving from out-of-state starting April 1. All travelers will still have to fill out the Traveler Health Form before arriving in the state. Currently, individuals must have two negative COVID-19 test results to avoid the 14-day quarantine requirement. The first test must be from within three days before arriving in the state. Travelers must quarantine for three days and then take the second test on the fourth day. If both tests come back negative, the visitors can end quarantine.
• March 10: People age 60 or older are eligible for vaccination starting March 10. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced public-facing government and nonprofit employees can receive vaccines starting March 17.
• March 8: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced restaurants outside of New York City can expand indoor dining from 50% to 75% capacity starting March 19. NYC restaurants will remain at 35% capacity.
• March 5:
  • Billiard halls statewide and movie theaters in New York City are reopening March 5. Billiard halls are open at 35% capacity in NYC and 50% capacity in the rest of the state. NYC movie theaters are open at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people per screen.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced event, arts, and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity (with a limit of 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors) starting April 2.
  • On March 22, residential outdoor gatherings of up to 25 individuals will be allowed. Indoor gatherings will stay capped at 10 people. Non-residential gatherings of up to 100 people indoors or 200 outdoors will be permitted.
• March 2: State Supreme Court Justice Timothy Walker issued a preliminary injunction temporarily allowing about 90 bars and restaurants suing the state to stay open past 11 p.m. every night. The injunction does not apply to all bars and restaurants statewide. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) previously signed an order extending nightly closing times for restaurants and bars from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., effective Feb. 14. The 10 p.m. order was first implemented Nov. 13. We will have more updates when the court issues a final ruling.

February 2021

• February 26:
  • Nursing homes are able to expand visitation following state guidance starting Feb. 26. Restaurants statewide can expand from 25% to 35% capacity.
  • Twelve community vaccination sites are opening between Feb. 25-27. The sites are expected to vaccinate more than 3,700 people total during the first week.
• February 23:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced billiard halls statewide and movie theaters in New York City will be allowed to reopen starting March 5. Billiard halls will open at 35% capacity in NYC and 50% capacity in the rest of the state. NYC movie theaters will open at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people per screen.
  • The governor also said the state will release detailed guidance for weddings and other catered events, which are scheduled to resume on March 15. Venues will be restricted to the lesser of 50% capacity or 150 people.
  • State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker released full nursing home visitation guidance and requirements on Feb. 22. Nursing homes will be able to expand visitation under the rules starting Feb. 26.
• February 22: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced nursing home visits can resume in accordance with CMS and CDC guidelines. Cuomo also said restaurants can expand from 25% to 35% capacity starting Feb. 26.
• February 18: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement will be able to reopen at 25% capacity starting March 26. Cuomo also said outdoor amusement parks can reopen at 33% capacity on April 9.
• February 16:
  • All adults with certain underlying conditions became eligible for vaccination starting Feb. 15. Qualifying conditions include cancer, moderate to severe asthma, obesity, and hypertension.
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) also signed an order extending nightly closing times for businesses like restaurants, bars, gyms, and casinos from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., effective Feb. 14.
• February 9:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced indoor dining will be able to reopen at 25% capacity in New York City starting Feb.12.
  • Cuomo also announced all adults with certain underlying conditions will be eligible for vaccination starting Feb. 15. Qualifying conditions include cancer, moderate to severe asthma, obesity, and hypertension.
• February 5: On Feb. 3, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the Yankee Stadium mass vaccination site is beginning to administer vaccines to Bronx residents who meet the state’s Phase 1a and 1b eligibility requirements starting Feb. 5. The site will offer 15,000 appointments during the first week.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 28: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced all Orange Zone restrictions were lifted statewide, and some parts of the state qualified to move out of Yellow Zone classification. Yellow Zones still exist in parts of New York City, Newburgh, and New Windsor.
• January 14: New York Supreme Court Justice Henry Nowak issued a preliminary injunction allowing 90 restaurants that were part of a lawsuit against the indoor dining ban in Orange Zones to resume indoor dining at 50% capacity. The preliminary injunction is effective through Jan. 19, when Nowak will decide whether the injunction should be made permanent. New York Supreme Courts are the highest trial courts in New York State, not New York's courts of last resort.
• January 13: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) expanded Phase 1b of the state’s vaccination plan to include individuals age 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals. Previously, only individuals 75 and older were eligible.
• January 12: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced all individuals in Phase 1b of the state’s vaccine distribution plan could begin scheduling appointments starting Jan. 11. Phase 1b includes individuals age 75 and older, first responders who were not included in Phase 1a, school staff, and correctional and congregate living facility staff and residents. Cuomo said the state is still prioritizing members of Phase 1a (including frontline healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents), so individuals in Phase 1b should expect appointments up to 14 weeks out from the day they schedule an appointment.
• January 5: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced expanded vaccine availability, effective Jan. 4. All frontline healthcare workers who provide in-person care (regardless of age) are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Home care providers, hospice workers, and nursing home workers who were not previously vaccinated under the CDC’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program are also eligible for vaccinations.

December 2020

• December 30: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced updated requirements for individuals with known exposure to the coronavirus. Exposed individuals have to self-quarantine for 10 days if they do not experience any symptoms, down from 14 days under the previous rule.
• December 15: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) ordered indoor dining to close in New York City, effective Dec. 14. Cuomo also announced an expansion of the Yellow Precautionary Zone in Niagara County and added yellow zones in Genesee and Oneida counties.
• December 14: On Dec. 14, the first public doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine were administered to healthcare workers in New York City.
• December 8: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced hospitals will be required to start increasing their hospital bed capacity with Department of Health assistance. The state is aiming to increase bed capacity by 25%. Cuomo also said hospital capacity will help determine future regional closures. Indoor dining will be limited to 25% capacity in some regions as early as Dec. 11 if hospitalizations continue to rise. If the hospitalization rate continues rising in New York City, indoor dining will be ordered to close in the region.
• December 1: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state is adding hospital capacity to its color-coded zone mitigation system. Cuomo said he will reimplement PAUSE restrictions if hospital capacity is overwhelmed.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced new Orange Warning Zones on parts of Staten Island and in areas of Monroe and Onondaga Counties. Cuomo announced new Yellow Precautionary Zones in Upper Manhattan and in parts of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The changes were effective Nov. 25 for affected businesses and Nov. 26 for public and private schools.
• November 20: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) designated areas in Westchester, Rockland, and Orange counties as yellow mitigation zones. The yellow level limits indoor dining to four customers at a table and religious services to 50% capacity.
• November 19: Public schools in New York City are closed indefinitely, starting Nov. 19.
• November 17: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) issued an order requiring restaurants and bars statewide to close for dine-in service (including outdoor dining) by 10 p.m. every night, starting Nov. 13. The order requires gyms to close at the same time and limits indoor and outdoor gatherings to 10 people.
• November 10: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced Brooklyn’s red zone is transitioning to an orange zone, which will allow social gatherings of up to 10 people, religious gatherings of up to 25 people, and limited outdoor dining. Schools are still closed to in-person instruction. Cuomo also announced yellow zone restrictions in parts of Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga counties, limiting social gatherings to 25 people and religious gatherings to 50% capacity.
• November 3: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced schools in the state's red and orange mitigation zones will be able to reopen after all of a school’s students and teachers get tested. Cuomo did not give a timeline for the reopening but said the state will provide the tests.

October 2020

• October 21: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced some schools in New York City’s state-defined hotspots are allowed to reopen. He also said the state will consider loosening restrictions in hotspot zones and drawing the zones on a block-by-block basis instead of using zip codes.
• October 19: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced movie theaters can reopen at 25% capacity everywhere except New York City if a county’s positivity rate is below 2% on a 14-day rolling average, starting Oct. 23. Cuomo also said ski resorts can reopen starting Nov. 6.
• October 7: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state will impose new restrictions on areas of New York City where coronavirus cases are rising, starting no later than Oct. 9. Mayor Bill De Blasio said enforcement of these restrictions will start on Oct. 8. In areas designated as red zones, state-defined non-essential businesses will have to close, religious gatherings will be limited to 10 people, and restaurants will only be able to offer takeout service.
• October 5: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced schools in some New York City neighborhoods with higher positivity rates must close starting Oct. 6.
• October 1: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced Colorado had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Arizona and Virginia were removed from the list. Murphy and Cuomo also announced the launch of a coronavirus exposure notification app in their states.

September 2020

• September 16: On Sept. 15, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Puerto Rico had been placed back on the joint travel advisory requiring visitors to the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days. California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio were removed from the list.
• September 11: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the state will spend $88.6 million of its CARES Act funding to help childcare providers reopen. Cuomo said an application for the funding will be available to childcare centers later in September and will remain open through Dec. 31.
• September 9:
  • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced New York City restaurants will be able to reopen at 25% capacity starting Sept. 30.
  • On Sept. 8, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia had been added to the joint travel advisory list requiring visitors from those states to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. The governors removed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands from the list.
• September 3: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced malls in New York City and casinos statewide will be able to reopen starting Sept. 9.
• September 2: On Sept. 1, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Alaska and Montana had been placed back on the joint travel advisory list, after having been removed Aug. 25. The travel advisory requires travelers entering the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days.
• September 1: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced new guidelines for agritourism businesses and activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and pick-your-own produce farms.

August 2020

• August 26: On Aug. 25, Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Montana had been removed from the joint travel list requiring visitors to the tristate area to self-quarantine for 14 days. Guam was added to the list.
• August 25: Gyms and state-defined low-risk cultural institutions (like museums and aquariums) began reopening on Aug. 24.
• August 24: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced high school sports classified as lower-risk (including soccer, tennis, field hockey, and swimming) will be able to resume practice and play starting on Sept. 21. Teams will only be allowed to travel to play against schools in neighboring regions and counties. School sports the state considers higher-risk (including football, wrestling, and ice hockey) can begin practices at the same time as lower-risk sports but cannot resume play.
• August 18: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 18 that Delaware and Alaska had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Washington was removed from the list.
• August 17: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced gyms in the state can reopen starting Aug. 24.
• August 14: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that low-risk cultural activities, including museums and aquariums, could reopen beginning Aug. 24. Such locations may reopen at 25% capacity with timed ticketing, staggered entry, and mandatory face coverings.
• August 11: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Hawaii, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands had been added to the tristate quarantine list. The governors removed Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
• August 7: On Aug. 7, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced schools will reopen to in-person instruction at the start of the school year. Students will be required to wear masks. Parents will retain the option to keep their children home.

July 2020

• July 22: Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on July 21 that 10 additional states had been added to their joint travel advisory. Travelers from Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Minnesota was removed from the list, bringing the number of states on it to 31.
• July 20: New York City became the final region in the state to enter the fourth phase of reopening. In Phase IV, outdoor entertainment that the state classifies as low-risk can open at 33% capacity, outdoor sports can resume without spectators, and media production activities are permitted. New York City’s Phase IV does not allow increased indoor activity or allow malls and museums to reopen.
• July 13: The State Department of Education released a framework for school reopening plans. Each school district will be required to submit a district-specific reopening plan based on the template between July 17 and July 31. Formal guidance for reopening is expected later this week.
• July 8: Long Island is entering Phase IV of reopening on July 8.
• July 7: Govs. Lamont, Murphy, and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on July 7 that visitors entering their states from Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The three governors announced the joint travel advisory on June 24. The initial list included eight states. It now applies to 19 states.
• July 2: Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced New York City would not be allowed to reopen indoor dining as part of Phase 3, which is scheduled to begin on July 6 in the city. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced public schools would begin reopening in September.
• July 1: Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Capital Region of the state is entering Phase 4 of reopening starting July 1.

June 2020

• June 30:
  • Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced June 30 that visitors arriving in their states from eight additional states will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The three governors announced the joint travel advisory on June 24. The initial list included eight states. The new states include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Tennessee.
  • The Western New York region is moving to Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan on June 30.
• June 24:
  • The Long Island region is moving into Phase Three of Gov. Cuomo’s reopening plan on June 24. The Mid-Hudson Valley region moved into the third phase on June 23. Phase Three permits indoor dining at 50% capacity and indoor gatherings of up to 25 people.
  • Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on June 24 that travelers arriving in their states from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. The infection rate is based on a seven-day rolling average of the number of infections per 100,000 residents. As of June 24, the states that meet that threshold are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
• June 18: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced on June 18 that New York City is expected to move into Phase 2 of his reopening plan on June 22. Cuomo said a final decision would be announced on June 19. Phase 2 allows outdoor dining at bars and restaurants (50% capacity), the opening of hair salons and barbershops (50% capacity), and office-based jobs (50% capacity). New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio said on June 18 that he felt the city was ready to move into Phase 2 on June 22. New York City playgrounds will also be able to reopen on June 22, if the CIty moves into Phase 2.
• June 17, 2020: The Capital region became the seventh of 10 regions to enter Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan. Under Phase 3, in-restaurant dining and personal care services such as tattoo parlors may resume, both at 50% capacity. Gatherings of up to 25 are allowed.
• June 12: Five regions—North County, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Central New York—moved into Phase III of the state's reopening plan on June 12. The following businesses and activities are permitted to resume: in-restaurant dining (50% capacity), and personal care services such as tattoo parlors (50% capacity).
• June 10: The Long Island region entered Phase II of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) reopening plan “NY Forward” on June 10. It is the ninth out of 10 regions to enter that phase.
• June 4: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced on June 3 that outdoor dining could resume at restaurants in Phase 2 of Cuomo’s reopening plan, “NY Forward.” There are currently seven regions in that phase. Cuomo also announced that the Long Island region would enter Phase 2 on Wednesday, June 10. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on June 4 that the City is hoping to open outdoor dining in July when New York City enters Phase 2 of reopening. New York City is expected to move into Phase 1 on June 8.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that summer day camps can reopen on June 29. The Capital region entered Phase 2 of Cuomo’s reopening plan, “NY Forward,” on June 3. It is the seventh region to move into that phase, out of 10 regions in the state. Under Phase 2, the following businesses and activities can resume: offices (50% occupancy), real estate, in-store retail (50% occupancy), vehicle sales, leases and rentals, retail rental, repair and cleaning, commercial building management (50% occupancy), and salons and barbershops (50% occupancy).
• June 1: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced on June 1 that New York City was on track to begin reopening on June 8. He also announced that two regions, Western New York and Capital, are expected to move into Phase 2 of his reopening plan in the coming days. On May 31, Cuomo announced that dentists could reopen on June 1.

May 2020

• May 29: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) extended New York’s stay-at-home order until June 27. It will only apply to regions that have not met the state’s criteria to enter Phase One of reopening. New York City is the only region that has not advanced to the first phase, but Cuomo announced the city was on track to begin reopening starting June 8. The Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, North Country, and Central New York regions were all cleared to enter Phase Two of reopening on May 29.
• May 26: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the Mid-Hudson region would begin Phase One of the state’s reopening plan starting May 26 and Long Island would begin the first phase on May 27. Cuomo also said campgrounds, sports teams’ facilities, and veterinary clinics would be able to start reopening. New York City is the only region in the state that has not started reopening.
• May 21: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that religious groups of up to 10 are permitted starting May 21. Memorial Day celebrations with the same group restrictions are also permitted. Cuomo also announced that New York schools would not open for in-person summer instruction. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City was on track to begin its phased reopening, including opening retail stores for curbside pick up and resuming construction, during the first half of June.
• May 15: In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced on May 14 that the state’s stay-at-home order was extended through May 28 for regions, including New York City, that do not meet the state’s reopening criteria. However, five regions that met the criteria could proceed with reopenings of some nonessential businesses beginning May 15, including construction, manufacturing and retail for curbside pick up only. Those regions are the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, North County, and the Southern Tier. Cuomo said in a tweet that as soon as a region hits its benchmarks for reopening, they can do so before May 28.
• May 11: On Monday, May 11, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that some parts of the state could start to reopen in phases beginning on May 15. Three regions meet the criteria for reopening—Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mohawk Valley. In phase one, construction, manufacturing and wholesale supply chains, agriculture, forestry, and fishing may resume. Retail establishments can open for curbside pickup.
• May 5: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) released “Regional Guidelines for Re-Opening,” which laid out a four-phase plan for reopening the state following the coronavirus pandemic. There is no specific start date. New York is a Democratic trifecta.

April 2020

• April 29: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the creation of the New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board. Former Cuomo aides Steve Cohen and Bill Mulrow will lead the group of more than 100 business, community, and civic leaders from the state. A full list of board members is available here.
• April 27: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced a plan for reopening the state involving different schedules for different regions. The plan would be triggered by a 14-day decline in hospitalization rate and involve two phases, between which there would be a two-week waiting period to monitor effects of phase one. New York is a Democratic trifecta.

North Carolina

Most recent five updates

• July 22: On Wednesday, July 21, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) released updated guidance for school districts. The new guidance takes effect July 30, and says districts should require students in kindergarten through eighth grade to wear masks indoors. The guidance says only unvaccinated high school students should be required to wear masks indoors.
• July 6: On Friday, July 2, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed Senate Bill 116. The legislation would have ended the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs, which are set to expire in September. The bill passed the Senate 26-22 and the House 66-44.
• June 30: On Tuesday, June 29, the North Carolina Council of State, which is composed of Republican and Democratic members of the executive branch, voted 6-4 to allow the statewide moratorium evictions to expire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) federal eviction moratorium still applies to North Carolina tenants.
• June 14: On June 11, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issuedan executive order extending certain pandemic-related measures, including state eviction prohibitions and face-covering requirements in certain settings
• June 11: On June 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced a vaccine incentive program that will run from June 23 to Aug. 4. Adults who receive a vaccination starting on June 10 will be entered into four drawings for a $1 million cash prize, and people between the ages of 12 and 17 will be entered into four drawings for a $125,000 scholarship prize towards the post-secondary education of their choice.

July 2021

• July 22: On Wednesday, July 21, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) released updated guidance for school districts. The new guidance takes effect July 30, and says districts should require students in kindergarten through eighth grade to wear masks indoors. The guidance says only unvaccinated high school students should be required to wear masks indoors.
• July 6: On Friday, July 2, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed Senate Bill 116. The legislation would have ended the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs, which are set to expire in September. The bill passed the Senate 26-22 and the House 66-44.

June 2021

• June 30: On Tuesday, June 29, the North Carolina Council of State, which is composed of Republican and Democratic members of the executive branch, voted 6-4 to allow the statewide moratorium evictions to expire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) federal eviction moratorium still applies to North Carolina tenants.
• June 14: On June 11, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issuedan executive order extending certain pandemic-related measures, including state eviction prohibitions and face-covering requirements in certain settings
• June 11: On June 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced a vaccine incentive program that will run from June 23 to Aug. 4. Adults who receive a vaccination starting on June 10 will be entered into four drawings for a $1 million cash prize, and people between the ages of 12 and 17 will be entered into four drawings for a $125,000 scholarship prize towards the post-secondary education of their choice.

May 2021

• May 17: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) ended the statewide mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Masks are still required for all people, regardless of vaccination status, on public transportation and in healthcare settings. Cooper also ended all business capacity restrictions, social distancing requirements, and gathering limits.

April 2021

• April 30: On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended an order allowing bars, restaurants, and hotels to serve to-go cocktails through June 1.
• April 21: On Tuesday, April 20, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced a joint vaccine initiative with the government of the Canadian province of Manitoba to provide free vaccines to long-haul truckers traveling into North Dakota.
• April 7: All residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 7. Previously, all of Group 4 was eligible for vaccination.

March 2021

• March 31:
  • The rest of Group 4 is eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31. Group 4 includes a range of essential workers, some of whom were eligible March 17.
  • On Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended a statewide eviction moratorium through June 30.
• March 26:
  • Effective Friday, March 26, the limit on indoor gatherings will increase from 25 to 50 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 people. Retail stores, as well as museums and salons, will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity, while businesses like restaurants and gyms will be allowed to operate at 75% capacity indoors and 100% capacity outdoors. The new order will allow bars and movie theaters to operate at 50% capacity. Additionally, the order removes the alcohol curfew, which prohibits alcohol sales after 11 p.m. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) made the announcement Tuesday, March 23.
  • On Thursday, March 25, Cooper announced that the rest of Group 4 will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 31. Group 4 includes a range of essential workers, some of whom were eligible March 17. Cooper also announced that all North Carolina adults will be eligible April 7.
• March 24:
  • On Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he would ease some restrictions on gatherings and businesses beginning Friday, April 26. The limit on indoor gatherings will increase from 25 to 50 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 people. Retail stores, as well as museums and salons, will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity, while businesses like restaurants and gyms will be allowed to operate at 75% capacity indoors and 100% capacity outdoors. The new order will also allow bars and movie theaters to operate at 50% capacity. Additionally, the order removes the alcohol curfew, which prohibits alcohol sales after 11 p.m.
  • Individuals in Group 4, which includes people at higher risk of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, are eligible to receive a vaccine starting March 24.
• March 17: Some people in Group 4 areeligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting March 17. The list includes individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those with asthma or heart disease.
• March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that some people in Group 4 will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 17. Individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those with asthma or heart disease, will be eligible on that day, while Cooper said eligibility will expand to more people in Group 4 on April 7.
• March 10: On Wednesday, March 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced an agreement with House and Senate Republicans and Democrats that would return all elementary schools to in-person instruction, while middle and high schools will be permitted to choose between a hybrid approach and in-person instruction on a district-by-district basis. Under the law, parents can choose to keep their kids at home. The plan will go into effect 21 days after Cooper signs the bill.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will become eligible for the vaccine March 3. That group includes people working in the energy and hazardous materials sectors, and in food and agriculture. Group 4, which includes people at higher risk of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, will become eligible to receive the vaccine on March 24.
• March 2: On Monday, March 1, the North Carolina State Senate failed to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) veto of SB 37, a bill that would have required schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The final vote was 29-20, one vote short of the three-fifths majority necessary to override a gubernatorial veto. One Democrat joined with Republicans in voting to override the veto. The Senate passed the bill 31-16 on Feb. 16. Cooper vetoed it on Feb. 26.
• March 1: On Friday, Feb. 26, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed a bill that would have required schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The state House of Representatives passed the bill 77-42 on Feb. 22, while the state Senate passed the bill 31-16 on Feb. 16. To override Cooper’s veto, the bill will need the support of three-fifths of the members in both chambers of the legislature.

February 2021

• February 26: On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that beginning Feb. 26 at 5 p.m., the Modified Stay at Home Order that imposed a curfew on individuals and businesses between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will expire. Additionally, the indoor gathering limit will increase from 10 people to 25, while businesses will be allowed to sell alcohol for onsite consumption until 11 p.m. Certain businesses, such as bars and movie theaters, will be limited to 30% capacity or 250 people. Businesses like restaurants, breweries, museums, and salons will be limited to 50% capacity.
• February 24: On Wednesday, Feb. 24, teachers and staff, including bus drivers and custodial staff, can register to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• February 22: Teachers and staff became eligible to register to receive a coronavirus vaccine Feb. 22, with vaccinations beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24.
• February 19: On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the North Carolina state House of Representatives passed a bill 77-42 that would require schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The Senate passed the bill 47-31 on Feb. 16. It now goes to Gov. Roy Cooper (D). If Cooper takes no action on the measure before Feb. 28, it automatically becomes law.
• February 11: On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that teachers, school staff, and childcare workers will become eligible for coronavirus vaccines on Feb. 24.
• February 10: On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the state Senate voted 29-15 to advance a bill that would require school districts to provide the option of in-person instruction for all students. Families would be able to choose remote instruction. Republicans hold a 28-22 advantage in the Senate. No Republicans opposed the bill, and one Democrat voted in favor of it. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

January 2021

• January 28: On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended the modified stay-at-home order, which includes a curfew on nonessential businesses between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., through Feb. 28.
• January 14: On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said that people 65 and older would soon be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Cooper said more information would be forthcoming but did not give a time for when the new policy would take effect.
• January 7: On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended the statewide curfew requiring people to stay at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Jan. 29.
• January 6: On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Cooper announced he was activating about 50 National Guard members to assist in the vaccine rollout. Some of the members will be involved in logistics planning, while others will assist with physical vaccinations.

December 2020

• December 22: On Monday, Dec. 21, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed an order allowing restaurants, bars, and hotels to sell and deliver mixed alcoholic drinks. Alcohol sales are banned on-site at those establishments after 9 p.m.
• December 9: On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced new coronavirus restrictions, which he called a “Modified Stay at Home Order,” would go into effect Friday, Dec. 11. The order requires most businesses, such as gyms, restaurants, and retail stores, to close nightly at 10 p.m. The order also prohibits the sale of alcohol after 9 p.m. It also imposes a curfew between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 p.m., during which people are required to stay at home.

November 2020

• November 24: On Monday, Nov. 23, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issued an executive order strengthening the statewide mask mandate. The new order requires people at restaurants to wear a mask unless they are actively eating or drinking and also requires people to wear a mask while exercising.
• November 18: On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Dr. Mandy Cohen unveiled a new county alert system that tracks the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
• November 17: The state’s limit on indoor gatherings was reduced from 25 to 10 people on Nov. 13.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan through at least Nov. 13.
• October 2: On Sept. 30, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced the state would advance to Phase 3 of reopening on Oct. 2. Phase 3 eases several restrictions on businesses, including allowing bars to provide outdoor service at 30% capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less. Movie theaters can also reopen at 30% capacity or 100 guests. Large outdoor venues will be permitted to operate at 7% capacity. Some restrictions, such as mandatory face coverings in public, will remain in effect.

September 2020

• September 23: On Sept. 23, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that stadiums and outdoor event venues can resume operation at 7% capacity on Oct. 2.
• September 22: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that beginning Oct. 2, large outdoor venues with a capacity of more than 10,000 may reopen at 7% capacity. The change only applies to venues with seats and not large open areas.
• September 17: On Sept. 17, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that elementary school and charter school students can return to classrooms at full capacity beginning Oct. 5. Students, teachers, and staff will be required to wear face coverings, and schools will need to enforce social distancing and screen for symptoms.
• September 4: Effective Sept. 4 at 5 p.m., the state will enter Phase 2.5 of reopening, which Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced on Sept. 1. Under Phase 2.5, the limit on gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Museums and aquariums can reopen at 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor exercise facilities can reopen at 30% capacity. Several restrictions, like the ban on bars and movie theaters, will remain in effect.
• September 1: On Sept. 1, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he would ease some coronavirus restrictions as part of a new phase of reopening, dubbed Phase 2.5, which goes into effect on Sept. 4. Under Phase 2.5, the limit on gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Museums and aquariums can reopen at 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor exercise facilities can reopen at 30% capacity. Several restrictions, like the ban on bars and movie theaters, will remain in effect.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 31, a representative for Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said the governor was expected to make an announcement about reopening some businesses and lifting restrictions on Sept. 1.
• August 17: Schools in the state were allowed to reopen beginning Aug. 17. Based on state guidelines, most K-12 districts will begin the year with at least some online learning.
• August 6: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced on Aug. 5 that the state would stay in Phase 2 of reopening for five more weeks.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issued an executive order on July 28 that prohibits restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries from serving alcohol between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The order goes into effect on July 31 at 11:00 p.m.
• July 16: On July 14, the North Carolina Supreme Court granted Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) temporary request to suspend Senior Business Court Judge James Gale’s ruling that allowed bowling alleys across the state to reopen despite an executive order keeping them closed. Cooper closed bowling alleys, along with many other businesses and industries, in March. As part of the state’s reopening plan, some businesses have been allowed to reopen, including barbershops and restaurants. An association of bowling alleys filed the lawsuit against Cooper.
• July 14: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced on July 14 that the state would remain in Phase Two of reopening until Aug. 7. Previously, the state had been scheduled to enter Phase Three on July 17. Cooper also released the state’s school reopening plan, which emphasizes a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning.
• July 9: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said on July 9 that he would announce new details on the state’s reopening plan next week. North Carolina is in Phase 2 of reopening. Cooper also said he would make an announcement about reopening schools in the fall.
• July 7: A judge on the North Carolina Business Court ruled on July 7 that bowling alleys can reopen immediately. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) had closed them in March. Cooper filed for a stay until the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court can hear the case.

June 2020

• June 22: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed House Bill 594 on June 19. The bill would have allowed gyms and fitness centers to reopen immediately—in advance of Cooper’s reopening plan. Bars would also have been able to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity. Cooper said, “Tying the hands of public health officials in times of pandemic is dangerous, especially when case counts and hospitalizations are rising. State and local officials must be able to take swift action during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge of patients from overwhelming hospitals and endangering the lives of North Carolinians. The bill could restrict leaders who need to respond quickly to outbreaks and protect public health and safety.”
  • This is the second time Cooper has vetoed legislation seeking to lift restrictions ahead of his reopening plan. On June 5, Cooper vetoed House Bill 536, which would have allowed certain establishments to offer outdoor dining and beverage service.
  • A third bill, Senate Bill 599, won legislative approval on June 18. It would allow skating rinks and bowling alleys to reopen at 50% capacity immediately, and before they would have reopened under Cooper's plan. SB599 was sent to Cooper for consideration on June 22.
• June 19: On June 18, the North Carolina General Assembly passed Senate Bill 599. SB599 would allow skating rinks and bowling alleys to reopen at 50% capacity immediately, and before they would have reopened under Gov. Roy Cooper's (D) plan. The bill would also allow temporary outdoor seating at bars and restaurants at 50% capacity of current indoor seating or up to 100 customers (whichever is less). Currently, restaurants can have no more than 50% capacity indoors. Bars are closed. The bill allows Cooper to re-close those businesses if the number of coronavirus cases increases.
  • SB599 passed in the North Carolina House of Representatives 68-52 on June 16, with 65 Republicans and three Democrats voting to approve, and 52 Democrats voting against it. The state Senate passed a motion to concur on June 18 32-15, with 26 Republicans and six Democrats voting to approve and 15 Democrats voting against. The bill will be sent to Cooper for consideration.
  • This is the third bill the North Carolina General Assembly has passed seeking to lift restrictions ahead of Cooper’s reopening plan. On June 5, Cooper vetoed House Bill 536, which would have allowed bars and restaurants to temporarily expand service to outdoor spaces. On June 11, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 594 69-50. Sixty-five Republicans and four Democrats voted in favor, and 50 Democrats voted against. HB594 would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen at 50% capacity. Bars would be able to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity ahead of Phase 3 of Cooper’s reopening plan, which is expected to begin June 26. The bill would take effect immediately and was sent to Cooper for consideration. As of June 19, Cooper has not signed or vetoed that bill. North Carolina is among seven states where a three-fifths vote of both chambers is required to override a gubernatorial veto. Republicans control 29 of the 30 seats required to override a veto in the state Senate and 65 of the 72 seats required in the state House.
• June 16: On June 15, Gov Roy Cooper (D) said he would announce whether more businesses would be allowed to open under his reopening plan early next week. The state is currently in Phase 2, which is expected to continue through June 26. Bars, movie theaters, and gyms remain closed but are expected to reopen when the state moves into Phase 3.
• June 15: North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein sent a letter to gyms clarifying Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) current executive order, which will allow some gyms to reopen ahead of Cooper’s reopening plan. Stein said that the use of indoor gyms and facilities is allowed when prescribed or directed by a medical professional. Under Cooper’s reopening plan, gyms may not open until Phase Three, which could begin on June 26.
• June 11: The North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 594 69-50. 65 Republicans and four Democrats voted in favor, and 50 Democrats voted against it. The bill already passed the state Senate and will be sent to Gov. Roy Cooper (D) for consideration. If signed, the bill would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen at 50% capacity. Bars would also be able to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity ahead of Phase 3 of Cooper’s reopening plan, which is expected to begin June 26. The bill would take effect immediately. Under a revised version of the bill, Cooper would be able to re-close those businesses if the number of coronavirus cases increases if the Council of State agrees. Cooper vetoed a similar bill, House Bill 536, which would have allowed bars and restaurants to temporarily expand service to outdoor spaces. Cooper said the measure would have limited officials' ability to close establishments should there be another surge in the pandemic.
• June 10: On June 9, the North Carolina state Senate voted in favor of House Bill 594. 29 Republicans and seven Democrats voted to approve the bill, and 13 Democrats voted against it. House Bill 594 will be sent back to the state House for consideration. If passed, the bill would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen at 50% capacity and bars to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity ahead of Phase 3 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) reopening plan, which is expected to begin June 26. Under a revised version of the bill, Cooper would be able to re-close those businesses if the number of coronavirus cases should increase if he has agreement from the Council of State. Cooper vetoed a similar bill, House Bill 536, which would have allowed bars and restaurants to temporarily expand service to outdoor spaces, explaining that the bill would have limited officials' ability to close establishments should there be another surge in the pandemic.
• June 9: The state released guidance for reopening schools to in-person instruction. The guidance includes more frequent cleanings, a temperature check for all individuals entering buildings or buses, and physical distancing guidelines. On June 8, the North Carolina state Senate was expected to vote on House Bill 594, which would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen. However, the vote was delayed until June 9, so that Senate leaders could add language that would allow bars to reopen in outdoor spaces and allow restaurants to temporarily move dining outside, despite Cooper’s veto. If passed, the bill would be sent to the state House. North Carolina is one of seven states where a three-fifths vote of both chambers is required to override a gubernatorial veto. Republicans control 29 of the 30 seats required to override a veto in the state Senate and 65 of the 72 seats required in the state House.
• June 8: On June 5, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed House Bill 536, which would have allowed certain restaurants to offer outdoor dining and beverage service. Cooper released the following statement about the veto, “State and local government leaders must be able to act quickly during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge in cases that could overwhelm hospitals and harm the public. House Bill 536 would limit the ability of leaders to respond quickly to COVID-19 and hamper the health and safety of every North Carolinian.” On June 8, the North Carolina State Senate is expected to vote on House Bill 594, which would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen. If passed, the bill would be sent to the state House. North Carolina is among seven states where a three-fifths vote of both chambers is required in order to override a gubernatorial veto. Republicans control 29 of the 30 seats required to override a veto in the state Senate and 65 of the 72 seats required in the state House.
• June 3: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said on June 2 that North Carolina was not yet ready to move into Phase 3 of the reopening plan, based on recent health and hospital data. Phase 2 will run through at least June 26 unless changed or canceled by state officials.

May 2020

• May 28: A bill that would allow bars to reopen at 50 percent capacity, outdoors only, passed the Senate. The House has not voted on the bill. Bars are not permitted to reopen until Phase 3 of North Carolina’s reopening plan, scheduled to begin on June 26.
• May 27: A bill that would permit bars to serve beverages outside, on a patio, or under a tent, cleared a Senate committee on May 26. Bars are not scheduled to reopen until Phase 3 of North Carolina’s reopening plan, scheduled to begin on June 26. The state entered Phase 2 on May 22. The bill moves to another committee before the full House and Senate may consider it. The House and Senate have Republican majorities, while the governorship is held by Roy Cooper, a Democrat.
• May 22: Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) stay-at-home order expired at 5:00 p.m. on May 22. Replacing it is a safer-at-home order that will remain in effect through at least June 26. The following businesses and activities are permitted: retail (50 percent capacity), in-restaurant dining (50 percent capacity), personal services such as salons and barbershops (50 percent capacity), indoor and outdoor pools (50 percent capacity), child care facilities, and day and overnight camps. Under the new order, limits on gatherings are increased to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
• May 20: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) was expected to make an announcement at a press conference on May 20 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time about Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
• May 18: At a news conference on May 18, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said that an announcement on whether or not the state could move into Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan could come mid-week.

North Dakota

Most recent five updates

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) made the announcement May 10.
• May 11: On Monday, May 10, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. North Dakota is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.
• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state was expanding a joint initiative to vaccinate Canadian truck drivers that enter North Dakota to include drivers coming from the province of Saskatchewan. Burgum first announced the initiative on April 21 to provide vaccines to truck drivers from Manitoba.
• April 26: On Friday, April 23, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed House Bill 1175. The law protects businesses and healthcare providers from civil liability lawsuits filed over COVID-19-related deaths or injuries. The law is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020, and does not provide immunity from actions resulting from “reckless” or “intentional infliction of harm” or “willful and wanton misconduct."
• April 23: On Thursday, April 22, the legislature voted to override Gov. Doug Burgum’s (R) veto of Hill Bill 1323, which prohibits statewide mask mandates. The House voted 66-27 to override the veto, while the Senate voted 32-15 to do the same. Burgum vetoed the bill on April 21. Under the law, local governments and public schools can still require masks.

June 2021

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) made the announcement May 10.

May 2021

• May 11: On Monday, May 10, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state will stop participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs starting June 12. North Dakota is one of seven states that have announced federal benefits will end by June 30 or earlier.

April 2021

• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced the state was expanding a joint initiative to vaccinate Canadian truck drivers that enter North Dakota to include drivers coming from the province of Saskatchewan. Burgum first announced the initiative on April 21 to provide vaccines to truck drivers from Manitoba.
• April 26: On Friday, April 23, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed House Bill 1175. The law protects businesses and healthcare providers from civil liability lawsuits filed over COVID-19-related deaths or injuries. The law is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020, and does not provide immunity from actions resulting from “reckless” or “intentional infliction of harm” or “willful and wanton misconduct."
• April 23: On Thursday, April 22, the legislature voted to override Gov. Doug Burgum’s (R) veto of Hill Bill 1323, which prohibits statewide mask mandates. The House voted 66-27 to override the veto, while the Senate voted 32-15 to do the same. Burgum vetoed the bill on April 21. Under the law, local governments and public schools can still require masks.
• April 22:
  • On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he will end the statewide COVID-19 emergency declaration on April 30. Burgum first declared the emergency on March 13, 2020, and has extended it several times since then. When the emergency ends, the remaining COVID-19 executive orders will also terminate.
  • On Wednesday, April 21, Burgum vetoed House Bill 1323. The bill prohibits officials from mandating face coverings. The Senate passedthe bill 30-17 on April 6, while the House passed the bill 67-24 on April 12. Both the House and the Senate would need a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
• April 19: On Friday, April 16, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted 85-3 to pass House Bill 1118. The bill requires the governor to call a special session of the legislature within one week of issuing a state of emergency. If the governor does not call a special session within one week, the state of emergency would automatically end after 30 days. The bill would also allow the legislature to extend or end a state of emergency during a special session. The Senate passed the bill 47-0 on April 12. It now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum (R).
• April 13: On Monday, April 12, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted 67-24 to accept Senate changes to House Bill 1323, which prohibits statewide mask mandates. The House originally passed the bill 50-44 on Feb. 22. The Senate passed the bill 30-17 on April 7, but amended it to prohibit only state officials, including the governor, elected state officials, and the state health officer, from issuing a mask mandate. It left cities, counties, school districts, and businesses free to require masks. The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum (R).
• April 8: On April 7, the North Dakota Senate voted 30-17 to pass House Bill 1323, which would prohibit statewide mask mandates. The Senate added an amendment allowing local governments, businesses, and schools to require masks. If the House votes to accept the change, it will go to Gov. Doug Burgum (R) to sign. The House first passed the bill 50-44 on Feb. 22.

March 2021

• March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 22: On Friday, March 19, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that the general public will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 29.

February 2021

• February 23:
  • On Monday, Feb. 22, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) ended several coronavirus executive orders issued between March 25, 2020, and July 29, 2020. Among other things, the orders suspended the eligibility requirements for funeral directors applying for workers compensation and allowed state agencies to transfer surplus property, such as medical supplies and personal protective equipment, to other agencies.
  • On Monday, Feb. 22, the state House passed a bill 50-44 that would prohibit state and local officials from mandating masks. The bill now goes to the Senate.

January 2021

• January 19: The statewide mask mandate expired Monday, Jan. 18. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said he would not renew the mandate on Friday, Jan. 15, citing the decline in COVID-19 cases across the state.
• January 8: On Thursday, Jan. 7, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) issued an order easing coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars, and gatherings. Effective Jan. 8, restaurants and bars can operate at 65% capacity, with a total limit of 200 patrons.
• January 5: On Monday, Jan. 4, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he would shift the state’s COVID-19 risk designation on Jan. 8 from high to moderate, allowing bars and restaurants to operate at up to 65% of their normal capacity. Event venues will also be permitted to operate at 50% capacity.

December 2020

• December 22: On Monday, Dec. 21, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he was ending a statewide 10 p.m. curfew at bars and restaurants. Bars and restaurants are still limited to 50% occupancy.
• December 10: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he was extending coronavirus restrictions, including capacity limits on businesses, through Jan. 8. Burgum also said the statewide mask mandate would be in effect through Jan. 18.

November 2020

• November 19: On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) amended a previous executive order to allow high school sports practices and other extracurricular activities to resume on Nov. 30. The revised order does not affect competitions, which remain banned until Dec. 14.

October 2020

• October 16: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he would move 16 counties into the “high risk” category on Oct. 16 at 5:00 p.m. due to a spike in coronavirus cases. Bars, restaurants, and large venues in “high risk” areas are advised to cap capacity at 25% or 50 people in total.

September 2020

• September 24: On Sept. 23, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced he was changing the risk level designation for 15 counties. Burgum reduced the risk level for three counties, moving them from green to blue on the state’s five-tiered risk-level system while increasing the risk-level for the other 12.
• September 22: North Dakota Interim State Health Officer Dr. Paul Mariani announced that North Dakotans traveling internationally were no longer required to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning home.
• September 4: On Sept. 3, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that he was classifying eight counties as having a greater risk of COVID-19 spread under the state’s color-coded reopening system. Burgum reclassified the counties from green, or low risk, to yellow, meaning moderate risk. He also moved 13 counties to blue, which represents the lowest risk. Most of the state is classified green.
• September 1: On Sept. 1, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s application to participate in the Lost Wages Assistance program (LWA). The LWA allows eligible individuals to receive an additional $300 a week in unemployment benefits. President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order on Aug. 8 allowing funds in the Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) program to be used to bolster state unemployment insurance programs.

June 2020

• June 24: Group camping sites in state parks reopened on June 23. That same day, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said several counties could advance to the fifth stage of the reopening plan sometime in July. The state is currently in the fourth stage of reopening.
• June 8: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) signed an executive order on June 5 that modified restrictions on visitations to long-term care facilities, including nursing homes The order also allows visitations to resume in phases as outlined in the state’s Vulnerable Population Protection (VP3) Plan. Effective June 5, the state strongly encourages outdoor visitation by appointment with social distancing and personal protective equipment, including masks. Residents are urged to work with long-term care facility staff on appointments and details.
• June 1: On May 29, officials in North Dakota announced that the state moved from “moderate risk” to “low risk” under Gov. Doug Burgum (R)’s “ND Smart Restart” plan. In this stage, “schools and businesses can reopen, and much of normal life can begin to resume. However, some physical distancing measures and limitations on gatherings will still be recommended to prevent transmission from accelerating again.” High-risk individuals are encouraged to limit their time spent in the community. In the “low risk” stage, employers are urged to develop flexible work environments, comply with social distancing measures, increase sanitation measures, and monitor employees for symptoms. Capacity for dine-in service at restaurants and bars is capped at 75 percent occupancy, and gaming and blackjack can resume with social distancing measures. Gatherings are limited to 75 percent occupancy for facilities, with a maximum of 500 people allowed.

May 2020

• May 26: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) issued an executive order on May 22 lifting restrictions on several industries and calling for businesses to comply with guidelines developed in the state’s “Smart Restart” plan. The order applies to salons, tattoo studios, massage services, health clubs and athletic facilities, bars and restaurants, and movie theaters. All of the businesses are “strongly encouraged to adopt and rigorously follow” industry-specific standards. Guidelines include limiting capacity to maintain social distancing and encouraging face coverings for employees working closely with the public. The order also allows state facilities such as the Capitol building to reopen June 1. State employees working remotely can begin returning to work in consultation with their supervisors.
• May 18: On May 15, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced recommended guidelines for large venues to reopen in phases. The guidelines call for arenas and stadiums to operate at 50% capacity, up to 250 people, and with food service complying with mandatory protocols for restaurants and bars.
• May 14: On May 11, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that public and private schools in North Dakota could reopen starting June 1 for summer programs, though schools are not required to. Under the order, child care programs, summer school classes, and college admissions testing can resume. The order also does not prohibit schools from offering summer distance learning options.

April 2020

• April 29: Gov. Doug Burgum (R) released the ND Smart Restart protocols. These guidelines will apply to businesses in the state beginning May 1, when the phased reopening of the state’s economy will begin.

Ohio

Most recent five updates

• July 29: On Wednesday, July 28, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced a new vaccine incentive initiative for state employees. Employees who get a vaccine will receive $100, while spouses who get a vaccine will get $25.
• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 18: On Friday, June 18, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. DeWine first declared an emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic on March 9, 2020.
• June 2: Effective Wednesday, June 2, most of the statewide COVID-19 restrictions ended, including restrictions on capacity limits and the mask mandate. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) made the announcement on May 12.
• May 28: On Thursday, May 27, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ended the Ohio Public Health Advisory System heatmap. The map was instituted in July 2020, and showed where COVID-19 was spreading fastest around the state based on several different metrics. Countywide mask mandates were based on the map until DeWine instituted a statewide mandate on July 23, 2020.

July 2021

• July 29: On Wednesday, July 28, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced a new vaccine incentive initiative for state employees. Employees who get a vaccine will receive $100, while spouses who get a vaccine will get $25.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) made the announcement May 13.
• June 18: On Friday, June 18, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. DeWine first declared an emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic on March 9, 2020.
• June 2: Effective Wednesday, June 2, most of the statewide COVID-19 restrictions ended, including restrictions on capacity limits and the mask mandate. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) made the announcement on May 12.

May 2021

• May 28: On Thursday, May 27, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ended the Ohio Public Health Advisory System heatmap. The map was instituted in July 2020, and showed where COVID-19 was spreading fastest around the state based on several different metrics. Countywide mask mandates were based on the map until DeWine instituted a statewide mandate on July 23, 2020.
• May 13: On Wednesday, May 12, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced he will end all statewide coronavirus public health orders on June 2. DeWine also announced that people who receive at least one vaccine dose can enter a lottery to win $1,000,000. The drawing will happen each Wednesday for five weeks, with a maximum of five winners. Additionally, the state will offer five full scholarships to the state’s public universities to vaccinated residents under 18.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that fully vaccinated nursing home and assisted living facility staff no longer need to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. However, unvaccinated staff will be required to undergo two tests per week.

April 2021

• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued a revised health order that no longer requires fully vaccinated people to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19. Vaccinated people who work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities must still quarantine if exposed to the virus.
• April 6: On Monday, April 5, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued a new health order ending the gathering limit on outdoor events and activities if people remain socially distanced. DeWine also consolidated all previous health orders and guidelines into the new order.

March 2021

• March 29: Effective March 29, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. On March 22, DeWine allowed healthcare providers to administer vaccines to people 16 and older when there were unfilled appointments.
• March 25: On Wednesday. March 24, the legislature voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) veto of Senate Bill 22. Senate Bill 22 allows the legislature to cancel health orders that last longer than 30 days and requires the governor to renew such orders every 60 days. The law also creates a legislative panel to provide oversight of the governor’s health orders and restricts local officials’ authority to require people to quarantine without a medical diagnosis. The Senate voted 23-10 to override the veto, while the House voted 62-35 to do the same. The bill will take effect in 90 days.
• March 24: On Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) vetoed a bill that would limit the governor’s authority to renew emergency health orders. If enacted into law, Senate Bill 22 would allow the legislature to cancel health orders that last longer than 30 days and require the governor to renew those orders every 60 days. The bill also creates a legislative panel to provide oversight of the governor’s health orders and restricts local officials’ authority to require people to quarantine without a medical diagnosis. Senate Bill 22 passed the Senate 25-8 and the House 57-38. To override DeWine’s veto, each chamber would need a three-fifths majority.
• March 23: On Monday, March 22, Gov. Mike DeWine (D) issued updated guidance for nursing home visits. Facilities are required to allow visitors once safety protocols are met. Additionally, vaccinated residents can now physically touch visitors while wearing a mask.
• March 22: On Monday, March 22, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) authorized healthcare providers to allow people 16 and older to register to receive a coronavirus vaccine when appointments are available. Previously, people 16 and older were scheduled to become eligible March 29.
• March 19: Residents in Phases 1E and 2C of the state’s vaccination plan are eligible for vaccination starting March 19. Phase 1E includes residents with underlying health conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. Phase 2C includes all residents 40 and older.
• March 16:
  • On Monday, March 15, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the Ohio Department of Health released updated guidance for student-athletes who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Those students exposed in a classroom setting will not need to quarantine or refrain from organized sports and extracurricular activities unless they develop symptoms. If the exposure occurs outside the classroom, then students will need to self-quarantine.
  • On Tuesday, March 16, DeWine announced that people in Phase 1E and 2C of the state’s vaccination plan would become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 19. Phase 1E includes residents with underlying health conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, while 2C includes all residents 40 and older. DeWine also said all residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a vaccine March 29.
• March 11: People 50 and older are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting March 11. People with Type 2 Diabetes and end-stage renal disease will also become eligible on that day.
  • On Wednesday, March 10, the Ohio House of Representatives voted 57-35 to pass Senate Bill 22, which would give lawmakers the authority to cancel a governor’s health order that lasts longer than 30 days. The bill would also require the governor to renew the health orders every 60 days. The Senate approved the bill 25-8 on Wednesday. It goes to Gov. Mike DeWine (R).
• March 9: On Monday, March 8, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that people 50 and older will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 11. People with Type 2 Diabetes and end-stage renal disease will also become eligible on that day.
• March 8: Gov. Mike Dewine (R) announced coronavirus restrictions would end once the number of cases reached 50 per 100,000 people for two consecutive weeks. Cases were at 179 per 100,000 people March 4.
• March 4: Vaccine eligibility is expanding on March 4 to include childcare workers, law enforcement and corrections officers, funeral services workers, and people ages 60 and older. Pregnant women and people with ALS, type 1 diabetes, and bone marrow transplants will also become eligible.
• March 2: On Monday, March 1, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that vaccine eligibility will expand on March 4 to include childcare workers, law enforcement and corrections officers, funeral services workers, and people ages 60 and older. Pregnant women and people with ALS, type 1 diabetes, and bone marrow transplant recipients will also become eligible.

February 2021

• February 17: On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the Department of Health was working on a website that would allow a resident to enter their zip code and find open vaccine appointments within 20 miles of their location.
• February 12: On Thursday, Feb. 11, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that buffets and food stations within restaurants and bars can reopen with restrictions. The restrictions include a requirement that customers wear masks and social distance.
• February 8: On Feb. 8, vaccine eligibility is expanding to people 65 and older. Previously, only people age 70 and older were eligible.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 27: On Jan. 26, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that 91,000 teachers and staff will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning next week.
• January 25: Effective Jan. 25, people 75 and older and anyone with severe congenital or developmental disorders are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. On Feb. 1, eligibility will expand to people 70 and older and K-12 staff and teachers who want to return to in-person learning. On Feb. 8, eligibility will expand to people 65 and older.
• January 22: On Thursday, Jan. 21, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the state will use $50 million in federal stimulus money to buy 2 million rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests. The state will distribute the tests to local health departments.
• January 19: The next step in Ohio’s vaccination plan, Phase 1B, began Tuesday, Jan. 19. In the first week of Phase 1B, vaccines are reserved for those 80 and older. Beginning Jan. 25, people 75 and older, and those with severe congenital or developmental disorders, become eligible. On Feb. 1, eligibility expands to people 70 and older and K-12 staff and teachers who want to return to in-person learning. On Feb. 8, eligibility expands to people 65 and older.
• January 8: On Thursday, Jan. 7, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) issued an order easing coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars, and gatherings. Effective Jan. 8, restaurants and bars can operate at 65% capacity, with a total limit of 200 patrons.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 11: On Thursday, Dec. 10, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced he was extending the statewide curfew through Jan. 2, 2021.
• December 8: On Monday, Dec. 7, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said he would extend the state's curfew. He said he’d have more information on Thursday, Dec. 10.
• December 4: On Thursday, Dec. 3, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced he had vetoed Senate Bill 311, which would have limited the Department of Health’s authority to issue quarantine orders to individuals who had not been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19.

November 2020

• November 20: On Nov. 19, the Ohio Senate sent Gov. Mike DeWine (R) Senate Bill 311, which would prohibit the Ohio Department of Health from issuing mandatory quarantine orders against people who have not tested positive for COVID-19 or come into direct contact with an infected individual. DeWine said he would veto the bill, which passed 58-30. The Senate could override the veto with the support of three-fifths of the chamber.
• November 19: On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced a three-week, statewide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The curfew does not apply to people going to work, shopping for food, or seeking medical attention. The order is effective Nov. 19.
• November 12: On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued executive orders aimed at ensuring businesses comply with the state’s mask mandate. The order authorizes the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to close businesses for up to 24 hours that receive a violation for not enforcing face coverings.

October 2020

• October 14: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed a bill making permanent a provision allowing restaurants to sell to-go alcoholic beverages. The law went into effect immediately. Restaurants were allowed to offer to-go alcoholic beverages earlier in the year on a temporary basis to help them stay afloat while the state was under a stay-at-home order.
• October 12: Effective Monday, Oct. 12, nursing homes are allowed to resume indoor visitations if they choose. Facilities that resume visitations are required to screen visitors and report their names to state authorities. Only two visitors are allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes.
• October 7: On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that he would provide details on an aid package to small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals using federal pandemic aid money. The package would also provide rent assistance to individuals.

September 2020

• September 18: On Sept. 18, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) released guidelines for celebrating Halloween. The guidelines include a range of recommendations, including canceling hayrides and haunted houses, leaving treats in mailboxes or holding drive-through trick-or-treat events to maintain social distancing, wearing face coverings, and using video conferencing to host costume parties.
• September 16: On Sept. 15, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed legislation that bans public officials from causing elections "to be conducted other than in the time, place, and manner prescribed by the Revised Code," and bans public officials from closing places of worship.
• September 14: On Sept. 14, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed a bill that provides temporary immunity from coronavirus lawsuits to businesses, schools, and health-care workers. Individuals, businesses, and organizations can still be sued if they are accused of intentionally spreading the virus.
• September 3: On Sept. 3, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the details of a forthcoming health order that will require school staff and parents or guardians of students to notify schools within 24 hours of receiving a positive COVID-19 test result. The order will go into effect Sept. 8.

August 2020

• August 26: On Aug. 25, Interim Ohio Department of Health Director Lance Himes signed an order allowing indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, including auditoriums and theaters, to reopen with capacity limits. Outdoor venues are limited to 15% of the fixed seating capacity or 1,500 people, whichever is less. For indoor venues, the limit is 15% of fixed seating capacity or 300 people.
• August 24: On Aug. 21, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) released early details of a forthcoming order that would allow performing-arts venues to reopen with restrictions. Restrictions will include a cap on attendance at 15% of the venue’s seating capacity. DeWine did not say when he would issue the order.
• August 21: On Aug. 20, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said that senior centers and adult day centers can reopen with restrictions on Sept. 21. Facilities that reopen will have to follow certain guidelines, including reduced capacity and face coverings for all staff and visitors.
• August 20: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced on Aug. 20, that all assisted living facilities in the state would be required to participate in a coronavirus testing initiative. According to the plan, the state will offer saliva testing to staff and residents at over 765 facilities for free.
• August 19: On Aug. 18, Gov. Mike Dewine (R) said that contact and non-contact high school sports could proceed this school year. He said spectators would be limited to parents and those with a direct connection to a student.
• August 17: On Aug. 15, the Ohio Department of Health said the state would not allow face shields to be substituted for face masks in schools unless a child meets certain exceptions. The health department cited CDC guidance saying it is unknown how effective face shields are at protecting from respiratory droplets.
• August 14: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) on Aug. 13 released an updated Ohio Public Health Advisory Alert System map, which relies on a four-tiered classification system to show each county’s coronavirus risk. Three counties in the state were moved to Level 3, which the state defines as a “public emergency.” As of Aug. 13, the Ohio Department of Health has placed 12 counties in Level 3.
• August 4: Gov. Mike Dewine (R) announced all K-12 students will be required to wear face coverings in public schools.

July 2020

• July 31: The Ohio Liquor Control Commission adopted a rule first proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine (R) that bans the sale of liquor in all Ohio establishments after 10 p.m. The restriction goes into effect July 31.
• July 29: On July 28, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that the state health department would issue an order restricting activities at fairs that start on July 31 or later. The order will prohibit carnival activities, including games and rides.
• July 24: A statewide mask mandate went into effect. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the mandate on July 22. DeWine previously imposed mask requirements on counties with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. The mandate will require all individuals 10 years and older to wear a mask indoors and outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible.
• July 23: A statewide mask mandate is taking effect on July 23. The order requires all individuals 10 years and older to wear a mask indoors and outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) previously imposed mask requirements on counties with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
• July 9: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the release of minimum guidelines for colleges and universities reopening in the fall.
• July 8: The Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction announced on July 7 that in-person visitations will resume at some prisons. To resume in-person visitations, facilities will need to develop a written plan and require staff, incarcerated adults, and visitors to wear masks at all times.
• July 7: On July 7, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the Ohio Health Department would issue an indoor mask requirement on July 8 that will apply to seven counties.
• July 2: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) released the details of a reopening plan for Ohio schools. The plan includes a recommendation that students third grade and above wear masks. School staff will be required to wear masks. DeWine said schools could adjust the rules in the plan to fit their own circumstances.

June 2020

• June 30: At a press conference on Monday, June 29, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that he was extending several health orders that were set to expire July 1. The orders established reopening requirements for industries like restaurants, gyms, and campgrounds. DeWine said he was extending the orders while he works on developing plans for the next phase of reopening, which could be released as early as Thursday. DeWine also announced that nursing homes can offer outdoor visitations so long as certain requirements are met beginning July 20.
• June 24: On June 23, Lt. Governor Jon Husted (R) said that fireworks shows can proceed on July 4, but large gatherings are still prohibited. He encouraged communities and spectators to watch fireworks in small gatherings.
• June 22: Contact practice for all sports, including football and lacrosse, resumed on June 22.
• June 19: The following businesses were permitted to reopen on June 19: casinos and racinos (a combination of horse racing track and casino), amusement parks, water parks, and outdoor theaters.
• June 17: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) and Interim Ohio Health Department Director Lance Himes issued a new health order on June 16 allowing county fairs and animal exhibitions to reopen immediately, with restrictions. State guidance includes social distancing measures and requiring microphones to be sanitized between uses. The order is in effect through October 21. At a news conference on June 16, DeWine announced that large events filled with fans, such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony, could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• June 12: On June 11, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that Dr. Amy Acton would step down as director of the Ohio Department of Health and become DeWine's chief health advisor. DeWine also announced best practices for places of worship, including seating families six feet apart and asking parishioners to wear masks. DeWine said they are guidelines and not mandates.
• June 10: On June 10, the following businesses and activities were permitted to reopen: aquariums, art galleries, country clubs, ice skating rinks, indoor family entertainment centers, indoor sports facilities, laser tag facilities, indoor movie theaters, museums, playgrounds, public recreation centers, roller skating rinks, social clubs, trampoline parks, and zoos.
• June 5: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced on June 4 that entertainment venues, including movie theaters, museums, and zoos, will be allowed to reopen on June 10. Entertainment venues will be required to follow state guidelines, including social distancing measures, personal protective equipment for staff, and establishing a maximum capacity.
• June 3: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said on June 2 that he plans to address the reopening of large-attractions, such as museums and zoos, in a briefing on June 4.
• June 1: The following businesses and activities can resume on June 1: banquet halls and catering centers (with a maximum of 300 guests and social distancing), and daycare centers (with reduced staff-to-child ratios and handwashing requirements). On May 29, Ohio State Health Director Dr. Amy Acton issued two orders. One order continues the ban on mass gatherings in the state through July 1, and the other lifts restrictions on alcohol sales to non-residents in six counties near the Pennsylvania border: Ashtabula, Belmont, Columbiana, Jefferson, Mahoning, and Trumbull.

May 2020

• May 29: Gov. Mike Dewine (R) announced that assisted living facilities and intermediate care for developmental disabilities can allow outdoor visitations on June 8.
• May 26: Effective May 26, several businesses can reopen, including swimming pools, gyms, bowling alleys, and mini-golf centers. Non-contact and limited-contact sports leagues, like tennis and softball, can also restart. The Ohio Department of Health released sector-specific operating requirements businesses must follow to reopen. Although the specific requirements vary by industry, a common stipulation is that businesses must ensure 6 feet of distance between employees and customers.
• May 22: Effective May 22, horse racing can resume with no spectators. As of May 21, in-restaurant dining is permitted to resume, with social distancing measures and a 10-person limit on parties.
• May 19: On May 19, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state’s stay-at-home order and 14-day quarantine period for travelers entering the state would be replaced by recommendations and would no longer be mandatory. No effective date was announced, and the text of the Urgent Health Advisory Order was not yet available as of 3:30 p.m. EST. The state’s ban on large gatherings and restrictions on businesses like bars and restaurants will remain mandatory under the new order. Campgrounds and in-restaurant dining are set to reopen on May 21.
• May 15: Outdoor dining at bars and restaurants is allowed and personal services, such as salons and barbers, can reopen as of May 15.
• May 8: On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that beginning May 15, outdoor dining would be allowed at restaurants and bars, and personal services, such as salons and barbershops, could reopen. On May 21, restaurants and bars are permitted to reopen for dine-in service, with restrictions, such as social distancing measures and a 10 person limit on parties.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) was set to announce a plan to reopen businesses in a briefing Monday afternoon.

Oklahoma

Most recent five updates

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) made the announcement May 17.
• June 1: On Friday, May 28, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an order prohibiting state agencies from requiring visitors or employees to wear masks or be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the premises. The order exempts state buildings used for medical purposes.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that he would end the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. The emergency ended Tuesday, May 4
• March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 24: On Tuesday, March 23, Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed announced that all residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) made the announcement May 17.
• June 1: On Friday, May 28, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an order prohibiting state agencies from requiring visitors or employees to wear masks or be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the premises. The order exempts state buildings used for medical purposes.

May 2021

• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that he would end the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency. The emergency ended Tuesday, May 4

March 2021

• March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 24: On Tuesday, March 23, Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed announced that all residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced he would ease coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings and indoor sporting events on Friday, March 12. Stitt also said he would end a requirement that people wear masks in state buildings.
• March 10: On Tuesday, March 9, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that residents of long-term care facilities can designate people, including family members, to be essential caregivers, so long as those caregivers complete state-certified training. Caregivers who complete the training are permitted to visit residents in the facilities so long as masks are worn and both the resident and the caregiver have either been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19.
• March 9: On Monday, March 8, the Department of Health announced that residents in Phase 3 of the vaccination plan are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Phase 3 includes teachers, students, and staff 16 and older at colleges and universities, as well as workers in essential industries.

February 2021

• February 22: School teachers and staff are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting Feb. 22. Adults under 65 with certain health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, are also eligible.
• February 12: On Thursday, Feb. 22, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that school teachers and staff will become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 22. Adults under 65 with certain health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, will also become eligible.
• February 11: On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed a bill allowing public bodies, such as city councils, to meet virtually during the pandemic. A similar law was in effect through Nov. 15, 2020.

January 2021

• January 14: On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency an additional 30 days and removed a requirement that bars and restaurants close to indoor dining at 11 p.m.
• January 13: On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that schools enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing will not have to quarantine students who were potentially exposed to the virus but are not showing symptoms. The new policy does not apply to students who were potentially exposed during after-school activities, including sports. Previously, schools were required to enforce a two-week quarantine for students potentially exposed to COVID-19, whether or not they exhibited symptoms.

December 2020

• December 11: On Thursday, Dec. 10, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an updated executive order restricting public gatherings to 50% capacity and limiting youth indoor sporting events to four spectators per player or 50% of the facility’s capacity, whichever is less. The order also extends a requirement that restaurants and bars close to indoor dining by 11 p.m.

November 2020

• November 19: On Monday, Nov. 16, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that face coverings would be required on state property, and bars and restaurants would have to close by 11 p.m. for indoor service beginning Nov. 19.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 28, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an emergency order extending the statewide state of emergency for 30 days. Stitt first declared a state of emergency on March 15.
• August 19: On Aug. 19, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state’s application to participate in the LWA program. The program allows states to provide up to $300 in additional unemployment benefits to recipients. The state will not provide any matching funds.

July 2020

• July 31: Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced on July 30 that he directed the State Health Department and the Department of Education to work together to develop a plan to test teachers for COVID-19 on a monthly basis.

June 2020

• June 15: Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced that nursing homes and long-term care facilities can begin a phased reopening on June 15. For visitation to resume, the facility must not have had coronavirus cases for two weeks and follow protocols, including appropriate staffing levels and personal protective equipment.
• June 1: Oklahoma is moving into Phase 3 of Gov. Kevin Stitt's (R) “Open Up and Recover Safely" plan on June 1. The following changes go into effect: church and school summer camps may reopen, businesses may resume unrestricted staffing at worksites with social distancing and sanitation measures, and businesses that were operating by appointment only may accept walk-ins. Under Phase 3, visits to hospitals can resume, with limitations such as one representative per patient and social distancing. Visits to senior care facilities are still prohibited.

May 2020

• May 15: The second phase of Oklahoma’s reopening plan began May 15. Under this phase, vulnerable individuals are directed to continue following safer-at-home guidelines. Individuals are directed to maintain social distancing measures and avoid group socializing. Employers must close common areas or enforce social distancing and hygiene measures, honor requests from vulnerable employees for special accommodations, and implement social distancing measures, including the use of personal protective equipment when working with the public. Also under phase two, organized sports activities can reopen with social distancing and sanitation measures, bars can operate with diminished standing room and social distancing and sanitation measures, childcare areas in places of worship can reopen, and funerals and weddings can resume with social distancing measures. Visits to senior care facilities and hospitals are still prohibited under phase two.
• May 12: Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced Oklahoma was ready to move into Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan as intended on May 15. Under Phase 2, vulnerable populations are directed to continue following safer-at-home guidelines. Other individuals are directed to maintain social distancing measures and avoid group socializing, but can consider resuming nonessential travel. Employers are directed to close common areas or enforce social distancing and hygiene measures, honor the requests of vulnerable employees for special accommodations, and implement social distancing measures, including the use of personal protective equipment when working with the public. Also under Phase 2, organized sports activities can reopen under social distancing and sanitation measures, bars can operate with diminished standing room and social distancing and sanitation measures, childcare areas in places of worship can reopen and funerals and weddings can resume with social distancing measures. Visits to senior care facilities and hospitals are still prohibited under Phase 2.
• May 7: In a Wednesday press conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) announced the state was on track to begin phase two of Oklahoma’s reopening plan, “Open Up and Recover Safely.” Phase two would begin on May 15, and allow bars to open with reduced standing-room capacity, along with the resumption of funerals and weddings.

April 2020

• April 27: Oklahoma allowed personal care businesses including barbershops, nail salons, and spas to reopen Friday under certain guidelines. Gov. Kevin Stitt's (R) plan also reopens state parks and outdoor recreation. Oklahoma is a Republican trifecta.

Oregon

Most recent five updates

• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that healthcare workers would be required to receive a coronavirus vaccination or be tested weekly for the coronavirus.
• August 3: On July 29, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that masks would be required indoors at K-12 public schools in the state.
• June 30: On June 30, the statewide mask mandate, distancing requirements, and capacity restrictions ended in Oregon. Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed the executive order lifting these restrictions on June 25.
• June 28: Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed an executive order on June 25 that says the state will end mask and distancing requirements, and lift capacity restrictions, when 70% of adults have received one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
• June 23: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the final county Risk Level list that will take effect June 25 until the state reaches a 70% first-dose vaccination rate for residents 18 and older. When 70% of adults receive at least one dose of a vaccine, the risk level framework will end. Effective June 25, six counties will be in the state’s High Risk level, seven will be at Moderate Risk, and 23 will have Lower Risk restrictions. During the current period from June 18-25, nine counties are in the state’s High Risk level, five are at Moderate Risk, and 22 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.

August 2021

• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that healthcare workers would be required to receive a coronavirus vaccination or be tested weekly for the coronavirus.
• August 3: On July 29, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that masks would be required indoors at K-12 public schools in the state.

June 2021

• June 30: On June 30, the statewide mask mandate, distancing requirements, and capacity restrictions ended in Oregon. Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed the executive order lifting these restrictions on June 25.
• June 28: Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed an executive order on June 25 that says the state will end mask and distancing requirements, and lift capacity restrictions, when 70% of adults have received one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
• June 23: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the final county Risk Level list that will take effect June 25 until the state reaches a 70% first-dose vaccination rate for residents 18 and older. When 70% of adults receive at least one dose of a vaccine, the risk level framework will end. Effective June 25, six counties will be in the state’s High Risk level, seven will be at Moderate Risk, and 23 will have Lower Risk restrictions. During the current period from June 18-25, nine counties are in the state’s High Risk level, five are at Moderate Risk, and 22 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• June 9: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective June 11, 11 counties will be in the state’s High Risk level, four will be at Moderate Risk, and 21 will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from June 4 -10, 13 counties are in the state’s High Risk level, four are at Moderate Risk, and 19 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• June 7: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced most coronavirus restrictions (including the Risk Level framework, statewide mask requirement, and social distancing restrictions) will end once 70% of adult residents 18 and older receive at least their first dose of a vaccine. At the time of the announcement, 66.2% of adults had received at least one dose.

May 2021

• May 17: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings.
• May 14: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks in most public indoor settings.
• May 12:
  • Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Risk Level restrictions will end once 70% of residents 16 and older statewide receive at least one dose of a vaccine. Masks and social distancing will still be required, but all other health requirements will be lifted.
  • Brown also said counties can move to Lower Risk restrictions starting May 21 if at least 65% of county residents 16 and older have received at least one vaccine dose and they “submit a complete plan to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) which details how the county will close the equity gaps in their vaccination efforts.”
• May 5: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective May 7, 24 counties will be in the state’s High Risk level, four will be at Moderate Risk, and eight will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from April 30 - May 6, 23 counties are in the state’s High Risk level, three are at Moderate Risk, and 10 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.

April 2021

• April 30: Gov. Kate Brown (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through June 28.
• April 28: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the state will update county risk levels on April 30—a week ahead of the previously scheduled update on May 6. Effective April 30 - May 6, 15 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, nine counties will be at High Risk, four will be at Moderate Risk, and eight will have Lower Risk restrictions. Currently, 23 counties are in the state’s High Risk level, three are at Moderate Risk, and 10 have Lower Risk restrictions. No counties are currently in the Extreme Risk category. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• April 21: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective April 23 - May 6, 23 counties will be in the state’s High Risk level, three will be at Moderate Risk, and 10 will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from April 9-22, 14 counties are in the state’s High Risk level, six are at Moderate Risk, and 16 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• April 19:
  • All residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 19.
  • Oregon public schools must open for hybrid or full-time in-person instruction for grades 6-12 by April 19. Gov. Kate Brown (D) issued the requirement on March 12. Previously, elementary schools had to reopen no later than March 29 for hybrid or full-time in-person instruction.
• April 7:
  • Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting April 19.
  • Brown also announced that effective April 9-22, 14 counties will be in the state’s High Risk level, six will be at Moderate Risk, and 16 will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from March 26 - April 8, two counties are in the state’s Extreme Risk level, six are at High Risk, 14 are at Moderate Risk, and 14 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• April 5: On April 2, Oregon expanded vaccine eligibility to include all family members of frontline workers and any resident with a condition on the CDC’s expanded list of underlying health conditions.

March 2021

• March 29:
  • All counties can start vaccinating people in Phase 1B, Group 6, on March 29. Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced people in Phase 1B, Group 7, will be eligible for vaccinations starting April 5. Previously, Phase 1B, Group 7, was not scheduled to become eligible until April 19. On May 1, everyone age 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination.
  • Public elementary schools must reopen no later than March 29 for hybrid or full-time in-person instruction. Parents can still keep their children in fully remote instruction.
• March 24: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective March 26 - April 8, two counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, six will be at High Risk, 14 will be at Moderate Risk, and 14 will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from March 12-25, two counties are in the state’s Extreme Risk level, nine are at High Risk, 12 are at Moderate Risk, and 13 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• March 22: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced all counties can start vaccinating people in Phase 1B, Group 6, starting March 29. People in Phase 1B, Group 7, will be eligible for vaccinations starting April 19. On May 1, everyone age 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination.
• March 15: Gov. Kate Brown (D) issued an executive order requiring public elementary schools to reopen no later than March 29 for hybrid or full-time in-person instruction. The order also requires public schools to open for grades 6-12 by April 19. Parents can still keep their children in fully remote instruction.
• March 10: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective March 12-25, two counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, nine will be at High Risk, 12 will be at Moderate Risk, and 13 will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from Feb. 26 - March 11, five counties are in the state’s Extreme Risk level, 11 are at High Risk, 10 are at Moderate Risk, and 10 have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• March 8: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced she will issue an executive order requiring public elementary schools to reopen no later than March 29 for hybrid or full-time in-person instruction. The order will also require public schools to open for grades 6-12 by April 19. Parents can still keep their children in fully remote instruction.
• March 5: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced counties that move from the Extreme Risk tier to a lower (less restrictive) risk level for a two-week period will not be moved back to Extreme Risk if their cases increase during the period. If a county remains at Extreme Risk transmission rates for consecutive two-week periods, the state will reimpose Extreme Risk restrictions.
• March 1: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Phase 1b will continue in two more waves. On March 29, people aged 45 to 64 with health conditions on the CDC’s list of comorbidities, homeless people, and certain frontline workers (including food processing and agricultural workers) will be eligible for vaccination. No later than May 1, people aged 16 to 45 with underlying health conditions, all other frontline workers, and members of multigenerational households will be eligible. Phase 2, which includes all adults aged 45-64, will begin no later than June 1. Everyone 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination by July 1.

February 2021

• February 26: Gov. Kate Brown (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until May 2.
• February 24: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective Feb. 26 - March 11, five counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, 11 will be at High Risk, 10 will be at Moderate Risk, and 10 will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from Feb. 12-25, 14 counties are in the state’s Extreme Risk level, 11 are at High Risk, three are at Moderate Risk, and eight have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• February 22: Individuals age 70 and older are eligible to receive vaccinations starting Feb. 22. Previously, anyone age 75 and older could schedule an appointment.
• February 10: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective Feb. 12-25, 14 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, 11 will be at High Risk, three will be at Moderate Risk, and eight will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from Jan. 29 - Feb. 11, 25 counties are in the state’s Extreme Risk level, two are at High Risk, two are at Moderate Risk, and seven have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• February 8: Individuals age 80 and older are eligible for the vaccine starting Feb. 8. Previously, vaccines were only available for school staff and individuals in Phase 1A.

January 2021

• January 27: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective Jan. 29 - Feb. 11, 25 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, two will be at High Risk, two will be at Moderate Risk, and seven will have Lower Risk restrictions. In the current period from Jan. 15-28, 26 counties are in the state’s Extreme Risk level, two are at High Risk, two are at Moderate Risk, and six have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• January 25: On Jan. 23, the state started the next phase of vaccine distribution, which includes individuals age 65 and older, childcare workers, and school staff.
• January 13:
  • Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective Jan. 15-28, 26 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, two will be at High Risk, two will be at Moderate Risk, and six will have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
  • Brown also announced individuals age 65 and older will be included in the next phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, starting Jan. 23, along with childcare workers and school staff.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 30: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that effective Jan. 1-14, 24 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, five will be at High Risk, and seven counties will have Lower Risk restrictions. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here. Brown also announced the state’s school reopening metrics, which determine when schools may open, will be advisory instead of mandatory starting Jan. 1, 2021.
• December 18: Gov. Kate Brown (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 3, 2021.
• December 16: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced 29 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, one will be at Moderate Risk, and six counties will have Lower Risk restrictions, effective Dec. 18-31. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here.
• December 3: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the state’s risk tiers had been updated to include 25 counties at Extreme Risk, five at High Risk, two at Moderate Risk, and four at Lower Risk, effective Dec. 3-27.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced a four-tier framework for reopening from the Nov. 18 statewide freeze based on state-defined risk levels. The Extreme Risk (most restrictive) category will allow outdoor dining, permit gatherings of up to 6 people, and limit religious services to the lesser of 25% capacity or 100 people. The Lower Risk (least restrictive) phase will allow gatherings of up to 10 people, permit indoor restaurant dining at 50% capacity, and limit religious services to the lesser of 75% capacity or 300 people. The Lower Risk phase will also allow indoor recreation, fitness, and entertainment establishments (like gyms, indoor pools, theaters, and aquariums) to reopen at 50% capacity. The framework goes into effect Dec. 3.
• November 18: Gov. Kate Brown (D) issued statewide restrictions effective Nov. 18 through Dec. 2. The order limits restaurants to delivery and curbside pickup services. Social gatherings are limited to six people or less. Gyms and all indoor and outdoor recreational facilities (including zoos, pools, and museums) are closed. Religious services are limited to 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors. The order does not change restrictions on personal care service businesses like barbershops.
• November 12: Gov. Kate Brown’s (D) two-week pause on social activity for nine counties took effect Nov. 11-25. Under the restrictions, no indoor nursing home or long-term care facility visits are permitted. Restaurants and other indoor facilities (like gyms, bowling alleys, and museums) are limited to a maximum capacity of 50 people. Social gatherings outside of households are limited to six people.
• November 3: The Oregon Department of Education released updated school reopening guidance. Under the new rules, schools in counties with less than 50 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days can resume full-time, in-person learning. Previously, the state only allowed full-time, in-person schedules in counties with 10 or fewer new cases per 100,000 residents each week over a three-week rolling average.

October 2020

• October 30: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Multnomah County was added to the state’s County Watch List.
• October 21: The Oregon Health Authority released expanded face-covering guidance, effective Oct. 19. Under the rules, employers are required to provide free masks or face shields to employees if the business has indoor or outdoor public spaces. Individuals have to wear face coverings in all workplace settings unless they are alone in an office or isolated workspace. Masks are also required at outdoor street fairs and markets, and at private and public universities.
• October 16: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Lane County was added to the state’s County Watch List.
• October 12: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Umatilla County was added to the state’s County Watch List.
• October 5: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Benton and Clatsop counties were added to the state’s watchlist. The Oregon Department of Education also announced the state will disregard positivity rate data from September in determining whether school districts are allowed to reopen. School districts can now open for in-person instruction if their counties meet the state’s case count criteria.

September 2020

• September 29: Lincoln County is moving to Phase 2 of reopening starting on Sept. 29.
• September 21: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Umatilla and Morrow counties were removed from the County Watch List. Brown also said Morrow County was approved for Phase 2 of reopening, effective Sept. 18.
• September 16: During the week of Sept. 6 to Sept. 12, Oregon’s positivity rate was 5.6%. In order for schools to reopen for in-person instruction, the state has to maintain a positivity rate of 5% or less for at least three consecutive weeks.
• September 14: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Jackson and Jefferson counties were removed from the County Watch List. Brown also said Umatilla County was allowed to move into Phase 2 starting Sept. 11.
• September 4: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Baker County has been removed from the County Watch List.
• September 1: On Sept. 1, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he would ease some coronavirus restrictions as part of a new phase of reopening, dubbed Phase 2.5, which goes into effect on Sept. 4. Under Phase 2.5, the limit on gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Museums and aquariums can reopen at 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor exercise facilities can reopen at 30% capacity. Several restrictions, like the ban on bars and movie theaters, will remain in effect.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Hood River and Multnomah counties reduced the spread of the coronavirus and have been removed from the County Watch List.
• August 21: Umatilla County is moving from Baseline Stay Home status and re-entering Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan on Aug. 21. Gov. Kate Brown (D) also announced Marion and Wasco counties were removed from the state’s Watch List while Jackson County was added.
• August 17: Malheur County in eastern Oregon moved from Phase 2 to Phase 1 on Aug. 17 by an executive order from Gov. Kate Brown (D). Malheur County is the third county Brown has returned to a previous phase due to a rise in coronavirus cases.
• August 12: The Oregon Department of Education released updated school reopening guidelines on Aug. 11 that allow schools to reopen to in-person instruction if the school has 250 students or fewer, is in a county with fewer than 30,000 residents, and if the county has reported no more than 30 COVID-19 cases in the past three weeks.
• August 7: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that she would issue an executive order mandating face coverings for people working in offices. Brown said she would issue the order and provide more details in a week or more.
• August 7: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced on Aug. 6 that Lake County had been removed from the state’s County Watch List. Counties on the Watch List receive heightened attention and greater resources from the Oregon Health Authority. Nine counties remain on the list.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the metrics that will guide school reopening decisions. Counties must have 10 or fewer coronavirus cases per 100,000 people and a 7-day positivity rate of 5% or less for three consecutive weeks before in-person and hybrid instruction can resume. The state also must have a positivity rate of 5% or less for three consecutive weeks before any in-person or hybrid instruction can resume.
• July 24: Effective July 24, the state’s mask requirement applies to every person five years of age or older. Bars and restaurants also have to stop serving customers at 10 p.m. every night. The state also released draft guidance for early learning and childcare programs.
• July 15: The state is expanding its face-covering mandate to require masks in outdoor public spaces when six-foot distancing cannot be maintained starting July 15.
• July 7: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced eight counties were on a COVID-19 watchlist. She said if the counties did not experience a downturn in coronavirus numbers, businesses might have to reclose and the state would impose more restrictive gathering limits.
• July 1: Face coverings in indoor public spaces are required statewide, effective July 1. Face coverings have been required in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Polk, Hood River, and Lincoln counties since June 24.

June 2020

• June 24: Gov. Kate Brown’s (D) mandatory mask order is taking effect in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Marion, Polk, and Lincoln counties on June 24. It requires individuals to wear face coverings at public indoor spaces (like grocery stores).
• June 19: Multnomah became the final county to enter the first phase of reopening on June 19, making Oregon the 39th state to lift a statewide stay-at-home order. Marion, Polk, and Hood River counties entered Phase Two.
• June 16: The Oregon Supreme Court upheld Gov. Kate Brown’s (D) lockdown orders. The decision overturned Baker County Circuit Judge Matt Shirtcliff’s ruling, which blocked the enforcement of the executive orders issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
• June 12: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced she was pausing all county applications to reopen for one week due to increased numbers of coronavirus infections. The pause included Multnomah County’s application to move into Phase One.
• June 10: The state released guidelines for schools to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. Under the plan, individual public and private schools will need to submit an Operational Blueprint for Reentry to their local public health authority before they reopen.
• June 8: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced Deschutes, Jefferson, and Umatilla counties could enter the second phase of the state’s reopening plan starting June 6. Phase Two allows recreational sports and businesses like movie theaters, bowling alleys, and pools to begin reopening.
• June 5: Gov. Kate Brown announced 26 counties that have been approved to enter the second phase of the state’s reopening plan. Twenty-five of the counties are reopening on June 5 or 6, while Tillamook County will open on June 8. Phase Two allows recreational sports and businesses like movie theaters, bowling alleys, and pools to begin reopening.
• June 4: On June 4, Gov. Kate Brown is announcing a list of counties that have been approved to enter the second phase of the state’s reopening plan. Phase Two will allow recreational sports and businesses like movie theaters, bowling alleys, and pools to begin reopening.
• June 1: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the criteria that counties will need to meet to enter Phase 2 of reopening. Official guidance is not available regarding the industries and activities that will be able to resume in the second phase.

May 2020

• May 26: On May 23, Clackamas County joined 33 other counties in Phase 1 of reopening. In Phase 1, gathering sizes are limited to 25, and restaurants and bars can open for dine-in. Retailers, malls, personal service businesses (like hairdressers and salons), and fitness centers can also reopen, contingent on their compliance with state guidelines.
• May 22: Marion and Polk counties joined 31 other counties in the first phase of reopening. In Phase 1, gathering sizes are limited to 25, and restaurants and bars can open for dine-in. Retailers, malls, personal service businesses (like hairdressers and salons), and fitness centers can also reopen, contingent on their compliance with state guidelines.
• May 19: On May 18, the Oregon Supreme Court stayed a lower court ruling that overturned the state's stay-at-home order until it could review the case. Earlier in the day, Baker County Circuit Judge Matt Shirtcliff issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of the state’s stay-at-home order and other executive orders issued by Gov. Kate Brown in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Shirtcliff concluded state law only authorized Brown’s restrictions on individuals, businesses, and houses of worship for a maximum of 28 days without input from the legislature. Ten churches sued Brown’s restrictions preventing them from gathering. Shirtcliff said the restrictions on places of worship weren't necessary for public safety because congregants could engage in social distancing.
• May 15: Gov. Kate Brown announced that 31 counties would be able to enter Phase 1 of reopening on May 15. The first phase of the plan allows restaurants and bars to open for dine-in. It allows permitted retailers and malls, personal service businesses like hairdressers and salons, and fitness centers to reopen, contingent on their compliance with state guidelines. Brown also said that stand-alone retail stores would be able to open for limited business statewide.
• May 7: In a Thursday press conference, Gov. Kate Brown (D) released details on a three-phase reopening plan centered on counties. Counties will need to meet prerequisites related to testing, tracing, and declining COVID-19 prevalence to move between phases, and will need to remain in the first phase for a minimum of 21 days before potentially moving to the next. Counties with low COVID-19 infection rates can begin applying on May 8 to enter the first phase of the reopening process, which will start no earlier than May 15. According to the plan, stand-alone retail businesses across the state, such as furniture stores and boutiques, can reopen with limitations on May 15.
• May 6: Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that eight state parks reopened on May 6.

Pennsylvania

Most recent five updates

• June 28: Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam is lifting the statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on June 28.
• June 11:
  • The General Assembly voted to end Gov. Tom Wolf’s (D) coronavirus emergency declaration June 10. HR106 passed 30-20 in the state Senate June 10. The state House voted 121-81 to approve the Senate version later in the day. The change is effective immediately. Wolf already endedall remaining mitigation measures May 31 except the requirement for unvaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors. HR106 does not affect the health secretary’s authority to require masks.
  • Voters passed two ballot measures on May 18 to limit a governor’s emergency powers. Pennsylvania governors can now only issue 21-day state of emergency orders. After 21 days, the General Assembly can extend or end emergency orders through a majority vote. Previously, the legislature needed a two-thirds majority to overturn an emergency order.
• June 1: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced all mitigation measures except the mask mandate ended May 31 at 12:01 a.m. Wolf said the mask mandate will end when 70% of residents age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Localities will still be able to implement stricter measures.
• May 28: On May 27, Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam announced the state would lift its statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on June 28. She said the requirement could be lifted sooner if at least 70% of Pennsylvania residents become fully vaccinated.
• May 24: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order 90 days on May 20. Voters passed two ballot measures on May 18 to limit the governor’s emergency powers, but the constitutional amendments will not take effect until the election is certified. Certification is not expected until June 7. When the amendments take effect, the governor will only be able to issue 21-day state of emergency orders. After 21 days, the General Assembly will be able to extend or end emergency orders through a majority vote. When the amendments are certified, the legislature will vote to extend or end Wolf’s coronavirus emergency order.

June 2021

• June 28: Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam is lifting the statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on June 28.
• June 11:
  • The General Assembly voted to end Gov. Tom Wolf’s (D) coronavirus emergency declaration June 10. HR106 passed 30-20 in the state Senate June 10. The state House voted 121-81 to approve the Senate version later in the day. The change is effective immediately. Wolf already endedall remaining mitigation measures May 31 except the requirement for unvaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors. HR106 does not affect the health secretary’s authority to require masks.
  • Voters passed two ballot measures on May 18 to limit a governor’s emergency powers. Pennsylvania governors can now only issue 21-day state of emergency orders. After 21 days, the General Assembly can extend or end emergency orders through a majority vote. Previously, the legislature needed a two-thirds majority to overturn an emergency order.
• June 1: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced all mitigation measures except the mask mandate ended May 31 at 12:01 a.m. Wolf said the mask mandate will end when 70% of residents age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Localities will still be able to implement stricter measures.

May 2021

• May 28: On May 27, Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam announced the state would lift its statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on June 28. She said the requirement could be lifted sooner if at least 70% of Pennsylvania residents become fully vaccinated.
• May 24: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order 90 days on May 20. Voters passed two ballot measures on May 18 to limit the governor’s emergency powers, but the constitutional amendments will not take effect until the election is certified. Certification is not expected until June 7. When the amendments take effect, the governor will only be able to issue 21-day state of emergency orders. After 21 days, the General Assembly will be able to extend or end emergency orders through a majority vote. When the amendments are certified, the legislature will vote to extend or end Wolf’s coronavirus emergency order.
• May 17:
  • Indoor limits for events and gatherings (like fairs, festivals, and concerts) are expanding to 50% occupancy starting May 17. Outdoor occupancy limits for events and gatherings are also expanding to 75%.
  • Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam announced fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks in most indoor public settings, effective immediately. Beam also said the mask order will be fully lifted once 70% of residents over 18 are fully vaccinated.
• May 12: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced indoor limits for events and gatherings (like fairs, festivals, and concerts) will expand to 50% occupancy starting May 17. Outdoor occupancy limits for events and gatherings will expand to 75%.
• May 5: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced all mitigation measures except the mask mandate (including capacity restrictions for businesses) will end May 31 at 12:01 a.m. Wolf said the mask mandate will end when 70% of residents age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Localities will still be able to implement stricter measures.

April 2021

• April 13: All residents 16 and older are eligiblefor vaccination starting April 13. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) made the announcement on April 12.
• April 12: All residents in Phase 1C are eligiblefor vaccination starting April 12. Previously, all residents in Phase 1B were eligible.
• April 5: On April 5, Pennsylvania enteredPhase 1B of vaccinations. This next phase of eligibility includes first responders and manufacturing, education, and public transit workers.
• April 1: Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam announced law enforcement officers, firefighters, grocery store workers, and food and agriculture workers were eligible for vaccination on March 31. All residents in Phase 1B (page 18) will be eligible April 5. All residents in Phase 1C (page 18) will be eligible April 12. Starting April 19, everyone 16 and older will be eligible for vaccination.

March 2021

• March 16: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announcedlooser business and event restrictions starting April 4. Restaurants can resume bar service, alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food, and the 12 a.m. curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will end. Restaurants that complete the self-certification process can expand to 75% capacity. All other restaurants are limited to 50% capacity. Other businesses like personal care service providers, gyms, and entertainment facilities (like theaters and malls) can also expand to 75% capacity. All indoor event venues (like sports centers and concert halls) can expand to 25% capacity, regardless of venue size. Outdoor event areas can expand to 50% capacity, regardless of venue size. Individuals still have to social distance and wear masks.
• March 4: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced the state will begin using Johnson & Johnson vaccines to start vaccinating school staff separately from the ongoing Phase 1A. Most vaccination sites for school staff are expected to open between March 10-13.
• March 1:
  • Gov. Tom Wolf (D) lifted the state’s travel restrictions. Previously, all travelers from out-of-state needed a negative coronavirus test from the last 72 hours before they arrived. If travelers could not present a test, they were required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The executive order establishing the requirement did not detail enforcement mechanisms.
  • Wolf also expanded capacity limits for indoor and outdoor event venues as long as social distancing is enforced. Outdoor venues can expand from 15% to 20% capacity. Indoor venues can expand from 10% to 15% capacity.

February 2021

• February 22: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order for 90 days through May 20.

January 2021

• January 21: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced the state will award $600 grants to childcare workers. Licensed childcare providers have to apply for funds on behalf of their employees through local Early Learning Resource Centers. Employees are eligible recipients if their gross income is less than $70,000 annually and they work at least 20 hours per week.
• January 11: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced changes to the state’s vaccine distribution plan based on recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The changes included adding people aged 75 and older to Phase 1B (the next phase) of the plan and creating Phase 1C, which will include people between the ages of 65 and 74 and individuals with high-risk conditions (like COPD, cancer, and some heart conditions).
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 14: Gov. Tom Wolf’s (D) statewide mitigation measures took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 12. Indoor dining is prohibited, indoor fitness and entertainment operations have to close, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people or fewer, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people or fewer. Outdoor dining and fitness activities are still allowed. Places of worship are exempt from the gathering limit. The new restrictions are scheduled to last until 8 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2021.
• December 1: On Nov. 30, Health Secretary Rachel Levine announced people as young as 13 years old can now use the state’s exposure notification app with parental permission.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order for 90 days. On Nov. 25 only (for that one day), restaurants, bars, and all retail foodservice businesses were required to stop serving alcohol after 5 p.m. Wolf also lowered the maximum occupancy for indoor event spaces to 500 people and occupancy for outdoor event spaces to 2,500. Telework is mandatory whenever possible. Chief public school administrators will have to sign an acknowledgment stating their school is complying with updated state guidance or has transitioned to fully remote learning no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 30.
• November 18: Health Secretary Rachel Levine announced new mitigation measures, including travel restrictions and expanded mask requirements. Starting Nov. 18, masks are required indoors (including gyms and public transportation) whenever people from separate households are in the same space, even if social distancing can be kept. Face coverings are required in all outdoor spaces unless social distancing for non-household members can be maintained at all times. Effective Nov. 20, all travelers from out-of-state will be required to show a negative coronavirus test from the last 72 hours before they arrive. If they cannot present a test, they will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

October 2020

• October 6: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced gatherings of up to 7,500 people in large outdoor venues or 3,750 in indoor venues will be permitted starting Oct. 9.

September 2020

• September 23: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced the release of a new coronavirus exposure alert app that notifies users if they have been in contact with other users who later test positive for the virus.
• September 17: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) and Health Secretary Rachel Levine signed an order allowing restaurants to expand their maximum capacity to 50% starting Sept. 21.
• September 8: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced restaurants will be able to increase indoor capacity to 50% starting Sept. 21. Owners who want to expand capacity will have to fill out a self-certification form stating their compliance with state guidelines. Restaurants will also have to stop alcohol sales by 10 p.m. starting Sept. 21.
• September 1: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) renewed the state’s disaster declaration for another 90 days.

August 2020

• August 24: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced the state is applying for President Donald Trump’s (R) partial extension of unemployment benefits. If the request is approved, individuals receiving at least $100 of weekly unemployment from the state who are unemployed because of the coronavirus will be eligible to receive an additional $300 per week from the federal government. The payments will be retroactive to Aug. 1.
• August 19: The Department of Education announced the statewide public mask requirement for everyone over the age of two applies to all public and private schools. Students can remove their face coverings when they are eating and drinking (at least six feet apart), in situations when wearing a face covering might be unsafe, and during socially distanced face covering breaks lasting no more than 10 minutes.
• August 7: On Aug. 6, Gov. Tom Wolf (D) recommended schools postpone sports until next year. His office released a statement later that day saying the Department of Health and Department of Education recommends schools postpone youth sports for all age levels until Jan. 1 at the earliest.

July 2020

• July 24: The state added Missouri and Wyoming to its 14-day self-quarantine travel advisory list. Travelers from 20 states are now advised to self-quarantine when visiting or returning to Pennsylvania.
• July 16: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced new statewide restrictions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Effective June 16, bars and restaurants are no longer allowed to offer bar service, and alcoholic beverages are only available for take out or for sale with a dine-in meal at a table or booth. Occupancy limits in bars and restaurants are decreasing from 50% to 25%. The order also requires nightclubs to close, limits indoor gatherings to 25 people, and directs gyms to prioritize outdoor fitness activities (indoor operations are still allowed). The gathering limit restriction does not apply to religious institutions. Wolf’s administration also released a plan for reopening public schools. The guidance requires districts and charter schools to develop reopening plans for approval by the school’s governing body. Each plan must be posted on the school's website before in-person operations resume.
• July 7: Lebanon, the final county that remained in the yellow phase of reopening, entered green on July 3. The green phase allows most businesses and functions to reopen under state restrictions, including salons, barbershops, spas, casinos, theaters, malls, and gyms. It also allows gatherings of up to 250 people. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced self-quarantine recommendations for travelers coming from 15 states.
• July 2:
  • The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state legislature does not have the power to overturn Gov. Tom Wolf’s (D) emergency declaration or shutdown orders via legislative resolution. The Senate Republican Caucus had sued Wolf for refusing to act on a legislative resolution directing him to end Pennsylvania’s emergency declaration and lift all business shutdown orders issued in response to the coronavirus. In the suit, attorneys for the GOP Caucus argued the legislature could pass a concurrent resolution compelling the governor to terminate a state of disaster emergency. Wolf said all resolutions have to be presented to him to approve or veto and the legislative resolution did not carry legal force without his signature.
  • Secretary of Health Rachel Levine signed an expanded order requiring residents to wear masks in all public places. Previously, masks were only required in businesses.

June 2020

• June 19: Eight more counties moved into the green phase of the state’s reopening plan. Gov. Tom Wolf (R) announced twelve more yellow-phase counties will enter the green phase on June 26, leaving Lebanon as the only county in yellow. In May, Lebanon’s county commissioners voted to reopen against state orders. Wolf said a recent uptick in the county’s cases disqualified it from opening with the rest of the state. The green phase allows most businesses and functions to reopen under state restrictions, including salons, barbershops, spas, casinos, theaters, malls, and gyms. It also allows gatherings of up to 250 people.
• June 12: Twelve more counties moved into the green phase of the state’s reopening plan. Gov. Tom Wolf (R) announced eight more yellow-phase counties would enter the green phase on June 19. The green phase allows most businesses and functions to reopen under state restrictions, including salons, barbershops, spas, casinos, theaters, malls, and gyms. It also allows gatherings of up to 250 people.
• June 11: The Senate Republican Caucus filed a lawsuit against Gov. Tom Wolf. Yesterday, we reported that Wolf refused to act on a legislative resolution directing him to end Pennsylvania’s emergency declaration and lift all business shutdown orders issued in response to the coronavirus. In response, Republicans filed the suit, arguing the legislature could pass a concurrent resolution compelling the governor to terminate a state of disaster emergency. Wolf said all resolutions have to be presented to him to approve or veto and the legislative resolution does not carry legal force without his signature.
• June 10: The state legislature passed a resolution directing Gov. Tom Wolf to end Pennsylvania’s emergency declaration and lift all business shutdown orders issued in response to the coronavirus. It passed the state Senate 31-19 and the and the House 121-81, with 12 house democrats supporting the measure. Wolf said he will not lift the orders or approve the resolution. The state also released guidance for outdoor recreation businesses and high school and summer sports.
• June 5: The state’s stay-at-home order expired on June 4 at 11:59 p.m., making Pennsylvania the 36th state to lift a stay-at-home order. The 10 remaining red-phase counties entered the yellow phase and 16 yellow-phase counties moved into the green phase. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced 12 more counties will enter the green phase of reopening on June 12.
• June 4: The state’s stay-at-home order will expire on June 4 at 11:59 p.m., which will make Pennsylvania the 36th state to lift a stay-at-home order. On June 3, Wolf said the 10 remaining red-phase counties will enter the yellow-phase on June 5.

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced additional guidance for counties in the yellow and green phases of reopening. Wolf said that professional sports activities will be able to resume in green-phase counties, while restaurants in yellow-phase counties will be able to open for outdoor dining beginning June 5. Eighteen counties are scheduled to enter the green phase on May 29. State park beaches and pools will begin a phased reopening on June 6.
• May 26: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced that eight more counties would move into the yellow phase of reopening and 17 counties would enter the green phase starting May 29. Wolf also said the remaining 10 red-phase counties were expected to move to yellow by June 5. During the yellow phase, theaters and gyms remain closed, but some types of businesses, such as retail, can begin to reopen with restrictions. Bars and restaurants are limited to carry-out and delivery. The green phase will allow most businesses and functions to reopen under state restrictions, including salons, barbershops, spas, casinos, theaters, malls, and gyms. Gathering limits will also be lifted in the green phase, but the state will continue to restrict large entertainment gatherings and visits to nursing homes and prisons. The Wolf administration also released guidelines for youth summer camps.
• May 22: Twelve counties entered the yellow phase of reopening on May 22. During the yellow phase, theaters and gyms remain closed, but some types of businesses, such as retail, can begin to reopen with restrictions. Bars and restaurants are limited to carry-out and delivery. Gov. Tom Wolf said he expects to release a list of additional counties on May 22 that will be able to move into the yellow phase. Wolf is also expected to announce the first counties that will be able to move from yellow to the green phase, which allows most businesses to open under state restrictions and lifts gathering limits.
• May 20: Gov. Tom Wolf announced guidelines allowing for limited in-person real estate business to be conducted statewide, including in red-phase counties. He also vetoed three bills passed by the Republican-controlled legislature that would have allowed counties to develop their own virus mitigation and reopening plans and allow more industries to open statewide. Salons, barbershops, and non-essential manufacturing were among the businesses that would have been reopened.
• May 15: On May 15, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 12 additional counties would be ready to move into the yellow phase of reopening by May 22: Adams, Beaver, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne, and York. During the yellow phase, theaters and gyms remain closed, but some types of businesses, such as retail, can begin to reopen with restrictions. Bars and restaurants are limited to carry-out and delivery.
• May 8: Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced that 13 counties will move from the red phase into the yellow phase of the state’s reopening plan on Friday, May 15. Those counties will remain under a stay-at-home order until then. Twenty-four counties in the northern part of the state entered the yellow phase Friday, May 8. During the yellow phase, theaters and gyms remain closed, but some types of businesses, such as retail, can begin to reopen with restrictions. Bars and restaurants are limited to carry-out and delivery. Wolf extended the stay-at-home order for counties in the red phase through June 4.
• May 7: On May 6, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in a lawsuit over Governor Tom Wolf's (D) March 19 order restricting the operations of non-essential businesses in the state. As a result, the state supreme court's ruling, which upheld the order, was allowed to stand. On March 24, plaintiffs (several Pennsylvania businesses) petitioned the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to vacate Wolf's order, alleging it violated their constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, and judicial review. The plaintiffs also argued the order deprived them of their property without due process or just compensation. On April 13, the state supreme court rejected the plaintiffs' claims.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Tom Wolf's (D) office released a three-phase plan taking a regional approach to reopening. Criteria for reopening include "having fewer than 50 new confirmed cases per 100,000 population reported to the department in the previous 14 days," adequate testing capacity for symptomatic individuals and target populations, contact tracing capacity, and adequate safeguards in high-risk settings. Pennsylvania is under divided government.

Rhode Island

Most recent five updates

• July 15: On July 13, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced the state will be the first where all colleges and universities will require students to be vaccinated when returning in the fall.
• July 13: On July 6, Gov. Dan McKee (D) signed an executive order ending the statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
• July 8: On July 6, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announceda vaccination incentive fund that will distribute seventy-five $10,000 grants to nonprofit organizations. Lotteries for the grants will be held for every 5,000 vaccines administered to residents.
• June 21:
  • Gov. Dan McKee (D) lifted mitigation measures for certain state-defined higher-risk activities and settings, including live indoor performances, indoor hookah lounges, saunas, and nightclubs. For more information on the previous restrictions, click here.
  • McKee also extended the statewide mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals through July 17.
• June 11: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until July 9.

July 2021

• July 15: On July 13, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced the state will be the first where all colleges and universities will require students to be vaccinated when returning in the fall.
• July 13: On July 6, Gov. Dan McKee (D) signed an executive order ending the statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
• July 8: On July 6, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announceda vaccination incentive fund that will distribute seventy-five $10,000 grants to nonprofit organizations. Lotteries for the grants will be held for every 5,000 vaccines administered to residents.

June 2021

• June 21:
  • Gov. Dan McKee (D) lifted mitigation measures for certain state-defined higher-risk activities and settings, including live indoor performances, indoor hookah lounges, saunas, and nightclubs. For more information on the previous restrictions, click here.
  • McKee also extended the statewide mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals through July 17.
• June 11: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until July 9.
• June 3: On June 2, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced the state would be hosting its first public drive-through vaccination clinic. The clinic will provide Pfizer vaccines to individuals age 12 or older on Saturday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fidelity Investments parking garage located at 100 Salem Street in Smithfield.
• June 2: On June 1, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced that the state would be lifting its outdoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on Wednesday, June 2. In his press release, he recommended that unvaccinated individuals continue wearing masks in crowded outdoor settings or when in close proximity to other unvaccinated individuals.
• June 1: Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced on May 25 that the Rhode Island State House would reopen to the public on June 1. The building will be open to visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visitors will be required to sign a log book, wear masks in public areas, and have their temperatures taken.

May 2021

• May 24: All remaining coronavirus restrictions, except the indoor mask requirement for unvaccinated people, ended May 21 for most industries. Restaurants, bars, places of worship, retailers, gyms, and most other businesses can operate with no capacity limits. To see guidance for each industry, click here.
• May 18:
  • Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals will not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 18.
  • McKee also announced all remaining coronavirus restrictions, except three-foot social distancing requirements at indoor businesses, will end May 21. Previously, the remaining restrictions were scheduled to end May 28.
• May 12: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until June 10.
• May 10: Gov. Dan McKee (D) eased restrictions for most businesses on May 7. Places of worship and businesses like restaurants, retailers, gyms, and personal care services can expand to 80% capacity as long as three-foot distancing can be maintained. Outdoor dining is also permitted at 100% capacity with three-foot distancing between tables. Social gatherings can expand from 15 to 25 people indoors and from 50 to 75 people outdoors. For a full list of current restrictions, click here.
• May 3: Gov. Dan McKee (D) ended the state’s outdoor mask requirement for fully vaccinated people who can stay at least three feet away from others.

April 2021

• April 30: Gov. Dan McKee (D) lifted the outdoor mask requirement for fully vaccinated people who can still maintain three-foot distancing.
• April 22: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s coronavirus mask order through May 20.
• April 19: Residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 19.
• April 15: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until May 13.
• April 5: On April 5, Rhode Island expandedvaccine eligibility to all individuals 50 years of age and older.

March 2021

• March 24: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s mask order until April 21.
• March 19: Starting March 19, indoor dining capacity can increase from 66% to 75%. Indoor attendance limits at catered events (like wedding receptions) are increasing from 30 to 100 people, with the maximum capacity limit increasing from 50% to 75%. Outdoor catered event attendance limits are increasing from 100 to 200 people. Social gatherings of 15 people indoors or 50 people outdoors are permitted. Previously, social gatherings were capped at two households indoors or three outdoors. Places of worship can operate at 75% capacity, up from the previous 40% limit. Retailers, personal care service providers, gyms, and other businesses can also increase capacity. For a full list of changes, click here.
• March 17: Gov. Dan McKee (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 14.
• March 15:
  • On March 12, Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced restaurants can move indoor dining tables from eight feet apart to six feet, effective immediately. Bar areas can also seat patrons until 12 a.m. (previously, patrons had to leave at 11 p.m.).
  • Starting March 19, indoor dining capacity will increase from 66% to 75%. Indoor attendance limits at catered events (like wedding receptions) will increase from 30 to 100 people, with the maximum capacity limit increasing from 50% to 75%. Outdoor catered event attendance limits will increase from 100 to 200 people. Social gatherings of 15 people indoors or 50 people outdoors will be permitted. Previously, social gatherings were capped at two households indoors or three outdoors. Places of worship can operate at 75% capacity, up from the current 40% limit. Retailers, personal care service providers, gyms, and other businesses can also increase capacity. For a full list of changes, click here.
  • All residents 60 and older and residents 16 or older with an underlying medical condition (including lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes) became eligible for vaccination on March 12.
• March 12: Gov. Dan McKee (D) announcedschool staff and childcare workers will be eligible for vaccination starting March 12. Previously, Rhode Island prioritized individuals based on age and underlying conditions.

February 2021

• February 24: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s mask order through March 24.
• February 22: Individuals 65 and older are eligible to register for vaccination starting Feb. 22. Previously, anyone age 75 and older could schedule an appointment.
• February 18: On Feb. 18, individuals 75 and older can make vaccination appointments. This marks the beginning of Phase 2 in the state’s distribution plan. On Feb. 22, individuals 65 and older will be eligible to register for vaccination. Previously, in Phase 1, nursing home residents and healthcare workers were prioritized.
• February 17: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until March 17.
• February 12: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced places of worship and theaters are allowed to expand from 25% to 40% capacity, and bar areas in restaurants can reopen, starting Feb. 12.
• February 8: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed an executive order loosening coronavirus restrictions. Catered events (including wedding receptions) are limited to 30 people indoors or 50 outdoors. Restaurants can seat up to eight people from two households at an indoor table. Offices can reopen at 33% capacity.
• February 2:
  • Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) ended the order requiring businesses like restaurants, gyms, and recreational facilities to close nightly by 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 p.m. on weekends. The order was first implemented Nov. 8.
  • Rhode Island started vaccinating individuals age 75 and older and is targeting later in February to vaccinate people 65 and older. Previously, only health care workers, first responders, and nursing home residents and staff were eligible.

January 2021

• January 28: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s mask requirement until Feb. 25.
• January 21: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed an executive order allowing state-defined low- and moderate-risk school sports to resume games and practices starting Jan. 20. Higher-risk sports (like wrestling) and interstate competitions are still prohibited.
• January 20: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Feb. 17.
• January 4: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 28.

December 2020

• December 23: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Jan. 20, 2021.
• December 21: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) allowed Rhode Island on Pause restrictions to expire Dec. 21. Indoor dining at restaurants and bars can expand from 33% capacity to 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor entertainment businesses can reopen with one person per 150 square feet capacity. Indoor private gatherings are still limited to household members through the holidays.
• December 1: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced the state is allocating $50 million in federal funding to help replace lost business revenue resulting from the state’s pause. Businesses can apply to receive up to $50,000, depending on their estimated lost revenue. Raimondo said an additional $50 million from the federal government will go to unemployment checks. Residents on unemployment will receive an additional $200 for every week the state stays under Rhode Island on Pause restrictions.

November 2020

• November 30: Gov. Gina Raimondo’s (D) statewide pause is effective Nov. 30 through Dec. 13. Bar areas, recreational venues (like bowling alleys), gyms, and in-person college and university instruction are closed. Indoor dining is limited to 33% capacity, and retailers are limited to one customer per 100 square feet. Religious services are limited to 25% capacity with a maximum of 125 people.
• November 20: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced new coronavirus restrictions. Social gatherings among members from outside of a single household are banned, effective Nov. 19. Starting Nov. 30, bar areas, recreational venues (like bowling alleys), gyms, and in-person college and university instruction will be closed. Indoor dining will be limited to 33% capacity, and retailers will be limited to one customer per 100 square feet. Religious services will be limited to 25% capacity with a maximum of 125 people.
• November 6: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) issued additional restrictions to mitigate transmission. The new measures include a stay-at-home advisory from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weeknights and from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m on weekends. Restaurants and entertainment venues are required to close between the same times. Raimondo also extended the state’s mask requirement to all public places (including outdoors and at the gym) regardless of social distancing ability.

October 2020

• October 27: On Oct. 30, Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced gatherings are limited to 10 people (down from 15), and spectators are not allowed at youth sporting events for the next two weeks. Ice rinks and other indoor sports facilities will also be closed for one week starting Nov. 2. Raimondo also extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Dec. 2.
• October 15: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) issued an executive order requiring businesses to close break rooms for 90 days.

September 2020

• September 25: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed an executive order extending Phase 3 of Rhode Island’s reopening plan through Oct. 28.
• September 15: In-person K-12 classes were allowed to resume statewide on Sept. 14. Cumberland and Warwick school districts are starting the school year fully remotely. Most school districts resumed with a hybrid schedule.

August 2020

• August 31: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced every public school district in the state except Providence and Central Falls will be permitted to resume in-person instruction when schools reopen for the 2020-2021 academic year. Raimondo said in-person classes are still scheduled to start Sept. 14. Raimondo also signed an executive order extending Phase III of the state’s reopening plan.
• August 25: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced the Facilities Readiness Team will inspect every public school in the state to ensure compliance with Department of Health guidelines before reopening. Public schools statewide are set to reopen on Sept. 9 for teachers and Sept. 14 for students.
• August 12: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced on Aug. 12 she was delaying the start of the school year until Sept. 14. She previously said she wanted schools to reopen at the end of August.
• August 6: On Aug. 5, Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced a new metric for determining if schools can reopen to in-person instruction. Schools in any city or town with more than 100 positive cases per 100,000 residents will be prohibited from fully reopening to in-person instruction.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan until August 28. Raimondo also announced gathering limits are reduced from 25 people to 15, effective July 29.
• July 8: The state is beginning to allow limited visits to long-term care and assisted living facilities on July 8. Before opening to visitors, facilities must develop visitation plans which must be approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

June 2020

• June 30: Rhode Island is moving to the third phase of reopening on June 30. Phase 3 allows gatherings of up to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors. It also permits entertainment businesses (like bowling alleys and movie theaters) and some larger events (like concerts and festivals) to reopen with restrictions. Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) said Rhode Island will require travelers from states with 5% or greater positivity rates to self-quarantine for 14 days or be able to present proof of a recent negative coronavirus test.
• June 26: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) said she is not ready to announce Phase 3 of reopening, which was originally expected to begin on June 30.
• June 11: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced school districts were aiming to reopen in-person learning on Aug. 31. The state issued a 2020-2021 calendar for all public schools in the state. Superintendents will have to submit plans to the state for how their schools will operate using each of the following three models, depending on the circumstances: traditional full-time, hybrid, and fully remote.
• June 1: The state is moving into the second phase of reopening on June 1. Phase Two allows personal service businesses (such as barbershops and salons), gyms, indoor dine-in services, indoor malls, and some outdoor entertainment activities to reopen. It also lifts the state’s travel restrictions and permits gatherings of up to 15 people.

May 2020

• May 28: State officials released guidance for gyms, which will begin reopening on June 1.
• May 22: Gov. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order extending Phase One of Rhode Island’s reopening plan until May 31. She said the state is on track to enter the second phase of reopening beginning June 1. Phase Two will allow personal service businesses (such as barbershops and salons), gyms, and some outdoor entertainment activities to reopen. It will also lift the state’s travel restrictions and allow groups of up to 15 people to gather.
• May 19: Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that the Scarborough and East Matunuck state beaches would reopen to the public at limited capacity on May 25. She also set a target of May 30 for in-person religious services to resume under state guidelines.
• May 18: On May 18, the state began allowing outdoor dining at restaurants. It also began requiring open businesses to maintain written COVID-19 Control Plans detailing precautions they have taken to prevent the spread of the virus. The state released a required Control Plan template for businesses to fill out. Businesses do not need to submit their plan to the state for review, but they must provide it to the Rhode Island Department of Health if requested. Non-essential retailers must also sign and display a compliance checklist in an area visible to employees and visitors and keep records available to the Department of Health upon request for contact tracing. Businesses that have not yet opened must complete the Control Plan and checklist requirements before they reopen.
• May 14: On May 13, Rhode Island released a set of guidelines for reopening businesses. Additionally, the state released a required template for businesses to fill out detailing their coronavirus control plan. Businesses do not need to submit their plan to the state for review before opening, but they must be able to provide it to the Rhode Island Department of Health if requested.
• May 12: Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced on Monday, May 11, that restaurants will be allowed to offer outdoor seating on May 18. Parties will be limited to five people or less, and restaurants will be required to maintain logs of employees and customers for contract tracing purposes. Rhode Island entered the first phase of its reopening plan Saturday, May 9.

South Carolina

Most recent five updates

• June 9: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) allowed the statewide coronavirus emergency order to expire June 7. McMaster declared the emergency March 13, 2020.
• May 24: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until June 6.
• May 12: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed an executive order that allows parents to choose whether their children wear a mask in public schools. The order prohibits any local government, state agency, or state employee from requiring proof of vaccination to access government services or facilities. The order also prohibits local governments from using the state’s coronavirus emergency order as a basis for mask mandates.
• May 10: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until May 22, 2021.
• May 7: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits programs starting June 30. For more information on the state’s pre-pandemic unemployment benefits programs, click here.

June 2021

• June 9: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) allowed the statewide coronavirus emergency order to expire June 7. McMaster declared the emergency March 13, 2020.

May 2021

• May 24: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until June 6.
• May 12: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed an executive order that allows parents to choose whether their children wear a mask in public schools. The order prohibits any local government, state agency, or state employee from requiring proof of vaccination to access government services or facilities. The order also prohibits local governments from using the state’s coronavirus emergency order as a basis for mask mandates.
• May 10: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until May 22, 2021.
• May 7: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits programs starting June 30. For more information on the state’s pre-pandemic unemployment benefits programs, click here.

April 2021

• April 23: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extendedthe state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 7.
• April 8: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extendedthe state’s coronavirus emergency order through April 22.

March 2021

• March 31: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31.
• March 29: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31.
• March 24: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extendedthe state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 7.
• March 8:
  • The state begins Phase 1b of vaccination on March 8. People aged 55 and older, anyone 16 and older with a high-risk health condition (including cancer, heart disease, and obesity), inmates and correctional officers, and homeless shelter residents and workers are eligible for vaccination.
  • Gov. Henry McMaster (R) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order, lifting the requirement for people to wear masks at restaurants and in state office buildings. The mask requirements went into effect Aug. 5. The current emergency order is effective until March 20.
• March 3: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state will start Phase 1b of vaccination starting March 8. The phase will include everyone aged 55 and older, anyone 16 and older with a high-risk health condition (including cancer, heart disease, and obesity), inmates and correctional officers, and homeless shelter residents and workers. McMaster said the state was aiming to start Phase 1c on April 12, which will expand eligibility to anyone 45 or older and all workers the CDC classifies as essential. On May 3, the state is aiming to start Phase 2, which will include everyone age 16 and older.
• March 1:
  • Gov. Henry McMaster (R) is lifting restrictions on alcohol sales after 11 p.m. and on mass gatherings starting March 1. The Department of Commerce no longer needs to approve events larger than 250 people. Mitigation strategies (like the previous 50% capacity limit and mask requirement for gatherings of 250 people or more) are recommendations.
  • The state House passed a bill 109-3 that would give the legislature more oversight over governors' executive orders. The bill would allow the legislature to review executive orders and extend, amend, or end them after 30 days. If the legislature does not meet to vote on an order, it will last for as long as the governor pleases. Under current laws, the governor can issue executive orders that last up to 15 days, but the legislature has to vote to extend orders. During the pandemic, Gov. McMaster issued new executive orders every 15 days, and the legislature did not have to meet to approve extensions. If the bill becomes law, governors could issue one executive order that would be effective at the legislature’s pleasure. The bill will go to the state Senate for consideration. McMaster says he would support the bill.

February 2021

• February 22: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 8.
• February 8:
  • Individuals age 65 and older are able to schedule vaccination appointments starting Feb. 8. Previously, appointments were limited to individuals age 70 and older.
  • Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Feb. 21.
• February 4: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced individuals age 65 and older will be able to schedule vaccination appointments starting Feb. 8. Currently, appointments are limited to individuals age 70 and older.

January 2021

• January 13: Individuals age 70 or older can begin scheduling appointments to receive a vaccine starting Jan. 13.
• January 8: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Jan. 22.

October 2020

• October 5: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued an executive order lifting capacity limits on restaurants, effective Oct. 2. Individuals are still required to wear face coverings at restaurants, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages after 11 p.m. is still prohibited.

September 2020

• September 1: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced outdoor visitation is permitted at nursing homes that can meet the criteria outlined in the state’s guidance document.

July 2020

• July 31: State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced masks will be required in South Carolina public school facilities for staff and students in grades 2-12.
• July 30: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state’s guidance for restaurants will become requirements, effective Aug. 3. The order will require employees and patrons to wear masks at dining establishments, prohibit customers from gathering around bar areas, and limit dine-in to 50% occupancy. McMaster also announced that large gathering venues and events like movie theaters, festivals, auditoriums, and concerts will be able to reopen with mask requirements for attendees. Masks will be required in all state buildings starting on Aug. 5.
• July 13: On June 11, an order prohibiting restaurants and bars from selling alcohol after 11:00 p.m. took effect.

June 2020

• June 23: The state's AccelerateED task force released final guidelines for reopening schools in the fall. Recommendations include mask requirements for students and faculty, social distancing measures, and 50% capacity limits for school busses.
• June 12: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued an executive order allowing bowling alleys to reopen and lifting capacity limits on retailers. The order also declared a new state of emergency.

May 2020

• May 22: Attraction facilities in the state began to partially reopen. Eligible businesses include zoos, museums, aquariums, planetariums, historic sites, waterparks, amusement park rides, go-kart tracks, and miniature golf courses. The reopening does not include bowling alleys, nightclubs, spectator sports venues, or movie theaters.
• May 18: Close-contact businesses (barbershops, salons, spas, and tattoo parlors), gyms, and public pools began reopening on May 18. The businesses must follow state guidelines, including keeping people six feet apart when possible, installing physical barriers at work stations, and putting up signs to remind employees and customers of safety and hygiene practices.
• May 12: Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced on May 11 that close-contact businesses could reopen beginning Monday, May 18. Businesses in that category include barbershops, hair salons, gyms, and pools. Businesses that reopen must follow specific guidelines, which include, keeping people six feet apart when possible, installing physical barriers at work stations, and putting up signs to remind employees and customers of safety and hygiene practices.
• May 11: Restaurants could open for dine-in services under certain conditions Monday, including allowing no more than 50% of posted occupancy inside and spacing tables 6 to 8 feet apart. Gov. Henry McMaster (R) also lifted boating restrictions.

South Dakota

Most recent five updates

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Kristi Noem (R) made the announcement May 12.
• April 21: On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) issued an order banning government entities, including local governments and state agencies, from requiring individuals to submit proof of vaccination to access facilities or services.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on Monday, April 5.
• March 23: On Monday, March 22, the South Dakota Department of Health opened vaccine eligibility to Group 1E of the state’s vaccination plan. Group 1E includes critical infrastructure workers, such as employees in food and agriculture, wastewater, and fire personnel.
• February 8: People age 75 and older are eligible for vaccination starting Feb. 8. Previously, Phase 1D only allowed people age 80 and over to receive a vaccine.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Kristi Noem (R) made the announcement May 12.

April 2021

• April 21: On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) issued an order banning government entities, including local governments and state agencies, from requiring individuals to submit proof of vaccination to access facilities or services.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on Monday, April 5.

March 2021

• March 23: On Monday, March 22, the South Dakota Department of Health opened vaccine eligibility to Group 1E of the state’s vaccination plan. Group 1E includes critical infrastructure workers, such as employees in food and agriculture, wastewater, and fire personnel.

February 2021

• February 8: People age 75 and older are eligible for vaccination starting Feb. 8. Previously, Phase 1D only allowed people age 80 and over to receive a vaccine.
• February 4: On Feb. 3, the South Dakota Department of Health announced that people age 75 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting Feb. 8. Previously, Phase 1D only allowed people age 80 and over to receive a vaccine.

December 2020

• December 21: On Friday, Dec. 18, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) issued an order extending the statewide COVID-19 emergency through June 30, 2021.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Kristi Noem (R) decreased the eligibility requirements for the state’s Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program from a 25% reduction in business to a 15% reduction in business. The maximum grant limit was increased from $100,000 to $500,000.

July 2020

• July 23: The South Dakota High School Activities Association board voted unanimously to allow sports practices to begin on Aug. 3 with the first competition scheduled for Aug. 11. Masks are not required at competitions but spectators are recommended to wear them.

June 2020

• June 22: The South Dakota Department of Health released a three-phase reopening plan for long-term care facilities, which have been closed since March. In phase one, outdoor visitation is generally permitted, while indoor visitation generally is not. To move from one phase to the next, nursing homes must engage in weekly randomized testing of staff and patients, and there must be no confirmed cases in the facility within the last 14 days.

April 2020

• April 29: Gov. Kristi Noem (R) outlined her Back to Normal plan for the state. The plan includes guidelines for individuals, employers, retailers, schools, healthcare providers, and local governments for resuming normal operations. The guidelines are not requirements and do not go into effect on a specific date (though the plan has a list of criteria to initiate) as South Dakota never issued a stay-at-home order or required businesses to close.

Tennessee

Most recent five updates

• August 3: On Friday, July 30, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency through Aug. 31.
• July 6: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on July 3. Gov. Bill Lee (R) made the announcement May 11.
• May 12: On Tuesday, May 11, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning July 3.
• April 27: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov Bill Lee (R) issued an executive order ending county mayors’ authority in 89 counties to require masks. In Tennessee, the state health department has authority over 89 of the state’s 95 counties, and the department allowed counties to pass their own mask mandates. Lee asked independent health departments in Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Sullivan counties to end restrictions on businesses and mask requirements by May 30. Lee also ended all statewide health orders.
• April 14: 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.

August 2021

• August 3: On Friday, July 30, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency through Aug. 31.

July 2021

• July 6: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on July 3. Gov. Bill Lee (R) made the announcement May 11.

May 2021

• May 12: On Tuesday, May 11, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning July 3.

April 2021

• April 27: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov Bill Lee (R) issued an executive order ending county mayors’ authority in 89 counties to require masks. In Tennessee, the state health department has authority over 89 of the state’s 95 counties, and the department allowed counties to pass their own mask mandates. Lee asked independent health departments in Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Sullivan counties to end restrictions on businesses and mask requirements by May 30. Lee also ended all statewide health orders.
• April 14: 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.
• April 5: Effective Monday, April 5, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

March 2021

• March 23: On Monday, March 22, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine April 5.
• March 1: On Friday, Feb. 26, Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed an order extending the coronavirus state of emergency through April 28 and ending visitation restrictions on nursing homes and long-term care facilities. He also signed orders extending provisions that allow for remote government meetings and remote notarization.

February 2021

• February 23: On Monday, Feb. 22, the Tennessee State Senate voted 27-5 to pass SB 0103, a bill that would give the governor authority to reopen public schools to in-person instruction during a state of emergency. The bill specifies that in the absence of an order from a local health board or the governor, school boards determine whether to open or close schools during emergencies. The bill goes to the House for consideration.
• February 11: On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced the state would partner with Walmart to expedite the distribution of vaccines throughout the state.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 20: On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended and modified an order that restricts spectators at school sporting events through Feb. 27. The new order prohibits bands, cheerleaders, and dance teams from attending games.

December 2020

• December 23: On Tuesday, Dec. 22, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency through Feb. 27.
• December 21: On Sunday, Dec. 20, Gov. Bill Lee (R) issued an executive order limiting gatherings to 10 people.

October 2020

• October 21: The state announced the creation of a new COVID-19 website that Gov. Bill Lee (R) said would “help Tennesseans quickly and easily find important information as they navigate decisions for themselves and their families.” The site includes dashboards and daily reports with state and county-level data, including case counts, hospitalizations, and number of tests performed.
• October 20: On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced he would be extending the executive order that allows local governments to impose mask requirements through the end of the year.

September 2020

• September 30: On Sept. 29, Gov. Bill Lee (R) released an executive order eliminating coronavirus restrictions on businesses and gatherings in 89 of the state’s 95 counties. Six counties, including Shelby, operate according to rules made by their respective health departments
• September 29: In a call with state legislators on Sept. 29, Gov. Bill Lee (R) said he would renew the COVID-19 state of emergency, which expires on Sept. 30, and remove all remaining coronavirus restrictions on businesses. As of this writing, Lee had not released the order.

August 2020

• August 31: On Aug. 28, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the statewide state of emergency through September 30.
• August 18: On Aug. 17, Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed a bill protecting businesses, schools, and nursing homes from lawsuits related to damages caused by COVID-19. It makes it harder for parties to sue those entities for damages caused by COVID-19 but does not apply to cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
• August 12: Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn said on Aug. 12 that the Tennessee Department of Education was encouraging school districts to mandate face coverings for middle and high school students.
• August 3: On July 31, Gov. Bill Lee (R) issued Executive Order 55, which removes restrictions on contact sports, including football and soccer, so long as organizations and schools follow safety guidelines. The order also extended an earlier executive order that permitted local governments to determine mask requirements.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. Bill Lee (R) released guidelines for reopening schools. The recommendations cover testing and contact tracing, immunizations, and resources necessary for returning students to classrooms or teaching remotely.
• July 27: On July 24, the Tennessee Board of Education reviewed waiver requests for the 2020-2021 school year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The board denied requests from 60 districts to waive the requirement that districts offer at least two physical education classes a week for at least 60 minutes. The board granted waivers to 56 districts to eliminate duty-free lunch breaks for teachers in districts where students will use classrooms for lunch rather than cafeterias. The board also denied waivers seeking to increase the state’s maximum class size.
• July 13: Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) Economic Recovery Group released new guidelines for media production. The guidelines apply to the film, TV, and music industries.
• July 7: On July 3, Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed an order allowing mayors in 89 counties to issue mask requirements.

June 2020

• June 30: On Monday, June 29, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the state of emergency declaration through August 29. The order continues the suspension and extension of some laws, regulations, and deadlines, including allowing restaurants to offer take-out and delivery of alcohol and pushing back the date at which drivers licenses need to be renewed. Lee also issued an executive order permitting local governments to continue to meet remotely.
• June 18: The Knox County Board of Health announced on June 18 that Knox County would adopt Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) reopening plan on July 1. Lee permitted six counties, including Knox, to follow reopening plans from local health departments. Knox will remain in Phase 2 of its reopening plan for two weeks, before aligning with the state’s.
• June 16: Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed an executive order allowing nursing homes may accept visitors on a limited basis beginning June 15. Facilities can only reopen if all staff and residents have been tested at least once and there have been no new coronavirus cases in the previous 28 days.
• June 10: Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that limited visitation to nursing homes and long-term care facilities can resume June 15. Facilities that reopen will need to have tested all residents and staff at least once.
• June 9: The Tennessee Department of Education released guidance for reopening schools in August. The document does not require Tennessee school districts to adopt any particular approach but provides suggestions and best practices for safely reopening, including requiring students and staff to wear masks and setting staggered schedules.
• June 8: Gov. Bill Lee’s (R) Economic Recovery Group The Economic Recovery Group assembled by Gov. Bill Lee (R) released updated guidelines for close contact business, exercise facilities, non-contact recreation, and large venues and community events, including attractions. The new guidelines for close contact businesses, exercise facilities, and recreation emphasize social distancing rather than capacity limits. For attractions, large venues, and community events, including fairs, organizers should reduce occupancy to allow for social distancing and encourage face coverings.

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Bill Lee's (R) Economic Recovery Group released new and updated guidelines for noncontact sports, overnight camps, and higher education that address appropriate safety precautions.
• May 22: Capacity restrictions for retailers businesses and restaurants were lifted on May 22 in 89 counties. Large attractions and venues are also allowed to reopen in those counties with restrictions, per updated guidelines released May 20.
• May 15: Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that beginning on or after May 22, he will lift some restrictions on restaurants, retail, and large attraction venues like amusement parts and theaters across much of the state. Six Tennessee counties, including Shelby and Knox counties, are following county-specific plans and won’t be impacted by these changes. Lee said new guidelines would be released next week.
• May 13: Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended Tennessee’s State of Emergency declaration through June 30. It had been scheduled to expire on May 18, and originally went into effect March 12. Tennessee's stay-at-home order expired on April 30.
• May 1: Gov. Bill Lee (R) announced that the state’s Economic Recovery Group, made up of government and private sector leaders, had released guidelines for businesses set to reopen on May 6 in 89 of the state’s 95 counties. The guidance, which applies to close contact businesses like barbershops and tattoo studios, includes best practices for social distancing and health screening. Tennessee is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 27: Tennessee allowed restaurants to open at 50% occupancy Monday, and retailers will be allowed to open at 50% occupancy Wednesday. Gov. Bill Lee's (R) guidelines apply to 89 of the state's 95 counties. Counties with their own health departments have their own reopening plans. Tennessee is a Republican trifecta.

Texas

Most recent five updates

• July 2: On Thursday, July 1, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 disaster emergency through the end of the month.
• June 29: On Monday, June 28, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced he was allocating $94.6 million in federal COVID-19 CARES Act funds to the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Board will use the money to increase student enrollment and help colleges and universities expand or start programs in fields experiencing labor shortages, including healthcare and logistics.
• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) made the announcement May 17.
• June 16: On Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signedHouse Bill 1239. The bill prohibits state and local government officials or agencies from closing houses of worship during a state of emergency. The Senate passed the bill 28-3, while the House passed the bill 113-30.
• June 8: On Monday, June 7, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill prohibiting state and local government agencies from issuing COVID-19 documentation that could be used to verify a person’s vaccination status. The bill also prohibits government agencies and businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to receive services or enter the premises. Abbott previously issued an executive order prohibiting state agencies and businesses that receive state funding from requiring proof of vaccination.

July 2021

• July 2: On Thursday, July 1, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 disaster emergency through the end of the month.

June 2021

• June 29: On Monday, June 28, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced he was allocating $94.6 million in federal COVID-19 CARES Act funds to the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Board will use the money to increase student enrollment and help colleges and universities expand or start programs in fields experiencing labor shortages, including healthcare and logistics.
• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) made the announcement May 17.
• June 16: On Tuesday, June 15, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signedHouse Bill 1239. The bill prohibits state and local government officials or agencies from closing houses of worship during a state of emergency. The Senate passed the bill 28-3, while the House passed the bill 113-30.
• June 8: On Monday, June 7, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill prohibiting state and local government agencies from issuing COVID-19 documentation that could be used to verify a person’s vaccination status. The bill also prohibits government agencies and businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to receive services or enter the premises. Abbott previously issued an executive order prohibiting state agencies and businesses that receive state funding from requiring proof of vaccination.
• June 7: On Monday, June 7, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) extended the statewide COVID-19 disaster emergency through June.
• June 2: On Monday, May 31, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that Texas will end its participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 26.

May 2021

• May 27: On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that groups of five or more people can now participate in the State Mobile Vaccine Program. Under the program, groups of people can call the state vaccine hotline and schedule a mobile vaccine clinic. Previously, the program had been available only to organizations with 20 or more employees.
• May 18: On Monday, May 17, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced the state would end its participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 26, 2021.
• May 13: On Wednesday, May 12, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed House Bill 1024, which makes permanent a waiver issued in March 2020 allowing restaurants and bars to sell beer, wine, and mixed-drinks in to-go orders.
• May 6: On Wednesday, May 5, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) extended the statewide coronavirus emergency through May.

April 2021

• April 14: 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.
• April 6: On Monday, April 5, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) prohibited government agencies, businesses, and institutions that receive state funding from requiring people to show proof they’ve received a coronavirus vaccine.

March 2021

• March 31: On Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program for youth summer camps licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The program will provide staff and campers with rapid antigen tests.
• March 29: All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 23: On Tuesday, March 23, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 29.
• March 15: Residents age 50 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 15.
• March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) announced he was suing Travis County and the City of Austin for continuing to enforce mask mandates. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) lifted the statewide mask mandate March 10.
• March 11: On Wednesday, March 10, the Department of State Health Services announced that residents 50 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 15.
• March 10: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an order ending the statewide mask mandate and allowing all businesses to open at 100% capacity beginning March 10. If COVID-19 hospitalizations exceed 15% of hospital bed capacity in any of the state’s 22 hospital regions for seven consecutive days, then a county judge may impose some restrictions. Those restrictions cannot include capacity limits below 50%. The order also prohibits jurisdictions from penalizing people for not wearing face coverings.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an order ending the statewide mask mandate and allowing all businesses to open at 100% capacity beginning March 10. If COVID-19 hospitalizations get above 15% of hospital bed capacity in any of the state’s 22 hospital regions for seven consecutive days, then a county judge may impose some restrictions. Those restrictions cannot include capacity limits below 50%, however. The order also prohibits jurisdictions from penalizing people for not wearing face coverings.

February 2021

• February 24: On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the percentage of hospital beds devoted to COVID-19 patients in the Southeast Texas Trauma Service Area, which includes Houston, remained below 15% for seven consecutive days, allowing restaurants and other businesses to increase their operating capacity from 50% to 75% capacity, up from 50%. In an Oct. 7, 2020, executive order, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) mandated tighter restrictions in regions that saw high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations. The executive order permits county judges to decide if bars can reopen in regions where COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 15% of hospital capacity.
• February 9: On Tuesday. Feb. 9, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced the Texas Rent Relief Program, which will help qualified households with rent and utility payments. The program will administer more than $1 billion in federal COVID-19 funding provided to Texas.

January 2021

• January 6: On Jan. 5, Trauma Service Area Q, which includes the city of Houston and is one of several regions used by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to assess COVID-19 spread, passed the seven-day hospitalization threshold requiring stricter restrictions. The restrictions, laid out in Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) Oct. 7 executive order, include a ban on elective surgeries and indoor service at bars and a reduction to 50% capacity for most businesses. COVID-19 patients will need to comprise less than 15% of total hospital capacity in the region for seven consecutive days to return to the previous phase.

December 2020

• December 4: On Thursday, Dec. 3, COVID-19 hospitalizations in North Texas exceeded Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) threshold that would trigger new restrictions on businesses. Restaurants and gyms will have to reduce capacity to 50%, and bars whose sales of alcohol make up more than 51% of revenue will need to close.

October 2020

• October 14: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have partnered to pilot a program for COVID-19 rapid testing in eight school systems.
• October 7: On Wednesday, Oct. 7, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced on Facebook that country judges can allow bars and similar establishments to reopen at 50% capacity in regions with low COVID-19 hospitalization rates beginning Oct. 14. Bars in counties that opt in will be required to keep patrons seated while indoors. Additionally, businesses like amusement parks and movie theaters in low hospitalization counties will be permitted to reopen at 75% capacity on Oct. 14.

September 2020

• September 21: Several types of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings in 19 out of the state’s 22 hospital regions can expand operating capacity to 75% on Sept. 21.
• September 17: On Sept. 17, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that several types of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings in 19 out of the state’s 22 hospital regions will be permitted to expand operating capacity to 75% on Sept. 21. Those businesses are currently limited to 50% capacity. Abbott did not say when bars would be allowed to reopen.
• September 8: On Monday, Sept. 7, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed an executive order extending the statewide COVID-19 disaster declaration. Abbott first enacted the declaration in March and has subsequently extended it several times. The disaster declaration allows the state to access and direct resources to combat the pandemic.

August 2020

• August 26: On Aug. 25, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) adopted an emergency rule allowing bars and breweries to reopen as restaurants if they serve food from trucks or other vendors. Establishments must also set aside a dedicated area for preparing and storing food.
• August 21: On Aug. 20, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the Texas Education Agency and the Department of State Health will soon begin to publish COVID-19 case numbers at schools. School districts will be required to report confirmed cases to the state within a day.
• August 13: At an Aug. 13 news conference, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said he would need to see hospital capacity increase and the state’s positivity rate fall below 10% for a “sustained period of time” before he would consider reopening bars.
• August 7: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced on Aug. 6 it was lifting restrictions on nursing and long-term care facilities to allow for limited visitations if certain requirements are met. At nursing facilities, visits are restricted to outdoor settings. For long-term care facilities, indoor and outdoor visitations are permitted, but physical contact between patients and visitors is prohibited. Visitations can only happen at both kinds of facilities if there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days.

July 2020

• July 20: In an open letter to religious private schools dated July 17, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) wrote that such entities are exempt from local orders closing or restricting school operations. According to Paxton, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has said that private schools are not bound by orders that apply to public schools. Additionally, on July 17, the Texas Education Agency extended the time local school districts can keep schools closed and teach students remotely without losing funding. According to the new rules, districts can teach students remotely for up to eight weeks from the start of the school year, so long as the local school board votes on the matter after four weeks.
• July 15: On July 14, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said that schools would be permitted to delay returning students to physical classrooms for longer than originally planned. Previously, state guidance said schools should offer three weeks of virtual instruction to start the year but could lose state funding if they did not return to in-person instruction after that period. Abbot said he would provide more information soon.
• July 9: On July 9, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a proclamation suspending elective surgeries in hospitals in 11 of the state’s trauma service areas. Texas is divided into 22 trauma service areas. The proclamation was aimed at expanding hospital capacity to deal with a surge in coronavirus cases.
• July 8: Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath released guidance for reopening schools in the fall on July 7. Parents will be able to choose between on-campus and distance learning options. Masks will be required in school buildings.

June 2020

• June 30: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced Tuesday, June 30, that he was pausing elective surgeries in four additional counties, bringing the total number of counties with bans on elective surgeries to eight. The eight counties have experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
• June 26: In response to a rise in coronavirus cases, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced on June 26 he was reimposing some statewide restrictions on businesses, including ordering all bars to close by 12:00 p.m. that day. Restaurants, which are currently allowed to operate at 75% capacity, will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity beginning on June 29. The new order also requires rafting and tubing businesses to close and says local authorities must approve outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people.
• June 24: On June 23, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed an order granting county and city authorities more latitude to impose local coronavirus restrictions. According to the order, a county judge or mayor can, in consultation with local health authorities, limit gatherings of more than 100 people. At a press conference that day, Abbott noted that local authorities could impose mask requirements.
• June 19: Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the state's schools would open to students in the fall. Morath said guidance for schools would be released in the future. Additionally, amusement parks and carnivals can reopen at 50% capacity across the state.
• June 12: Effective June 12, restaurants are permitted to expand operations to 75% occupancy.
• June 4: Gov. Greg Abbott announced at a press conference on May 3 that Texas had entered Phase III of the reopening plan. Some restrictions were eased immediately, allowing most businesses to operate at 50% capacity. Bars can operate at 50% capacity, so long as customers remain seated. Restaurants can now seat 10 people to a table. In counties with fewer than 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, amusement parks and carnivals can open at 50% capacity. Restrictions will be further eased on June 12 and 19.
• June 1: Fans can attend outdoor professional sporting events at 25% of a venue's capacity beginning May 31. Leagues will need to receive approval from the Texas Department of State Health Services before holding events with spectators. Day and overnight youth camps, as well as youth sports, were also permitted to begin operating that day.

May 2020

• May 22: Effective May 22, bars, breweries, and wine rooms are permitted to reopen at 25% capacity, and restaurants are permitted to reopen at 50% capacity. Additionally, indoor entertainment, like bowling alleys and skating rinks, are allowed to reopen at 25% capacity.
• May 18: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) added daycares to the list of businesses that were scheduled to reopen on May 18, which included gyms, office spaces, and non-essential manufacturing. Abbott also announced that bars and bowling alleys may reopen with restrictions on May 22 in most counties and that restaurants may expand capacity up to 50% that day. Youth sports and overnight camps can reopen on May 31. Abbott delayed that reopening in El Paso, Randall, Potter, and Deaf Smith Counties, saying each had seen a spike in coronavirus cases. Bars in those counties may reopen, and restaurants may expand to 50% capacity, on May 29.
• May 8: The second phase of the state’s reopening plan started Friday, May 8. Businesses allowed to reopen at 25% capacity include barbershops, nail salons, and swimming pools.
• May 6: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that a number of businesses, including gyms, hair salons, and tanning salons, would be allowed to reopen within the next two weeks. Texas is in the first phase of its reopening plan.

April 2020

• April 28: Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order allowing retail stores, malls, restaurants, and theaters to reopen on May 1 at 25% max occupancy. The order also allows libraries and museums to open. The new order supersedes any local orders. Abbott said he wants personal care businesses, gyms, and bars to open “as soon as possible” and said he expected that to happen by mid-May.

Utah

Most recent five updates

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) made the announcement May 12.
• May 20: On Wednesday, May 19, the Utah legislature passed House Bill 1007, which prohibits public schools, including public colleges and universities, from requiring that students, staff, and faculty wear masks. The Utah House of Representatives passed the bill 50-24, while the Senate passed the bill 23-5. It goes to Gov. Spencer Cox (R).
• May 17:
  • Gov. Spencer Cox (R) ended the statewide mask requirement for students, teachers, and staff in K-12 schools on Saturday, May 15. Local districts have the option of keeping the requirements in place.
  • On Saturday, May 15, Cox ended the face-covering requirement in state buildings.
• May 13: On Wednesday, May 12, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced he would end the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 26.
• April 12: House Bill 294 took effect April 10, ending the statewide mask mandate. It also set conditions for ending other restrictions based on case rates, percentage of occupied hospital beds, and vaccine supply. The law eliminates all restrictions on July 1, even if none of the conditions have been met. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed the bill into law on March 24.

June 2021

• June 28: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs June 26. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) made the announcement May 12.

May 2021

• May 20: On Wednesday, May 19, the Utah legislature passed House Bill 1007, which prohibits public schools, including public colleges and universities, from requiring that students, staff, and faculty wear masks. The Utah House of Representatives passed the bill 50-24, while the Senate passed the bill 23-5. It goes to Gov. Spencer Cox (R).
• May 17:
  • Gov. Spencer Cox (R) ended the statewide mask requirement for students, teachers, and staff in K-12 schools on Saturday, May 15. Local districts have the option of keeping the requirements in place.
  • On Saturday, May 15, Cox ended the face-covering requirement in state buildings.
• May 13: On Wednesday, May 12, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced he would end the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs on June 26.

April 2021

• April 12: House Bill 294 took effect April 10, ending the statewide mask mandate. It also set conditions for ending other restrictions based on case rates, percentage of occupied hospital beds, and vaccine supply. The law eliminates all restrictions on July 1, even if none of the conditions have been met. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed the bill into law on March 24.

March 2021

• March 25: On Wednesday, March 24, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed House Bill 294, a law that eliminates the statewide mask mandate on April 10. The law also sets conditions for ending other restrictions based on case rates, percentage of occupied hospital beds, and vaccine supply. The law eliminates all restrictions on July 1, even if none of the conditions have been met.
• March 24: All residents 16 and older are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting March 24.
• March 19: On Thursday, March 18, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced that people 16 and older will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine Wednesday, March 24.
• March 8: On Friday, March 5, the Utah House of Representatives voted 54-18 in favor of HB0294, a bill that modifies the statewide mask mandate and establishes parameters for lifting other coronavirus restrictions. The state Senate passed the bill 23-6 hours earlier. The legislation would end the statewide mask mandate for gatherings of less than 50 people on April 10. County governments could still require that people wear masks, however. The bill establishes that all coronavirus restrictions on businesses and events will end when the state’s 14-day case rate falls below 191 per 100,000 people, COVID-19 patients occupy fewer than 15% of beds on average in intensive care units over a seven-day period, and the federal government has sent 1,633,000 first doses of a vaccine to the state. The bill now goes to Gov. Spencer Cox (R).
• March 5: On Thursday, March 4, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced that residents 50 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Additionally, he announced that people 18 and older with health conditions, such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, are also eligible for a vaccine.

February 2021

• February 23: On Monday, Feb. 22, the state House voted 66-2 to pass HB308, a bill that would prohibit state agencies from requiring employees to receive a coronavirus vaccine. The bill goes to the Senate for consideration.
• February 19: On Thursday, Feb. 18, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced that residents age 65 and above are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. That demographic was previously scheduled to become eligible on March 1, but Cox shifted the timeline forward because of an increased supply of vaccines.
• February 5: On Thursday, Feb. 4, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced that people age 65 and older will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines on March 1. He also announced that Utahns age 18 and older with specific, state-identified medical conditions, such as HIV or certain kinds of cancers, will also become eligible.

January 2021

• January 15: On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced that Utah would continue to reserve vaccines for people age 70 and older, likely into late February. Cox said people age 65 and older would become eligible once the state had acquired a greater supply of the vaccine.
• January 11: Effective Monday, Jan. 11, school teachers and staff, and adults 70 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Spencer Cox (R) made the announcement Jan. 8. The state says it hopes to vaccinate all healthcare workers, nursing home staff and residents, first responders, tribal health frontline workers, school teachers and staff, and adults 70 and older by the end of February.

December 2020

• December 18: On Thursday, Dec. 17, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced that students in public schools who test negative after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19 do not need to quarantine. Previously, any contact with a COVID-19 positive person required a 10-14 day quarantine. Herbert also announced he was ending the statewide ban on alcohol sales after 10 p.m.

November 2020

• November 20: On Thursday, Nov. 19, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced he would remove language prohibiting social gatherings between different households from an order he planned to issue before Thanksgiving.
• November 10: On Sunday, Nov. 8, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced a series of new coronavirus restrictions, including a statewide mask mandate and a pause on public school extracurricular activities, including athletic events. The new order also limits casual social gatherings to those within the same household through Nov. 23. The order took effect Monday, Nov. 9.

October 2020

• October 23: Leaders in the Utah Legislature announced that daily, rapid testing for lawmakers and staffers would occur when the 2021 session begins in January. Plexiglass dividers will also be installed between desks on the floor.
• October 13: On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced the state was replacing the color-coded reopening guidance system with a three-tiered system focused on transmission rates. Counties will be classified as high, moderate, or low depending on COVID-19 spread, and will only be allowed to move to a lower level after 14 days.

September 2020

• September 21: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency executive order through Oct. 20.
• September 18: On Sept. 17, the Utah Department of Health confirmed that it had begun offering free, voluntary COVID-19 tests on a limited basis to teachers and staff at public schools in Utah County. A representative for the Department said it was planning on expanding the program to public schools statewide.
• September 11: On Sept. 11, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued an executive order moving Box Elder County and Carbon County into the green phase—the least restrictive of Utah’s four reopening phases. Thirteen counties are in green, while the remaining counties are in yellow.

August 2020

• August 18: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued an executive order allowing cities and counties to adopt mask mandates without approval from the Utah Department of Health. The order also revised the terminology used in the state’s reopening plan. Instead of calling the color-coded reopening phases “risk levels,” they are now called “levels of restriction.”

July 2020

• July 28: On July 27, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued updated reopening guidelines that allow restaurants to resume self-serve buffets. Under the new guidelines, which affect restaurants in counties in the orange and yellow phases of the reopening plan, restaurants must replace serving utensils every 30 minutes and customers must use hand sanitizer whenever they enter a new food bar line. The new guidelines also require restaurants open 24 hours a day to close for cleaning and sanitizing every morning and evening.
• July 20: On July 17, the Utah Department of Health issued an order mandating the use of face coverings in all public and private K-12 schools. The order includes exemptions related to eating and drinking and medical conditions.
• July 16: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced on Twitter that he was modifying the state’s color-coded reopening plan to allow school districts in parts of the state in the orange (moderate risk) phase to reopen. Currently, Salt Lake City is the only city in Utah in the orange phase. With the modification to the reopening, all school districts in Utah can reopen.
• July 9: On July 9, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced that when K-12 schools reopen, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors will be required to wear masks in buildings and on buses.

June 2020

• June 29: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) approved a plan by the Utah State Board of Education for reopening schools in the fall. The Board is requiring all public schools to create and post a reopening plan online by August 1.
• June 22: On June 19, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) approved nine counties to move into the Green phase of Utah’s reopening plan. Green is the least restrictive phase of Utah’s color-coded reopening plan. To date, ten counties have advanced to the Green Phase. Nineteen counties are currently in the Yellow phase, the second phase in the plan. Only Salt Lake City is in the first and most restrictive phase.
• June 12: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued an executive order moving Kane County to the green phase of the reopening plan. The green phase is the fourth phase of Utah’s reopening plan and includes the fewest restrictions on businesses and individuals. Herbert also moved the cities of Bluff and Mexican Hat to the yellow (third) phase. Salt Lake City is the last city in Utah in the orange (second) phase of reopening. On June 11, Herbert wrote on Twitter that he would be keeping most of the state in the yellow phase because of a spike in COVID-19 cases.
• June 8: On Friday, June 5, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) extended the current health risk guidelines for the state through June 12. Part of Utah’s reopening plan includes a four-phase, color-coded guidance system. All but three cities in the state have advanced to the yellow phase of reopening. Bluff, Mexican Hat, and Salt Lake City remain in the orange phase, under tighter restrictions, due to health risks related to COVID-19. Herbert said that parts of Utah could advance to the last stage of reopening, the green phase, by the end of the month.

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) released updated guidelines for parts of the state that have moved into the low-risk phase (or yellow phase) of the reopening plan. The new order clarifies that businesses in counties moved to the low-risk phase can operate, so long as they adhere to social distancing and sanitation guidelines. The order states that people should avoid non-essential travel to areas with high infection rates. Additionally, the order provides new guidance for K-12 education and higher education.
• May 21: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced that Utah would advance to the third phase of the state’s reopening plan. Utah Leads Together 3.0 will focus on protecting high-risk individuals and minority communities. The color-coded reopening plan for jurisdictions adopted in Utah Leads Together 1.0—high (red), moderate (orange), low (yellow), and new normal (green)—will continue in the latest version. On Saturday, May 16, much of the state moved from the orange phase to the yellow phase, allowing for fewer restrictions on businesses and individuals. Three counties and three cities remain in the orange phase. Herbert did not give a timeline for when parts of the state can move to green, the phase with the fewest restrictions.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued an executive order placing the state under “moderate risk” protocols beginning at midnight on May 1. Gyms, salons, and other personal care businesses will be allowed to reopen. Restaurants may resume dine-in services modified to follow hygiene standards and social distancing guidelines. Utah is a Republican trifecta.

Vermont

Most recent five updates

• July 6: Effective Tuesday, July 6, most of the state’s courthouses reopened to in-person proceedings. A Vermont Judiciary news release said some small or poorly ventilated courthouses would stay closed. The release also said that because some judges will choose to hold remote proceedings, visitors should check with the courthouse before arriving in-person.
• June 14:
  • On June 14, Gov. Phil Scott (R) lifted all remaining coronavirus restrictions in the state, including capacity restrictions and mask requirements for unvaccinated individuals. The restrictions were lifted after 80% of eligible state residents received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Reopening had initially been scheduled for July 4.
  • On June 11, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced there would be new walk-in vaccination clinics open statewide over the weekend. A full list of vaccination sites can be found here.
• June 7: On Friday, June 4, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced a series of weekend pop-up vaccination clinics around the state. The clinics are part of an effort to get 80% of eligible residents inoculated with at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Scott said that if the state reached that 80% threshold, then he would end remaining COVID-19 restrictions. At the time of the announcement, the state said 78.6% of residents had received at least one shot.
• May 24: On Friday, May 21, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced the state will remove its remaining COVID-19 restrictions once 80% of eligible residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Vermont is currently scheduled to end its COVID-19 restrictions on July 4. At the time of Scott’s press conference, 70% of the eligible population had received at least one dose of a vaccine.
• May 3: On Saturday, May 1, Gov. Phil Scott (R) revised the outdoor mask mandate for vaccinated and non-vaccinated residents and visitors. Masks are only required in crowded settings when social distancing isn’t possible. Scott also changed indoor gatherings restrictions to allow one unvaccinated individual per 100 square feet with a maximum of 150 unvaccinated people. Additionally, Scott replaced specific restrictions on most types of businesses—including restaurants, manufacturing and construction, and places of worship—with general mask-wearing and social distancing guidance.

July 2021

• July 6: Effective Tuesday, July 6, most of the state’s courthouses reopened to in-person proceedings. A Vermont Judiciary news release said some small or poorly ventilated courthouses would stay closed. The release also said that because some judges will choose to hold remote proceedings, visitors should check with the courthouse before arriving in-person.

June 2021

• June 14:
  • On June 14, Gov. Phil Scott (R) lifted all remaining coronavirus restrictions in the state, including capacity restrictions and mask requirements for unvaccinated individuals. The restrictions were lifted after 80% of eligible state residents received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Reopening had initially been scheduled for July 4.
  • On June 11, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced there would be new walk-in vaccination clinics open statewide over the weekend. A full list of vaccination sites can be found here.
• June 7: On Friday, June 4, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced a series of weekend pop-up vaccination clinics around the state. The clinics are part of an effort to get 80% of eligible residents inoculated with at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Scott said that if the state reached that 80% threshold, then he would end remaining COVID-19 restrictions. At the time of the announcement, the state said 78.6% of residents had received at least one shot.

May 2021

• May 24: On Friday, May 21, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced the state will remove its remaining COVID-19 restrictions once 80% of eligible residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Vermont is currently scheduled to end its COVID-19 restrictions on July 4. At the time of Scott’s press conference, 70% of the eligible population had received at least one dose of a vaccine.
• May 3: On Saturday, May 1, Gov. Phil Scott (R) revised the outdoor mask mandate for vaccinated and non-vaccinated residents and visitors. Masks are only required in crowded settings when social distancing isn’t possible. Scott also changed indoor gatherings restrictions to allow one unvaccinated individual per 100 square feet with a maximum of 150 unvaccinated people. Additionally, Scott replaced specific restrictions on most types of businesses—including restaurants, manufacturing and construction, and places of worship—with general mask-wearing and social distancing guidance.

April 2021

• April 29: On April 29, part-time Vermont residents are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Part-time residents include college students and people who own second homes in the state.
• April 22: On April 29, part-time Vermont residents will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Part-time residents include college students and people who own second homes in the state.
• April 19: Residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 19
• April 12:
  • All residents 30 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 12. Previously, residents 40 and older were eligible.
  • The state’s phased reopening plan started April 9 with an easing of the statewide travel restrictions. Additionally, businesses in Group A, which includes outdoor businesses, retail operations, and low or no contact professional services, are no longer required to follow sector-specific guidance. Instead, those businesses must follow universal guidance, which includes keeping employees home if they are sick and requiring that all employees wear masks.
• April 6: On Tuesday, April 6, Gov. Phil Scott (R) released a phased reopening plan. The plan, which begins April 9 with an easing of the statewide travel restrictions, unfolds in three phases, with the aim of ending all coronavirus restrictions and mandates by July.
• April 5:
  • Effective April 5, residents 40 and older are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
  • On Thursday, April 1, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced on Twitter that residents 16 and older who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that out-of-state students and out-of-state homeowners will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 30.

March 2021

• March 31: On Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Phil Scott (R) said that out-of-state college students are ineligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Scott said that could change in the future if the state receives enough vaccine doses.
• March 29: On March 29, vaccine eligibility expandsto include people 50 and older. Previously, everyone 60 and older became eligible for vaccination on March 25.
• March 25:
  • Residents 60 and older are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting March 25.
  • On March 24, bars reopened to indoor service under the same rules that previously applied to restaurants. Those rules include a 50% occupancy limit, no standing or mingling, and no more than six people per table. Organizations like the American Legion and Elks Lodge can also resume indoor operations under the same rules.
• March 19: On Friday, March 19, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that people 60 and older will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine March 25. On March 29, eligibility will expand to include people 50 and older. People 40 and older will become eligible on April 5, while those 30 and older will become eligible April 12. Scott said everyone 16 and older can access the vaccine April 19.
• March 12 : On Friday, March 12, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that, effective immediately, two non-vaccinated households can gather together at one time, and restaurants can seat up to six people from different families.
• March 11: People 16 and older with underlying health conditions, including cancer and chronic kidney disease, are now eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 8:
  • On Friday, March 5, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that fully vaccinated people can gather with other fully vaccinated people without limit. Additionally, vaccinated people in a household can gather with one unvaccinated household.
  • People aged 55 and older with underlying health conditions are eligible to receive vaccines beginning March 8. K-12 teachers and staff and child care workers are also eligible for vaccines.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that people aged 55 and older with underlying health conditions will become eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccines beginning March 8. People aged 16 and older with underlying health conditions can receive the vaccines March 15. Additionally, beginning March 8, K-12 teachers and staff, and child care workers, will become eligible for the coronavirus vaccines.
• March 1: On Monday, March 1, people aged 65 and older became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

February 2021

• February 26: Gatherings are allowed at nursing homes whose residents have been fully vaccinated starting Feb. 26.
• February 23: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that fully vaccinated residents who travel to another state will no longer need to quarantine when returning to Vermont beginning Feb. 23. Fully vaccinated residents will receive cards that they can display upon request when traveling in or out of the state. Scott also said that fully vaccinated out-of-state travelers will not need to quarantine if they can provide proof of vaccination. Additionally, Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that fully vaccinated residents at long-term care facilities where there is no outbreak may participate in congregate activities if the facility is within the federal guidance for COVID-19 positivity rates.
• February 19: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that fully vaccinated out-of-state travelers will no longer need to quarantine upon entering the state beginning Feb. 23. Scott also announced that gatherings will be allowed on Feb. 26 at nursing homes whose residents have been fully vaccinated.
• February 16:
  • On Sunday, Feb. 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) extended the coronavirus state of emergency.
  • On Tuesday, Feb. 16, residents age 70 and above became eligible to register to receive coronavirus vaccines.
• February 12: On Feb. 12, school and youth sports leagues and games are resuming with restrictions. Teams are limited to two games a week, and parents cannot attend.
• February 8: On Friday, Feb. 5, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore announced that school and youth sports leagues and games can resume Feb. 12 with restrictions. Teams will be limited to two games a week, and parents will not be allowed to attend.

January 2021

• January 25: Effective Jan. 25, people age 75 and older are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Gov. Phill Scott (R) made the announcement Friday, Jan. 22.
• January 19: On Friday. Jan. 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that people age 75 and older will become eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine when the next phase of the state’s distribution plan goes into effect Jan. 25.

December 2020

• December 23: On Tuesday, Dec. 22, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced he was temporarily lifting a ban on multi-household gatherings for the holidays. Between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, households can gather with one other household. If a gathering occurs that involves a household from outside Vermont, all participants must quarantine for 14 days. Participants can end their quarantine early if they receive a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than seven days into the quarantine.
• December 16: On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued an executive order extending the COVID-19 state of emergency through January 15, 2021. The emergency declaration includes restrictions like limits on social gatherings.

November 2020

• November 17: On Friday, Nov. 13, Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued a series of new coronavirus restrictions that were scheduled to take effect Nov. 14. The restrictions include a ban on in-person service at bars, a requirement that restaurants close by 10 p.m. each night, and a prohibition on multi-household social gatherings or holiday celebrations.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced an additional $76 million in funding for the state’s Economic Recovery Grants. The money comes from federal CARES Act funding. The state previously appropriated $152 million for the grant program.
• October 16: On Thursday, Oct. 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) extended the state of emergency through Nov. 15.

September 2020

• September 23: On Sept. 22, Vermont Education Secretary Dan French announced that schools would advance to step 3 of reopening, which allows for inter-scholastic competitions, on Sept. 26. Step 3 also permits schools to use common areas like gyms and small groups of students.
• September 18: On Sept. 18, The Agency for Commerce and Community Development released updated reopening guidance for lodgings and campgrounds and restaurants and bars. Effective immediately, multi-room lodging operations can book 100% of rooms. Restaurants and bars can allow a maximum of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors, or their maximum licensed seating capacity, whichever is less. Bar seating can reopen if there is a physical barrier separating patrons from the drink preparation area.
• September 2: On Sept. 1, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development issued new guidance that requires student athletes to wear face coverings during games and practices when social distancing isn’t possible. The guidance takes effect Sept. 8.

August 2020

• August 25: On Aug. 24, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had approved the state’s application for an additional $300 per week for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order on Aug. 8 that allows funds in the Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) program to be used to bolster state unemployment insurance programs.
• August 14: On Aug. 14, Gov. Phil Scott (R) extended the state of emergency order through Sept. 15.
• August 13: The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development updated its mandatory health and safety requirement to allow businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to decline services to individuals without face coverings. Individuals must be given an alternative way to receive services or access the business.

July 2020

• July 28: Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced on July 28 that schools will not reopen until Sept. 8. School districts will decide whether to return students to physical classrooms or offer distance learning.
• July 24: Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued an executive order requiring people older than the age of two to wear masks in public places. The mandate will take effect on Aug. 1.
• July 10: The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development issued new requirements for large outdoor venues. Effective July 10, event venues, such as football stadiums, fairgrounds, and outdoor concert venues, can exceed the 150-person cap on outdoor gatherings if they create additional areas spaced 25 feet apart with physical barriers. People in the distinct areas cannot interact with those in other distinct areas and must be provided with separate parking, concessions and vendors, bathrooms, and entrances and exits. Event venues must maintain guest lists for each distinct area for 30 days.
• July 7: On July 7, Gov. Phil Scott (R) released guidance for universities and colleges planning on reopening in the fall, including reducing capacity in dining halls and requiring all students to receive testing at the beginning of the year.

June 2020

• June 26: Effective June 26, outdoor sporting events of up to 150 people, including spectators and participants, can resume. Spectator areas must allow for social distancing of 100 square feet per person. Additionally, restaurants and bars can operate at 50% capacity or one person per 100 square feet, with a maximum of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Places of worship are also allowed to operate according to the same guidelines.
• June 19: Effective June 19, limited outdoor visits can resume at long-term care facilities. Each resident is permitted two visitors per day. At a press conference on June 19, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that event, arts, culture, and entertainment venues and restaurants can operate at 50% capacity beginning June 26.
• June 15: Gov. Phil Scott extended Vermont’s state of emergency through July 15. The state of emergency gives Scott the authority to reopen the economy in steps and is not the same thing as the stay-at-home order, which expired in May. Additionally, effective June 15, out-of-state travelers to Vermont will need to complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative COVID-19 test result.
• June 8: Effective June 8, restaurants are permitted to reopen to indoor dining at 25% capacity or 10 total customers and staff combined, whichever is greater. Travel restrictions for out-of-state visitors from some counties in New England and New York were also lifted. The Agency of Commerce and Community said it would release a map on June 8 at 5 p.m. identifying the counties the 14-day quarantine requirement no longer applies to.
• June 1: The limit on social gatherings increased from 10 to 25 on June 1. Several close contact businesses, including fitness centers, nail salons, and tattoo parlors, can reopen at 25% capacity. Libraries, galleries, museums, and theaters reopen at 25% capacity, as well.

May 2020

• May 18: Non-essential retail businesses began reopening to in-person shopping on May 18. Businesses are limited to 25% capacity, and employees must wear face coverings.
• May 15: Statewide stay-at-home orders in five states—Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Vermont—ended on May 15. These became the 19th through 23rd states where stay-at-home orders have ended. Of those five states, three have Republican governors and two have Democratic governors.
• May 11: On Monday, May 11, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that retail businesses will be allowed to reopen May 18. Businesses will need to enforce social distancing requirements, including keeping shoppers six feet apart and only allow in 25% of the legal capacity. Employees will also be required to wear masks.
• May 8: Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that all child care programs in the state can reopen on June 1.
• May 6: Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued an order that loosens restrictions on social gatherings. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer are now allowed. Many types of outdoor recreation, such as golf and outdoor basketball games, are now allowed. Sporting or spectator events are not allowed.

Virginia

Most recent five updates

• July 1: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declined to extend the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency beyond June 30.
• June 14: On June 11, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announceda $3 million pilot for the Return to Earn Grant Program, which would match payments from certain small businesses to provide newly hired employees with a bonus of up to $1,000.
• May 28: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) ended all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and individuals effective Friday, May 28. Northam issued the order lifting all restrictions on May 14 and scheduled it to take effect May 28.
• May 6: On Thursday, May 6, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced he would end capacity limits on businesses if coronavirus cases continued to decline and vaccination rates continued to increase.
• April 30: 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.

July 2021

• July 1: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declined to extend the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency beyond June 30.

June 2021

• June 14: On June 11, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announceda $3 million pilot for the Return to Earn Grant Program, which would match payments from certain small businesses to provide newly hired employees with a bonus of up to $1,000.

May 2021

• May 28: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) ended all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and individuals effective Friday, May 28. Northam issued the order lifting all restrictions on May 14 and scheduled it to take effect May 28.
• May 6: On Thursday, May 6, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced he would end capacity limits on businesses if coronavirus cases continued to decline and vaccination rates continued to increase.

April 2021

• April 30: 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.
• April 23: On Thursday, April 22, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced a series of changes to statewide coronavirus restrictions beginning May 15. The limit on indoor gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 people, while the outdoor limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Indoor venues will be permitted to operate at 50% capacity or 1,000 people, while outdoor venues will be permitted to operate at 50% capacity with no absolute limit on the number of people allowed in. Additionally, indoor sports venues will be permitted to allow up to 250 spectators or 50% capacity, whichever is less, while outdoor venues will be permitted to seat 1,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less. Restaurants will also be allowed to sell alcohol after midnight.
• April 22: On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) amended a COVID-19 executive order to allow seating at bars, so long as patrons keep six feet apart.
• April 19: Residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting Sunday, April 18.
• April 5: On Saturday, April 3, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on Sunday, April 18.
• April 1:
  • Effective Thursday, April 1, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) eased some coronavirus restrictions. The limit on indoor social gatherings increased from 10 to 50 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings increased from 25 to 100. Indoor and outdoor events at entertainment venues are limited to 30% capacity, although indoor events are prohibited from accommodating more than 500 people. Similarly, in-person graduations are limited to 30% capacity, with no more than 5,000 people at outdoor ceremonies or 500 people indoors.
  • On April 1, Northam announced residents 16 and older will becomeeligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 18.

March 2021

• March 24: On Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced he would ease some coronavirus restrictions on April 1. The limit on indoor social gatherings will increase from 10 to 50 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings will increase from 25 to 100. Indoor and outdoor events at entertainment venues will be limited to 30% capacity, although indoor events will be prohibited from accommodating more than 500 people. Similarly, in-person graduations will be limited to 30% capacity, with no more than 5,000 people at outside ceremonies or 500 people inside.
• March 15: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) requested that schools provide in-person instruction options for students by March 15. Northam said schools could consult the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education’s updated reopening guidance released on Jan. 15 as they prepare to return students to the classroom. Although the request is not a mandate, Northam said he expects schools to comply.
• March 1: Beginning March 1, crowd limits at outdoor entertainment venues are increasing from 30% or 250 people to 30% or 1,000 people. Additionally, up to 250 spectators or 30% are permitted per field at outdoor sporting events, up from the previous limit of two spectators per participant. The outdoor gathering limit is increasing from 10 to 25 people.

February 2021

• February 24: On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced he will ease some coronavirus restrictions beginning March 1. On that day, the gathering limit on outdoor entertainment venues will increase from 30% or 250 people to 30% or 1,000 people. Additionally, up to 250 spectators or 30% will be permitted per field at outdoor sports games, up from the current limit of two spectators per participant. The outdoor gathering limit will increase from 10 to 25 people.
• February 8: On Friday, Feb. 5, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) requested that schools provide in-person learning options for students by March 15. Northam said schools could look to the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education’s updated reopening guidance released on Jan. 15 as they prepare to return students to the classroom. Although the request is not a mandate, Northam said he expected schools to comply.

January 2021

• January 28: On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) made permanent a series of COVID-19 related workplace safety and health standards. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry voted last week to adopt the rules, which established standards for businesses on things like personal protective equipment and infectious disease preparedness.
• January 15: On Thursday, Jan. 14, the Virginia Department of Education released new guidance encouraging schools to prioritize in-person learning, especially for younger students and those with disabilities.
• January 11: Effective Monday, Jan. 11, the next phase of the state’s vaccine rollout begins in 11 health districts, according to a Jan. 8 Health Department announcement. The new phase allows essential frontline workers, people age 75 and older, and people living in correctional facilities and homeless shelters to receive the vaccine.

December 2020

• December 14: On Thursday, Dec. 10, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced a statewide curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. The curfew is scheduled to take effect on Monday, Dec. 14. Northam also lowered the limit on gatherings from 25 to 10 and restricted outdoor sport spectators to two guests per player and 25 per field for indoor sports. Places of worship will be exempt from the gathering limits.

November 2020

• November 17: On Friday, Nov. 13, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued an executive order lowering the limit on indoor and outdoor public and private gatherings from 250 to 25 and requiring Virginians five and older to wear a face covering in public settings. Additionally, the order prohibits the serving of alcohol after 10:00 p.m. The order took effect Sunday, Nov. 15.

October 2020

• October 8: On Thursday, Oct. 8, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced that more than $220 million in federal aid would be distributed to K-12 public schools to support COVID-19 preparedness for the ongoing school year.
• October 1: On Oct. 1, the State Corporation Commission said that it would not extend a moratorium on utility service disconnections that expires Oct. 5. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) requested an extension of the moratorium through Dec. 1 in a letter sent earlier that day.

September 2020

• September 11: On Sept. 10, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued an executive order moving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia back into Phase Three of reopening. Northam reimposed restrictions on Hampton Roads on July 28 following a spike in coronavirus cases.

August 2020

• August 19: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed an executive order on Aug. 18 designed to reduce the strain on hospital bed capacity at state-operated psychiatric hospitals. The order says law enforcement cannot use a state hospital to temporarily detain individuals who aren’t under emergency custody if the facility is operating at 100% of the total bed capacity.

July 2020

• July 28: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued an executive order placing new restrictions on businesses in the Hampton Roads area, including the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Restaurants in the Hampton Roads area will be limited to 50% capacity for indoor dining and must stop serving alcohol after 10 p.m., and gatherings will be restricted to 50 people. The restrictions take effect on July 31.
• July 16: On July 15, Virginia became the first state to adopt mandatory workplace safety regulations related to the coronavirus pandemic. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry voted 9-2 to require employers to enforce social distancing and face coverings for public-facing employees.
• July 1: Virginia entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan on July 1, further easing restrictions on businesses and gatherings. As many as 250 people can gather together, and gyms can operate at 75% capacity. Most businesses can operate without capacity restrictions, so long as they provide enough space for social distancing. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced late Tuesday, June 30, that bar areas in restaurants would remain closed in Phase 3, a reversal from the original plan.

June 2020

• June 23: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced the commonwealth would enter Phase Three of the reopening plan on July 1. In Phase Three, gatherings of up to 250 people will be permitted, and retailers and restaurants will no longer have capacity restrictions.
• June 18: At a press conference on June 18, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) revealed details about Phase Three of the reopening plan. Among the changes included in Phase Three, gatherings of up to 250 people will be permitted, and capacity restrictions on restaurants and retail will be lifted. Gyms and fitness centers will be permitted to operate at 75% capacity. Northam did not give a date for when Virginia will enter Phase 3.
• June 12: Northern Virginia, the city of Richmond, and Accomack County entered Phase 2 of the reopening plan on June 12. All of Virginia is now in Phase 2, which permits restaurants to operate at 50% capacity and the limit on social gatherings to increase to 50. Outdoor movie theaters and performing arts venues are allowed to reopen with restrictions.
• June 10: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced that schools would reopen to in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. The state released guidance for a three-phase reopening. Phase One has remote learning as the dominant teaching strategy, while Phase Two allows in-person instruction for preschool through third grade, and Phase Three allows in-person instruction for all students. Phase One is effective immediately, but the guidelines and comments from the governor did not indicate when schools could move to additional phases.
• June 5: Effective June 5, much of the state entered Phase 2 of the reopening plan. Restaurants and breweries are permitted to offer indoor seating at 50% capacity to parties of up to 50 people. All retail businesses are permitted to reopen at 50% capacity. Gyms can reopen at 30% capacity. Richmond and Northern Virginia will remain in Phase 1.

May 2020

• May 29: On May 29, Northern Virginia, as well as Richmond and Accomack County, moved into Phase One of the “Forward Virginia” reopening plan. Face coverings are also required in public indoor settings statewide for people 10 years and older.
• May 20: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said he has not decided if Northern Virginia will enter Phase One of the state’s reopening plan as it is scheduled to on May 29. Much of Virginia began reopening on May 15, but Northam delayed the start of reopening in Northern Virginia and the independent cities, including Arlington and Fairfax, over concerns about rising coronavirus cases. Northam also allowed Richmond to delay reopening until May 29 after the mayor asked to be granted an exemption.
• May 19: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced that Virginia Beach would reopen on May 22. Northam said group activities, like volleyball, would not be allowed. Beach parking garages and lots will be limited to 50% capacity.
• May 15: The first phase of Virginia’s reopening plan began on May 15, for many parts of the state except Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, Vienna, Alexandria. On May 14, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) approved requests from the City of Richmond and Accomack County to delay entering Phase 1 until May 29. The Accomack County Board of Supervisors and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney cited high rates of COVID-19 infections relative to the rest of the state to justify the delay. In the parts of Virginia entering phase one, retail stores can reopen at 50% capacity, and bars and restaurants will also be able to offer outdoor dining at 50% capacity. Many types of businesses will remain closed, including entertainment and public amusement venues. Places of worship can hold services at 50% occupancy.
• May 12: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced on May 12 that he had signed an executive order allowing Northern Virginia to delay entering the first phase of the reopening plan until May 29. The first phase of Virginia’s reopening plan is scheduled to start Friday, May 15. Officials in some northern counties had requested more time to deal with coronavirus cases.
• May 4: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) extended an executive order restricting certain businesses from May 8 to May 14 Monday afternoon. He said his administration will monitor data on new cases, hospital bed capacity, and personal protective equipment to determine whether the state will enter Phase 1 of reopening May 15. Phase 1 will allow retail establishments, gyms, churches, and more to reopen under physical distancing, cleaning, and workplace safety guidelines. Virginia is a Democratic trifecta.

April 2020

• April 27: Gov. Ralph Northam (D) released a plan that would allow Virginia businesses to begin reopening under safety restrictions, social distancing requirements, and recommended public face coverings. The first phase would begin after the state increases its testing capacity, number of available hospital beds, and supply of personal protective equipment while experiencing a two-week decline in positive coronavirus tests and hospitalizations. Virginia is a Democratic trifecta.

Washington

Most recent five updates

• July 22: On Tuesday, July 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) repealed two COVID-19 orders. The orders waived deadlines related to judicial protection orders, mandated that agricultural businesses implement a paid leave program for workers, and prohibited deductions for lump sum unemployment payments
• July 6: On Friday, July 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide utilities moratorium through Sept. 30. The moratorium prohibits utility companies from charging late fees or disconnecting customers for failure to pay bills while the state is under a state of emergency. Inslee said this would be the final extension.
• June 30: On Wednesday, June 30, nearly all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and individuals ended. Indoor events with more than 10,000 attendees continue to be limited to 75% capacity through at least July 31.
• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) suspended capacity limits on government and nonprofit cooling centers in response to a heatwave affecting the region. Under current COVID-19 restrictions, indoor venues cannot operate at more than 50% capacity. Inslee’s order does not apply to for-profit businesses like movie theaters that provide air conditioned spaces.
• June 25: On Thursday, June 23, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide moratorium on evictions through Sept. 30. Under the order, landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent between Feb. 29, 2020, and July 31, 2021. Beginning Aug. 1, the order requires tenants to begin paying full rent. The order also requires landlords to offer tenants a repayment plan before beginning the eviction process.

July 2021

• July 22: On Tuesday, July 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) repealed two COVID-19 orders. The orders waived deadlines related to judicial protection orders, mandated that agricultural businesses implement a paid leave program for workers, and prohibited deductions for lump sum unemployment payments
• July 6: On Friday, July 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide utilities moratorium through Sept. 30. The moratorium prohibits utility companies from charging late fees or disconnecting customers for failure to pay bills while the state is under a state of emergency. Inslee said this would be the final extension.

June 2021

• June 30: On Wednesday, June 30, nearly all statewide coronavirus restrictions on businesses and individuals ended. Indoor events with more than 10,000 attendees continue to be limited to 75% capacity through at least July 31.
• June 28: On Friday, June 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) suspended capacity limits on government and nonprofit cooling centers in response to a heatwave affecting the region. Under current COVID-19 restrictions, indoor venues cannot operate at more than 50% capacity. Inslee’s order does not apply to for-profit businesses like movie theaters that provide air conditioned spaces.
• June 25: On Thursday, June 23, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide moratorium on evictions through Sept. 30. Under the order, landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent between Feb. 29, 2020, and July 31, 2021. Beginning Aug. 1, the order requires tenants to begin paying full rent. The order also requires landlords to offer tenants a repayment plan before beginning the eviction process.
• June 22: On Monday, June 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) ended three COVID-19 executive orders. The first suspended job search requirements for workers receiving unemployment benefits, the second provided protections for high-risk workers, and the third limited fees that food delivery services could charge to customers.
• June 18: On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a vaccine incentive initiative for military members and veterans. “A Heroes Thanks” will award prizes in a weekly drawing over the span of three weeks, beginning July 20. Prizes will include cash, Amazon gift cards, and state park passes. The initiative will end in the third week with a $250,000 cash prize.
• June 14: On June 10, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended a proclamation allowing for the expansion of the Family Emergency Assistance Program, allowing individuals and families without children to apply for benefits through the program.
• June 10: On Wednesday, June 9, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) confirmed that venues that can hold 10,000 or more people will still be restricted to 75% capacity once the state lifts most COVID-19 restrictions. Inslee said he would lift most restrictions once 70% of eligible residents get vaccinated.
• June 8: On June 7, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced “Joints for Jabs,” an initiative to encourage adults 21 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Under the initiative, adults who receive at least one dose of a vaccine are eligible to get a free marijuana joint from a state-licensed dispensary.
• June 4: On Thursday, June 3, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced “Shot of a Lifetime,” a vaccine incentive initiative to encourage residents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinated individuals will be automatically entered into a weekly drawing for a $250,000 cash prize, culminating in a final drawing at the end of the month for a $1,000,000 prize. Vaccinated residents could also win higher education tuition credits, airline and sports game tickets, and gift cards.

May 2021

• May 24: On Friday, May 21, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a proclamation that protects workers who take time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or recover from side effects. Inslee also issued an updated mask order that, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidance, says fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a face covering.
• May 19: On Tuesday, May 18, the state Department of Health moved four counties from Phase 2 of reopening to Phase 3, meaning that all Washington counties are now in Phase 3. Under Phase 3, outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, while indoor gatherings are limited to 10. Businesses like retail stores and bars and restaurants can operate at 50% capacity.
• May 14: On Thursday, May 13, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear a mask while indoors. The mandate still applies to unvaccinated people, or people who have not completed both doses of a two-dose vaccination schedule.
• May 5: On Tuesday, May 5, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was pausing the reopening plan for two weeks while officials evaluate COVID-19 data. The pause means that all counties will remain in their current phase of reopening.
• May 4: On Monday, May 3, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued updated guidance for spectator events and religious services. The new guidance for spectator events, including sporting events and graduations, allows indoor and outdoor facilities to increase capacity by adding sections for fully vaccinated people. Outdoor events can increase capacity to 50% or 22,000 people, whichever is less. Unvaccinated people cannot comprise more than 9,000 total people. Indoor facilities can expand capacity to 50% or 2000 people, whichever is fewer. For counties in Phase 2 of reopening, facilities cannot allow more than 200 unvaccinated people, or 300 for areas larger than 100,000 square feet. For counties in Phase 3 of reopening, facilities cannot allow more than 400 people, or 600 for rooms with more than 100,000 square feet. For religious facilities in Phase 2 counties, capacity can increase to 50% with vaccinated-only sections.
• May 3: On Friday, April 30, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order allowing fully vaccinated residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes to gather together without masks.

April 2021

• April 28: On Tuesday, April 27, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to wear a mask while gathering or dining outdoors in small groups.
• April 19: Public schools must offer all K-12 students at least 30% in-person instruction every week by April 19. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed the proclamation March 15. Previously, elementary schools had to provide students at least two partial days of in-person instruction by April 5.
• April 13: On Monday, April 12, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that he was moving Cowlitz County, Pierce County, and Whitman County back to Phase 2 of reopening on Friday, April 16. Currently, all counties are in Phase 3 of reopening. On April 9, Inslee announced that counties would be moved backward if they failed two metrics on new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Previously, a county only needed to fail one metric to move backward in reopening. Under Phase 2, the indoor capacity limit for restaurants, worship services, gyms, and retail stores is 25%. Counties are evaluated on their metrics every three weeks.
• April 12: On Friday, April 9, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) changed the guidelines that determine if a county moves back to a more restrictive phase in the state’s reopening plan. Previously, counties could be moved backward if they failed one of two metrics on new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Now, counties must fail both criteria to be moved back. Large and small counties have different requirements for new cases and hospitalizations. Currently, all counties are in Phase 3 of reopening.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 15.

March 2021

• March 26: On Thursday, March 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) ordered all K-12 schools to follow updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distance guidance, which says students should keep three feet apart.
• March 25: On Wednesday, March 24, the state Department of Health confirmed that all residents 16 and older will become eligible for a vaccine on May 1.
• March 22: All counties advanced to Phase 3 of reopening on March 22. Phase 3 limits capacity at businesses like restaurants and movie theaters to 50% and allows up to 400 people to gather at indoor and outdoor events if mask usage is enforced and people keep six feet apart.
• March 17: Effective Wednesday, March 17, people in Phase 1B2 of the state’s vaccination plan became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Phase 1B2 includes high-risk critical workers in industries such as agriculture, grocery stores, and public transit, as well as people 16 and older who are pregnant or at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 because of a disability.
• March 15: On Friday, March 12, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said he would soon issue an emergency proclamation requiring elementary schools to provide students at least two partial days of in-person instruction by April 5. Schools must provide older students the same by April 19. As of March 15, Inslee had not signed the proclamation.
• March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that all counties will advance to Phase 3 of reopening on March 22. Phase 3 limits capacity at businesses like restaurants and movie theaters to 50% and allows up to 400 people to gather at indoor and outdoor events so long as mask usage is enforced and people keep six feet apart.
• March 5: On Thursday, March 4, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced the next phase of eligibility would begin March 22 and include grocery store employees, agriculture workers, firefighters, public transit workers, and people in law enforcement. Inslee said the timeline was dependent on vaccine supplies.
• March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that K-12 teachers and child care workers can receive the coronavirus vaccines, effective immediately.
• March 1: On Sunday, Feb. 28, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a bill waiving the 2021 liquor license fee for restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

February 2021

• February 22: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed House Bill 1368, which allocates $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief to schools, testing and vaccination efforts, eviction and rental assistance, child care, food banks, and other needs.
• February 17: On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced the state is adding an additional 48 schools to a coronavirus testing program. The program, which 13 school districts piloted earlier this month, supplies districts with same-day coronavirus tests. The districts decide who is eligible to be tested.
• February 16: Five of the eight regions in Washington’s reopening plan advanced to the second phase on Sunday, Feb. 14. In the second phase, indoor dining can resume at 25% capacity, while gyms and entertainment venues, like bowling alleys, can reopen at 25% capacity. Only the South Central region, comprising six of the state’s 39 counties, remains in the first phase.
• February 1: 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.

January 2021

• January 19: On Monday, Jan. 18, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that individuals 65 and older are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. He also announced the creation of the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center, a new mobilization effort to administer 45,000 vaccines a day with help from the National Guard and volunteers.
• January 13: On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order allowing statewide elected officials to be sworn in remotely, instead of at the Washington state capitol building.
• January 11: Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) Healthy Washington plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions is effective Jan. 11. The new two-phased plan divides the state into eight regions and replaces the current county-level reopening plan. Each region begins in Phase 1, which limits capacity at gyms and prohibits indoor dining and at-home indoor gatherings with people outside the household. Phase 2 eases restrictions, which includes allowing restaurants to reopen at 50%.
• January 6: On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced “Healthy Washington,” a new plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions that will go into effect Jan. 11. The new two-phased plan, which divides the state into eight regions, replaces the current county-level reopening plan. Each region begins in Phase 1, which limits capacity at gyms and prohibits indoor dining and at-home indoor gatherings with people outside the household. Phase 2 eases restrictions, which includes allowing restaurants to reopen at 50%.
• January 4: On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 11.

December 2020

• December 17: On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated school reopening guidance for returning students to the classroom. The guidance, which isn’t binding, gives schools three options based on the level of COVID-19 spread. For schools in counties with low spread, the guidance recommends in-person learning for all students. For schools in counties with moderate spread, the guidance recommends a phased approach that starts with elementary students and increases by grade level. In counties with high COVID-19 spread, the guidance recommends in-person learning in small groups for elementary and high-need students only.
• December 10: On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was extending statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the prohibition on indoor dining and the closure of indoor gym activities, through Jan. 4.
• December 9: On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was extending current COVID-19 restrictions, which include a prohibition on indoor dining and gyms, through Jan. 4. The restrictions also limit outdoor gatherings to five people and prohibit indoor gatherings with people outside of a person’s household unless they have quarantined for a week and received a negative COVID-19 test.
• December 7: On Dec. 4, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order that adds vaccine carriers to the list of commercial drivers exempt from commercial driver hour regulations.
• December 3: On Dec. 2, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued an order clarifying that religious organizations can hold outdoor gatherings with up to 200 people, so long as social distancing is followed and participants wear face coverings.

November 2020

• November 30: On Wednesday, Nov. 25, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he was strengthening existing requirements for non-urgent medical and dental procedures. The amended order includes requirements related to the increased use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), testing, and social distancing.
• November 18: On Sunday, Nov. 14, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that all counties would need to reimpose some coronavirus restrictions. Effective Nov. 16, social gatherings with members of a different household are prohibited unless those individuals quarantine for 14 days or quarantine for seven days and receive a negative COVID-19 test. Additionally, outdoor social gatherings are limited to five people from outside the household. The new restrictions also include closing gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and capacity restrictions on retail stores. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, restaurants and bars are closed to indoor service, while outdoor service is limited to a maximum of five people.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued updated guidance for religious and faith-based organizations. The updated guidance says that physical distancing between non-household members must be six feet in all directions. The guidance now allows for “brief physical contact among up to five individuals, excluding religious leaders, if the brief contact is a critical component to the organization’s religious service, so long as masks are worn and hands are sanitized immediately before and after the contact.” Inslee also opened the state’s Immigrant Relief Fund to applicants who were unable to access federal stimulus programs due to their immigration status.
• October 21: Gov. Jay Inslee announced (D) new guidelines for colleges and universities. Some of the guidelines include: masks are required at all times when students are outside of their sleeping room, no more than two people may share a sleeping room, and only five people may be in one place at the same time.
• October 14: On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that he would ease restrictions in five counties, allowing them to advance to Phase 2 of the reopening plan.
• October 9: On Thursday, Oct. 8, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the statewide moratorium on evictions through Dec. 31.

September 2020

• September 22: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced agritourism activities (like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches) can reopen in Modified Phase 1 counties if they comply with Phase 2 requirements for the industry.
• September 17: On Sept. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidelines allowing for wedding and funeral ceremonies of up to 30 people or 25% of the maximum building capacity in counties in Phase 2 and 3 of reopening. Ceremonies are subject to several restrictions, including face covering requirements (except for the bride and groom) and social distancing. Wedding receptions cannot last more than three hours, and ceremony hosts are encouraged to keep logs of guests for up to two weeks.
• September 14: On Sept. 11, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidance allowing indoor fitness and training facilities in counties in the Modified Phase 1 of reopening to operate under Phase 2 guidelines. Those facilities can offer indoor services and group classes with capacity restrictions of 200 square feet per person. Masks are required for all staff and customers.

August 2020

• August 11: On Aug. 10, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidance for religious and faith-based organizations. In counties in Phase 1 of reopening, organizations can hold outdoor services with up to 100 people. In counties in Phase 2, up to 200 people can gather for outdoor services, and up to 200 people or 25% of the room’s capacity (whichever is less) can gather indoors. In counties in Phase 3, indoor services can accommodate up to 50 percent of the room’s capacity or 400 people, while up to 400 people can gather for outdoor services.
• August 10: Gyms and fitness centers in counties in Phase Two or Phase Three of reopening must allow at least 300 square feet of space per customer. For gyms or fitness centers larger than 12,000 square feet, occupancy is limited to 25%.
• August 7: On Aug. 6, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a phased reopening plan for long-term care facilities. Starting Aug. 12, facilities can submit an application to the state to begin the reopening process. The plan eases restrictions on visitations as facilities move through the phases of reopening.
• August 5: On Aug. 4, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that the Washington Legislature had extended two of his COVID-19 proclamations through September 1. Inslee had requested the extensions in a July 23 letter. One proclamation says CARES Act payments and state and federal unemployment benefits may not be garnished for consumer debt. The other allows dental, dental hygiene, and pharmacy graduates to obtain temporary licenses.
• August 4: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated fitness guidance on Aug. 3 for counties in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of reopening, including a requirement that occupancy may not exceed 25% in large exercise facilities (more than 12,000 square feet).

July 2020

• July 24: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced new activity restrictions, effective July 30. Weddings and funerals will be limited to 20% capacity (with a maximum of 30 people) and event receptions will be prohibited. In Phase 3 counties, restaurants will be limited to 50% capacity, members of the same table will have to be from the same family, and the maximum number of people at a table will decrease to five. Bars will be closed for indoor service (outdoor service will still be permitted). Gym occupancy will be reduced to 25% in Phase 3 (or five people in Phase 2). Indoor entertainment venues (like bowling alleys and arcades) will not be allowed to open in Phase 3, while movie theaters will be limited to 25% capacity. Secretary of Health John Wiesman also said he would expand the state’s mask order to require face coverings in all common spaces, effective July 25. Such spaces will include elevators, hallways, university housing, hotels, and nursing homes.
• July 20: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) reduced the limit on gatherings in counties in Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan from 50 people to 10, effective July 20. Inslee also issued a statewide ban on live music, including drive-in concerts and music in restaurants.
• July 16: The Washington Legislature extended three proclamations at the behest of Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued in response to the coronavirus. The proclamations modified regulations related to shared work benefits, dental and pharmacy licensing, and in-person visits for foster care children. The proclamations were extended through Aug. 1.
• July 15: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced on July 14 that no Washington counties would advance to the next phase of reopening until at least July 28. Inslee first paused reopening on June 29.
• July 8: On July 7, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that businesses are prohibited from serving customers in public settings who do not wear face coverings. Customers are likewise prohibited from entering businesses without a face covering. Inslee also modified Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the reopening plan to prohibit bars and taverns from offering bar-style seating and live music.

June 2020

• June 29: On June 27, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said the state would stop counties from advancing to Phase 4 of the reopening plan. Although no counties had been moved into Phase 4 as of the time of the announcement, eight were scheduled to do so.
• June 26: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed into law a statewide mask mandate that takes effect on June 26. People must wear a face covering in indoor and outdoor public spaces. Masks are not required outdoors if six feet of space can be maintained between people. Children under two are exempt from the mandate.
• June 18: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated guidelines for religious services on June 18. Counties in Phase 3 of the Safe Start reopening plan can hold services indoors with up to 400 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less. For counties in the modified Phase 1 or Phase 2, indoor services can take place with up to 200 people or 25% capacity, whichever is less.
• June 12: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released guidance for card rooms to reopen in Phase 2 of the reopening plan. The guidance states that capacity in the card room designated area of each facility is capped at 25% or 40 individuals. Facilities must also conduct temperature checks at points of entry.
• June 11: On Wednesday, June 10, the Secretary of Health approved applications from three counties to advance to the next phase of reopening. Asotin County was approved to enter Phase 3, while Chelan and Douglas counties were approved to enter a modified Phase 1.
• June 5: Five counties were approved to move into the second phase of the state’s four-phase reopening plan, bringing the total in Phase 2 to 26. In Phase 2, up to five people can gather outside of the house and restaurants and taverns can allow indoor seating at 50% capacity. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a modified plan that allows counties in Phase 1 to adopt some of the looser restrictions in Phase 2. King County, the state’s most populous, applied for and was allowed to move into the modified Phase 1 plan on June 5. Three counties have moved into Phase 3.
• June 3: Following the expiration of the stay-at-home order on May 31 and the transition to a fully regional approach to reopening, three counties on June 3 applied to advance to Phase 3 of the reopening plan. Counties must stay in Phase 2 for three weeks before they can apply to move to the next stage. In Phase 3, theaters and gyms can reopen at 50% capacity, and public gatherings can include up to 50 people.
• June 1: The state’s stay-at-home order expired on May 31. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed a new “Safe Start - Stay Healthy’’ proclamation that transitions the reopening plan to a fully county-by-county approach. This gives counties more flexibility to move through the four phases of the reopening plan. Counties that remain in Phase One have the option to apply for and enter a modified Phase One plan, which allows the county to adopt some Phase Two activities. It was the 31st state to end a stay-at-home order (along with others that expired on May 31).

May 2020

• May 28: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced new gathering requirements for houses of worship at a press conference on May 27. In all phases, limits exclude staff. In counties that have entered Phase 1, outdoor services with up to 100 people are permitted. For counties in Phase 2, indoor services with up to 50 people or 25% capacity (whichever is less) are permitted. Religious communities may also hold in-home services in a private residence with up to 5 people. Staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings at all times and keep six feet of distance from other individuals or groups.
• May 27: Secretary of Health John Weisman approved three new counties to move into Phase 2 of the reopening plan, bringing the total number of counties in Phase 2 to 24. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated rules for outdoor recreation, allowing zoos in counties that have moved into Phase 2 to reopen at 25% capacity.
• May 26: On Saturday, May 23, Secretary of Health Jonn Weisman permitted seven counties to advance to Phase 2 of the reopening plan. Twenty-one of Washington's 39 counties have moved into Phase 2. Counties can apply to move into Phase 2 if they have an average of less than 10 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over a 14 days.
• May 19: On May 18, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that medical services like dentists and family practices may reopen immediately if they meet certain requirements: maintain enough personal protective equipment for staff, enforce social distancing, and check patients for COVID-19 symptoms. Asotin County became the 10th county to move into the second phase of Inslee’s (D) reopening plan.
• May 18: On May 15, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said restaurants will not be required to maintain a list of customer contact information to reopen, as originally planned. Restaurants are asked to maintain a list of customers who voluntarily share that information.
• May 15: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said he could not guarantee that Washington would be ready to move to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan by June 1. Inslee said advancing to the next phase will depend on infection rates and contact tracing and isolation initiatives in Washington counties.
• May 14: Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released guidance for personal service and professional service businesses in counties allowed to move into Phase 2 before the rest of the state. Under the reopening plan, counties with fewer than 75,000 people with no new COVID-19 cases in the three previous weeks can apply for a waiver to move into the second phase early. According to the guidance Inslee released May 13, if a county is allowed to move into Phase 2, personal services, including barbers and tattoo artists, and professional services, including accountants and attorneys, can reopen May 13 so long as they can meet all safety and health requirements.
• May 5: Washington began the first stage of its four-phase reopening plan Tuesday. During the first stage, individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are encouraged to stay home and gatherings of any size, (except drive-in spiritual services) are prohibited. Golf courses are allowed to reopen with restrictions, and people can go fishing and hunting again. Landscaping services, car washes, and some construction businesses can reopen. Retail stores can begin curbside pick-up. Each phase will last a minimum of three weeks.

West Virginia

Most recent five updates

• June 21:
  • On Sunday, June 20, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he signed an order lifting the statewide indoor mask requirement.
  • The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Jim Justice (R) made the announcement May 14.
• May 28: On Thursday, May 27, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced new details on a COVID-19 vaccine incentive initiative. People who have or will receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into drawings for prizes beginning June 20. Prizes will include cash, college scholarships, and pickup trucks. Justice said he will announce more details at a press conference Tuesday, June 1.
• May 27: On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated spectator event guidance. Under the new rules, the occupancy limit for outdoor venues increased from 25% to 50%, with no more than 9,000 spectators allowed. Inslee also removed a requirement that vaccinated spectators have a separate entrance/exit.
• May 14: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he would issue an order in the afternoon to exempt fully vaccinated individuals from the statewide mask mandate. Justice said the mandate would remain in place for unvaccinated people through June 20.
• May 10: On Friday, May 7, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he would end the statewide mask mandate on June 20.

June 2021

• June 21:
  • On Sunday, June 20, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he signed an order lifting the statewide indoor mask requirement.
  • The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Jim Justice (R) made the announcement May 14.

May 2021

• May 28: On Thursday, May 27, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced new details on a COVID-19 vaccine incentive initiative. People who have or will receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into drawings for prizes beginning June 20. Prizes will include cash, college scholarships, and pickup trucks. Justice said he will announce more details at a press conference Tuesday, June 1.
• May 27: On Wednesday, May 26, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) released updated spectator event guidance. Under the new rules, the occupancy limit for outdoor venues increased from 25% to 50%, with no more than 9,000 spectators allowed. Inslee also removed a requirement that vaccinated spectators have a separate entrance/exit.
• May 14: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he would issue an order in the afternoon to exempt fully vaccinated individuals from the statewide mask mandate. Justice said the mandate would remain in place for unvaccinated people through June 20.
• May 10: On Friday, May 7, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he would end the statewide mask mandate on June 20.
• May 3:
  • Summer camps were allowed to reopen starting May 1.
  • Fairs and festivals were also allowed to resume May 1 in accordance with state restrictions and guidelines.

April 2021

• April 28: On Monday, April 26, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced an initiative to give a $100 savings bond to people age 16 to 35 who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The initiative will be retroactive to include anyone in that age group who has already gotten vaccinated.
• April 22: On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he would end the statewide indoor mask mandate if 70% of state residents receive at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine.
• April 20: On Monday, April 19, Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an executive order clarifying which COVID-19 orders are still in effect and updating some restrictions. For example, Justice removed the limit on social gatherings and amended the statewide indoor mask requirement to no longer require people engaged in activities like sports to wear a face covering.

March 2021

• March 26: On Wednesday, March 24, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that all live music performances will be allowed to resume Friday, March 26, and that summer camps will be allowed to reopen May 1. Justice also announced that the state’s color-coded County Alert System will no longer be used to determine if high schools can reopen for in-person instruction. High schools will join all other schools in offering full-time, in-person instruction unless there is a COVID-19 active outbreak.
• March 22:
  • On Monday, March 22, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that effective immediately, people 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
  • On Monday, March 22, Justice announced that fairs and festivals can resume May 1. He said more information on rules and guidelines related to those events will be forthcoming.
• March 16: On Monday, March 15, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he expanded the list of health conditions that qualify people age 16 and older for a coronavirus vaccine. Additionally, Justice announced that all essential workers are now eligible for a vaccine.
• March 8: On Friday, March 5, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he was ending capacity limits on restaurants, bars, retail and grocery stores, museums, gyms, and other small businesses, effective midnight. Justice also increased the gathering limit from 75 to 100, though people must continue to wear masks and social distance.
• March 3: On Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that, effective immediately, residents 50 and older are eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines. School teachers and staff 40 and older, as well as people 16 and older with chronic medical conditions, are now eligible for the vaccines.

January 2021

• January 20: On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that all residents 65 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
• January 14: On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced the state would open up COVID-19 vaccinations to people age 70 and older.
• January 12: On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that 100% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses the state received from the federal government had been administered or were scheduled to be administered this week.
• January 7: On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced operation “Save Our Wisdom.” The effort aims to vaccinate all adults aged 80 and older, as well as Pre-K-12 school faculty age 50 and older, through a series of 10 clinics that will be held later in the week in different parts of the state.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 1: On Monday, Nov. 30, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he had asked hospitals to reevaluate the surge plans they created as part of the state’s reopening plan and consider reducing the number of elective surgeries being performed.

November 2020

• November 17: On Friday, Nov. 13, Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an executive order requiring all individuals to wear a mask in indoor public spaces unless eating or drinking. Individuals who are alone in a room are exempt from the requirement. Previously, Justice’s mask mandate had allowed for the removal of masks in cases where social distancing was possible.

October 2020

• October 22: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced the distribution of $25 million in CARES Act funding to help individuals pay utility bills. Public Service Districts will distribute the money to utility customers with unpaid utility bills from March 1-July 31 as a result of coronavirus-related economic hardship.
• October 13: Bars in Morgantown, where West Virginia University is located, can reopen on Oct. 13. Gov. Jim Justice (R) ordered bars closed in the area on Sept. 2.
• October 9: On Friday, Oct. 9, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that bars in Morgantown, where West Virginia University is located, can reopen on Oct. 13. Justice ordered bars closed in the area on Sept. 2.
• October 6: On Monday, Oct. 5, Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an executive order allowing live outdoor music performances to resume so long as crowds are restricted to 25% capacity or 250 individuals, whichever is less. Indoor live music performances which are streamed across the internet without crowds are permitted to resume.

September 2020

• September 15: On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced he was adding a new color—gold—to the color-coding system that determines how schools can reopen. Counties with between 10 and 14.9 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people will be classified as gold. While in-person learning is allowed in gold counties, there are limits on gatherings and sports travel.
• September 2: On Sept. 2, Gov. Jim Justice (R) closed bars in Monongalia County, two days after allowing them to reopen. He first closed bars in Monongalia in July following a spike in coronavirus cases in that area. Justice did not provide a timeline for when bars can reopen.
• September 1: On Aug. 31, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that student athletes in counties with between 10 and 24.9 cases per 100,000 could begin playing sports immediately if they test negative for coronavirus. Currently, three counties are in that range, which the state designates as “orange” in its color-coded risk assessment system.

August 2020

• August 27: On Aug. 26, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced students would be permitted to participate in marching bands and cheerleading activities at football games this fall.
• August 25: On Aug. 24, Gov. Jim Justice (R) rescinded a ban on nursing home visitations in 53 counties. He banned nursing home visitations statewide on Aug. 12 following a spate of outbreaks. Nursing home visitations will remain prohibited in Monroe and Logan counties, which have more coronavirus cases.
• August 19: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced on Aug. 19 that bars in Monongalia County can reopen on Aug. 31. Justice closed bars in that county on July 13. Bars that reopen will be prohibited from offering live entertainment or dancing on dance floors.
• August 17: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced a color-coded school reopening metric for counties. Schools in green and yellow counties will be able to reopen for in-person instruction on the statewide school reentry date (currently Sept. 8, but a finalized date may not be available until Sept. 1). Schools in red and orange phase counties will be required to conduct fully remote operations. Fifty-two out of the state’s 55 counties are currently in the green or yellow phases.
• August 13: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced on Aug. 12 that he would prohibit nursing home visitations, effective at midnight, except for emergencies and end-of-life situations.
• August 6: Gov. Jim Justice (R) released reopening guidance for public schools. Justice set a target reopening date of Sept. 8 and counties are required to submit their reopening plans by Aug. 14.

July 2020

• July 27: Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an order allowing all public and private colleges and universities to reopen, effective July 24. The order allows schools to choose their own reopening dates.
• July 24: Gov. Jim Justice (R) extended the closure of bars in Monongalia County for another 10 days.
• July 14: Effective July 14, the statewide limit on gatherings decreased from 100 people to 25. Bars in Monongalia County will also be closed for 10 days.
• July 8: On July 8, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that September 8 is the target date for reopening schools.
• July 7: On July 6, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that face coverings would be required in all indoor public spaces for everyone over the age of nine. The mandate went into effect at 12:01 a.m. July 7.

June 2020

• June 23: Effective June 22, outdoor sporting events with spectators and youth sports games were allowed to resume as part of Week 9 of the reopening plan. Week 9 also permits outdoor equestrian events with spectators and summer youth camps.
• June 17: Effective June 17, visitation at nursing homes is allowed to resume with restrictions. Only facilities that haven’t had a coronavirus case in the previous 14 days can reopen.
• June 11: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that limited family visits can resume at nursing homes that haven’t had a positive coronavirus case in 14 days on Wednesday, June 17.
• June 5: Effective June 5, movie theaters and casinos can reopen at 50% capacity. The limit on gatherings also increased from 25 to 100 people.
• June 2: At a press conference on June 1, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced the state had entered Week 6 of the reopening plan and the outlined next steps. More businesses, like casinos and movie theaters, will reopen on June 5.

May 2020

• May 29: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced on May 29 that low-contact, outdoor youth sports practices can resume on June 8. Adult sports facilities, such as indoor tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts, can also reopen that day.
• May 26: The state entered the fifth week of reopening effective May 26, enabling additional businesses to reopen with restrictions. Zoos, museums and visitors centers, and indoor and outdoor bars can reopen at 50% capacity. State park cabins and lodges can also reopen for state residents only.
• May 22: Effective May 22, restaurants in West Virginia can reopen to indoor dining. Capacity is capped at 50% and social distancing guidelines must be followed.
• May 21: Indoor dining at restaurants, large retail stores, outdoor recreation rental businesses, tanning businesses, state park campgrounds for in-state residents only, and indoor shopping malls may all reopen, with restrictions, effective May 21. West Virginia is in the fourth week of its reopening plan. Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that swimming pools, bowling alleys and other forms of indoor entertainment, and spas and massage parlors can reopen in Week 5, which starts on May 25. Justice also announced that movie theaters can reopen on June 5.
• May 18: Fitness centers, gymnasiums, and recreation centers began reopening on May 18 with restrictions. Facilities are limited to 40% capacity and must keep equipment separated to allow for at least six feet of space between people. Other restrictions include keeping showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and basketball courts closed and limiting the size of group classes.
• May 11: At a press conference on Monday, May 11, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that indoor dining at restaurants could resume at 50% capacity on May 21. Restrictions on some recreational activities will also be lifted on that date, including the reopening of state park campgrounds for residents of West Virginia.
• May 7: Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an order mandating that all employees at assisted living facilities and daycare centers in the state get tested for coronavirus. The order directs the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia National Guard to oversee and carry out the testing.
• May 4: West Virginia began Week Two of its reopening plan Monday. Personal care businesses were allowed to reopen by appointment only, while outdoor dining at restaurants could also resume under social distancing restrictions. Churches and funeral homes were allowed to resume in-person services under guidelines for limited seating, physical distancing, and face covering restrictions. West Virginia is a Republican trifecta.

April 2020

• April 30: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that the statewide cumulative rate of positive test results remained below 3% for three consecutive days, triggering Week 1 of his reopening plan to begin Thursday. Week 1 includes allowing elective medical procedures, outpatient healthcare operations, and daycare operations (with enhanced testing procedures) to resume. Week 2, set to begin May 4, allows "small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, restaurants with takeaway service or outdoor dining options, religious entities and funeral homes, and professional service businesses such as hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, and pet grooming" to reopen. West Virginia is a Republican trifecta.
• April 27: Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced a six-week phased reopening plan, which would be triggered by three consecutive days of a less than 3 percent cumulative statewide positive test rate. Week one would include restarting elective surgical procedures and reopening daycares. Week two would include outdoor dining, appointment-only professional services such as barbershops, church services with social distancing, and more. Other types of businesses and facilities would reopen weeks three through six. West Virginia is a Republican trifecta.

Wisconsin

Most recent five updates

• June 30: On Tuesday, June 29, Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed a bill that would have ended Wisconsin’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs.
• June 22: On Tuesday, June 22, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced a new COVID-19 testing initiative for K-12 public, private, and charter schools. The voluntary initiative allows schools to choose from a menu of testing regimes. Options include primarily testing individuals with symptoms and testing unvaccinated, asymptomatic individuals on a routine basis. Testing services are provided to schools from the state free of charge.
• June 9: On Tuesday, June 8, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced he was re-launching the “You Stop the Spread” campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The campaign will include television, radio, and billboard ads. The campaign was initially launched in September 2020 to encourage people to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
• May 20: On Wednesday, May 19, Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued new guidance allowing vaccinated individuals to go without masks in state facilities, including the Capitol building, beginning June 1.
• April 26: On Friday, April 23, Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed Assembly Bill 23 and Assembly Bill 24. Assembly Bill 23 prohibits officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccines, while Assembly Bill 24prohibits local health officials from closing houses of worship in response to COVID-19 or any COVID-19 variant.

June 2021

• June 30: On Tuesday, June 29, Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed a bill that would have ended Wisconsin’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs.
• June 22: On Tuesday, June 22, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced a new COVID-19 testing initiative for K-12 public, private, and charter schools. The voluntary initiative allows schools to choose from a menu of testing regimes. Options include primarily testing individuals with symptoms and testing unvaccinated, asymptomatic individuals on a routine basis. Testing services are provided to schools from the state free of charge.
• June 9: On Tuesday, June 8, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced he was re-launching the “You Stop the Spread” campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The campaign will include television, radio, and billboard ads. The campaign was initially launched in September 2020 to encourage people to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

May 2021

• May 20: On Wednesday, May 19, Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued new guidance allowing vaccinated individuals to go without masks in state facilities, including the Capitol building, beginning June 1.

April 2021

• April 26: On Friday, April 23, Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed Assembly Bill 23 and Assembly Bill 24. Assembly Bill 23 prohibits officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccines, while Assembly Bill 24prohibits local health officials from closing houses of worship in response to COVID-19 or any COVID-19 variant.
• April 20: On Tuesday, April 20, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced $175 million for COVID-19 testing in schools. The Department of Health Services and the Department of Public Instruction will use the funds to develop a statewide testing program.
• April 14: 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.
• April 5: Effective Monday, April 5, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• April 1: On Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced that residents 16 and older will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on April 5.

March 2021

• March 31: On Wednesday, March 31, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Gov. Tony Evers (D) overstepped his authority when he declared several states of emergency since the start of the pandemic without input from the legislature. In the majority opinion, Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote that under the relevant state statute, only a joint resolution from the legislature can extend a state of emergency beyond 60 days. Evers first declared a state of emergency in March 2020. The ruling invalidates the current emergency order, which includes a statewide mask mandate.
• March 30: On Monday, March 29, Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed SB 183, a bill that would have given the legislature more control over the distribution of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Evers vetoed a similar proposal in February.
• March 23: On Monday, March 22, Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed a bill allowing dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Dentists must first complete eight hours of training on vaccine protocols and recording keeping.
• March 22: People with underlying health conditions, including those with cancer and diabetes, are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 22.
• March 17: On Tuesday, March 16, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced that people with underlying health conditions, including those with cancer and diabetes, will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine March 22. Evers also announced that, effective March 16, clergy, judges, prosecutors, and others in public safety are eligible to receive a vaccine.
• March 15: On Friday, March 12, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced that everyone 16 and older would be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on May 1.

February 2021

• February 19: On Friday, Feb. 19, Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed a law allowing pharmacy technicians and pharmacy tech students who’ve completed two years of school to administer vaccines.
• February 8: On Monday, Feb. 8, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced the state was partnering with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, an international healthcare organization, to open several community vaccination sites. The first will open Feb. 16 in Rock County. Evers did not say when or where subsequent sites will be opened but said the state was planning to open between six and 10 sites.
• February 5: On Thursday, Feb. 4, the Wisconsin state Assembly voted 52-42 on a resolution to end the statewide mask mandate and coronavirus public health emergency. In response, Gov. Tony Evers (D) immediately issued two new orders reestablishing the public health emergency and mask mandate. All Democrats and seven Republicans voted against the resolution. The Assembly was set to vote on the resolution last week, but Speaker Robin Vos (R) postponed the vote after a memo was released that said repealing the public health emergency could jeopardize federal funding for the state’s food stamps program. To avoid that possibility, Republicans included an amendment that allows Evers to issue public health orders for the purpose of securing federal funding. The Senate planned to vote on adopting the amendment Friday, Feb. 5.

January 2021

• January 29: On Thursday, Jan. 28, the Wisconsin state Assembly postponed voting on a resolution overturning Gov. Tony Evers’s (D) coronavirus emergency order, including the statewide mask mandate. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) postponed the vote after the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a nonpartisan agency that provides fiscal analysis to legislators, issued a memo that found approving the measure could jeopardize federal funding for the state’s food stamps program. The state Senate passed the resolution 18-13 on Jan. 26. No Democrats voted for the resolution, while two Republicans joined Democrats in voting against it.
• January 28: On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Wisconsin state Senate voted 18-13 to overturn Gov. Tony Evers’s (D) coronavirus emergency order. The order, which Evers has extended several times throughout the year, is the basis for the statewide mask mandate. The state Assembly was set to vote on the resolution Thursday, Jan. 28. If the Assembly overturns the emergency declaration, Evers would not have the authority to veto the resolution.
• January 25: Effective Jan. 25, residents age 65 and older are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
• January 20: On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued two coronavirus executive orders. The first renews the statewide public health emergency related to the pandemic, while the second extends the statewide mask mandate through March 20.

December 2020

• December 3: On Dec. 3, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced restaurants and small businesses would receive up to $45 million in aid through the We’re All in for Restaurants program. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporations, which administer the program, will use tax records to identify businesses eligible for the grants.

November 2020

• November 23: On Friday, Nov. 20, Gov. Tony Evers (D) declared a new public health emergency and issued an executive order strengthening the face-covering mandate. Under the new order, anyone five years or older is required to wear a mask while indoors or in an enclosed space when around people outside of their household. The order is set to expire in 60 days.
• November 19: On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced he would extend the statewide mask mandate into 2021. The mandate was set to expire Nov. 21. Evers did not give an exact date for when the extension would expire.

October 2020

• October 19: On Monday, Oct. 19, Judge James Babler allowed Gov. Tony Evers’ Oct. 6 order limiting public gatherings in bars and restaurants to go into effect, overturning a court ruling last week that blocked enforcement of the order while the case was being litigated. The Tavern League of Wisconsin, which filed the lawsuit along with two bars, said it would not appeal the decision.
• October 14: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Sawyer County Judge John Yackel blocked enforcement of Gov. Tony Evers’s (D) order restricting indoor gatherings while a lawsuit filed by Wisconsin restaurants and bars is litigated. Yackel’s decision requires attorneys for Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm to appear in court on Oct. 19 to argue why the order restricting gatherings should be enforced, pending a conclusion to the lawsuit.
• October 12: On Monday, Oct. 12, St. Croix County Circuit Judge R. Michael Waterman ruled that Gov. Tony Evers (D) had not exceeded his authority when he issued a mandate requiring face coverings in enclosed spaces.
• October 7: On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm issued an order limiting indoor gatherings to 25% capacity. Colleges, schools, churches, polling locations, rallies, and outdoor venues are exempt from the order.
• October 1: On Oct. 1, Gov. Tony Evers (D) and Department of Health Services-designee Andrea Palm issued an order easing licensing requirements for healthcare workers during the state of emergency. The order allows healthcare workers from other states to receive temporary licenses in Wisconsin and makes it easier for workers with lapsed licenses to reapply.

September 2020

• September 22: Gov. Tony Evers (D) extended the state’s mask requirement and public health emergency through Nov. 21.
• September 11: On Sept. 10, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, temporarily blocked restrictions on in-person learning at public and private schools in Dane County. The court agreed to hear legal challenges raised by several private schools. Because of the injunction, all schools in Dane County can reopen to in-person restrictions.

August 2020

• August 28: Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced that the state submitted a grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for an additional $300 per week for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order on Aug. 8 that allows funds in the Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) program to be used to bolster state unemployment insurance programs.

July 2020

• July 30: Gov. Tony Evers (D) declared a public health emergency and announced a mask mandate will take effect starting on Aug. 1. Everyone five years of age and older will be required to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces.
• July 9: Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued an order requiring state employees to wear masks at all times in state buildings beginning on July 13. State buildings will also be closed to the public indefinitely.

June 2020

• June 22: On June 22, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released reopening guidance for schools. Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor said schools would reopen to in-person instruction for the fall. The guidance outlined several scenarios for physical distancing, including four-day school weeks, a two-day rotation, an a/b week rotation, and virtual learning.
• June 10: Effective June 10, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reopened state campgrounds. Campers must make reservations ahead of time, and will need to bring their own firewood.
• June 4: The Department of Natural Resources announced that campgrounds in state parks will reopen on June 10. Group camping, however, will remain closed through June 30.

May 2020

• May 14: On May 13, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in 4-3 ruling, invalidated the executive branch's stay-at-home order. The court found that Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm overstepped her authority when she extended the stay-at-home order through May 26 on behalf of Gov. Tony Evers (D). It was the first time a state court of last resort struck down a stay-at-home order. The suit was brought by the state legislature. Republican lawmakers asked the court to strike down the stay-at-home order, but stay the implementation for several days to give them and the governor time to develop a replacement plan. The court declined to do this, and restrictions imposed on individuals and businesses were immediately lifted. Under the most recent stay-at-home order, individuals were told to remain at home, with exceptions made for performing essential and other permitted activities. The most recent order allowed retail businesses to offer curbside pick-up and delivery services and golf courses and other outdoor recreation spaces to reopen, subject to social distancing protocols.
• May 12: Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm had issued an order Monday, May 11, allowing retail stores to reopen with the limitation that they can only serve five customers at a time. The order does not apply to close-contact businesses like barbershops.
• May 11: Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced on Monday, May 11, that standalone and strip mall-based retail stores can allow up to five customers at a time to shop in-store. Stores must enforce social distancing requirements, such as keeping shoppers at least six feet apart. Evers also announced that drive-in movie theaters can reopen.

April 2020

• April 28: Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced on Monday that nonessential businesses can begin to offer curbside pickup for goods or animals on Wednesday. Outdoor recreational rentals and entirely automatic car washes may also open if free of contact with customers.
• April 27: Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed a new executive order late Monday afternoon. This breaking development occurred just as this newsletter was being sent. Visit Ballotpedia.org for updates. Wisconsin is under divided government.

Wyoming

Most recent five updates

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Mark Gordon (R) made the announcement May 11.
• May 12: On Monday, May 11, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning June 19.
• April 22: On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed a bill establishing an emergency rental assistance program and directed $200 million in federal funding to help residents pay rent and utilities if they can demonstrate a loss of income caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that, effective immediately, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
• March 16: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) is ending the statewide mask mandate and lifting capacity requirements on businesses March 16.

June 2021

• June 21: The state stopped participating in pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs on June 19. Gov. Mark Gordon (R) made the announcement May 11.

May 2021

• May 12: On Monday, May 11, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic unemployment programs beginning June 19.

April 2021

• April 22: On Wednesday, April 21, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed a bill establishing an emergency rental assistance program and directed $200 million in federal funding to help residents pay rent and utilities if they can demonstrate a loss of income caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
• April 1: On Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that, effective immediately, residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine.

March 2021

• March 16: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) is ending the statewide mask mandate and lifting capacity requirements on businesses March 16.
• March 9: On Monday, March 8, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced he would end the statewide mask mandate and lift capacity requirements on businesses March 16.
• March 1: On Monday, March 1, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) removed the coronavirus health order governing barbershops, nail salons, and tattoo parlors. Additionally, restaurants can reopen buffet and self-service stations, and the number of people permitted to gather without social distancing increased from 25 to 50 people. The number of people allowed to sit together at indoor events also increased from 8 to 10.

February 2021

• February 26: On Thursday, Feb. 25, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that on March 1, restaurants can reopen buffet and self-service stations, and the number of people permitted to gather without social distancing will increase from 25 to 50 people. The number of people allowed to sit together at indoor events will also increase from 8 to 10.

January 2021

• January 26: Effective Jan. 26, the capacity limit for indoor gatherings increased to 25% or 250 people, while the limit for outdoor gatherings rose to 500. Previously, indoor gatherings were limited to 25% capacity or 100 people, while outdoor gatherings were limited to 50% capacity or 250 people.
• January 22: On Thursday, Jan. 21, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced he would ease some coronavirus restrictions on Jan. 26. On that day, the capacity limit for indoor gatherings will rise to 25% or 250 people, while the limit for outdoor gatherings will rise to 500. Previously, indoor gatherings had been limited to 25% capacity or 100 people, while outdoor gatherings had been limited to 50% capacity or 250 people.
• January 11: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) eased coronavirus restrictions on Jan. 9. Bars and restaurants are now permitted to resume serving alcohol between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gyms are permitted to hold fitness classes with up to 25 people, up from 10 under the previous restrictions.
• January 4: 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.

December 2020

• December 9: New restrictions are effective Dec. 9., including a statewide indoor mask requirement and a 10-person limit on gatherings when social distancing isn’t possible. Bars and restaurants are required to close nightly at 10 p.m.

November 2020

• November 24: Starting Nov. 24, indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people if social distancing isn’t possible. If social distancing is possible, then the limit is 25% capacity up to 100 people. The limit on outdoor gatherings is capped at 50% capacity up to 250 people.
• November 20: On Thursday, Nov. 19, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced he would limit indoor gatherings to 25 people if social distancing isn’t possible. If social distancing is possible, then the limit is 25% capacity up to 100 people. The limit on outdoor gatherings will be capped at 50% capacity up to 250 people. The order will take effect Nov. 24.

August 2020

• August 12: On Aug. 12, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) issued a revised public health order that extends restrictions on restaurants, bars, gyms, and performance spaces through the end of the month and eases restrictions on outdoor gatherings beginning Aug. 16. The new restrictions on gatherings will allow venues to accommodate up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people so long as social distancing is observed.

July 2020

• July 29: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced on July 29 that he was extending three public health orders passed on June 15 that deal with limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings and school reopenings. Indoor gatherings will continue to be limited to 50 people, while outdoor gatherings will continue to be limited to 250 people. The public health order that relates to school reopenings includes a modification that requires teachers and students to wear masks indoors and outdoors at school when social distancing isn’t feasible.
• July 2: The state Department of Education released reopening guidelines for schools. The plan includes requirements for three different scenarios. Some requirements, like social distancing, are shared across all scenarios. School districts are required to submit their own plans in the next few weeks.

June 2020

• June 17: The Wyoming Department of Health announced that visits at long-term care facilities could resume with restrictions. Visits can only occur outdoors and are limited to two people at a time.
• June 16: On June 15, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) eased restrictions on public gatherings, permitting up to 50 people to gather in a confined space with no restrictions and up to 250 people at indoor events with social distancing. The new order is effective through June 30.
• June 11: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that indoor gathering limits will increase on June 15. Up to 50 people will be allowed to gather in confined spaces for any reason, and 250 people will be able to gather for permitted indoor events with social distancing.
• June 1: Beginning June 1, out-of-state travelers can camp overnight at Wyoming state parks.

May 2020

• May 15: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that he was easing some restrictions on businesses beginning on May 15. Under the new order, restaurants can resume indoor and outdoor service so long as staff wear face coverings and tables are spaced out. Movie theaters and venues can reopen to a maximum of 25 people at a time, and gyms can provide group classes with up to 20 people.