State government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains the following kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020:

• How many executive orders each state has issued
• Information on stay-at-home orders
• Information on travel restrictions
• Legislation enacted in response to the coronavirus pandemic
• Changes to legislative sessions
• School closures
• Court closures
• Information on prison inmate releases
• Multistate agreements
• General resources for citizens

Executive orders

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The following was a list of executive orders issued in responses to the coronavirus outbreak as of June 29, 2020. This list includes executive orders issued by governors and state agencies.

Total number of executive orders issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic between February 2020 and June 29, 2020: 2065

Stay-at-home orders

See also: States with shelter-in-place, closure, and shutdowns in response to coronavirus, 2020

Forty-three states issued statewide shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, closure, or shutdown orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The map below highlights states that issued a stay-at-home order.

We classified New Mexico's stay-at-home order as active through November 30 because of the following language in the state's health orders since March: “all New Mexicans should be staying in their homes for all but the most essential activities and services.” In practice, New Mexicans were permitted to leave their homes for a broad range of activities, even if it was not recommended.

With the November and December wave of new, stricter coronavirus orders, we decided to end our stay-at-home coverage to work on building comprehensive coverage of practical restrictions.

Reopening start dates by state

The map below highlights states based on the date that each began implementation of its reopening plan.

Enacted legislation

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The map below depicts the number of bills related to the coronavirus impact that have been considered in each state. Hover over a state to see the exact number of bills. A darker shade of blue indicates a greater number of relevant bills. For state-specific details, click a state in the map below or select a state from the drop-down menu beneath the map. On doing so, a list of state legislation will display, including information about bill status and links to full text. This information is provided by BillTrack50.com. To return to the map, click "Back" in the upper righthand corner of the legislation list.

See below for a complete list of legislation related to the coronavirus pandemic. Bills are sorted alphabetically by state. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Legislative session changes

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The map below summarizes state legislative activity suspensions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Hover over a state for additional details.

School closures

See also: School responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic during the 2019-2020 academic year

The map below shows the status of school reopenings and closures at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

• States closed to in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year: 48
• Number of public school students in states closed to in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year: 50,261,464

Court closures

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The following map provides an overview of state court closures in response to the coronavirus outbreak

Prison inmate releases

See also: Prison inmate release responses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

This page was last updated on July 1, 2020. At that time:

• Twenty-one states had released inmates at the state level
• Twelve states had released inmates on the local level
• Eleven states had not released inmates due to coronavirus
• Two states had prohibited the release of certain inmate populations
• Four states had temporarily released certain populations of inmates

Response timeline by state

To view a state-specific timeline of government responses to the coronavirus pandemic, click a state in the map below.

Choose your state...AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington, D.C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

https://ballotpedia.org/Documenting_STATE%27s_reopening_and_path_to_recovery_from_the_coronavirus_(COVID-19)_pandemic,_2020-2021#Reopening_news_updates

Major events and policy announcements, January-April 2020

• Timeline of major events and policy announcements (click to expand)

  April 27-May 3

  • April 27, 2020
    • Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through May 15. The order was originally scheduled to expire on April 30.
    • Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) announced he was extending the state’s stay-at-home order through May 31. Previously, the order was scheduled to expire on April 30.
    • The New York State Board of Elections canceled the Democratic presidential preference primary, which had been scheduled to take place on June 23, 2020. The primary had originally been scheduled to take place on April 28, 2020.

  April 20-26

  • April 24, 2020
    • Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 15.
    • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) released phase one of his plan to reopen the state economy. It established the following benchmarks for moving into phase two, which would include a phased reopening of businesses: 14 days of decreasing cases, increased testing capacity and contact tracking, 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.
    • North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 15.
    • Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) released an outline for reopening the state economy. The guidelines include four criteria: reduction in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths, increasing healthcare capacity, expanding coronavirus testing, and collaborating with city councils and businesses.

  • April 23, 2020
    • Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) released a four-phase plan for reopening the state economy. Phase one allows places of worship, daycares, and youth camps to reopen with physical distancing guidelines on May 1. Phase two allows restaurant dining rooms, indoor gyms, and hair salons to reopen May 16. Phase three allows members of vulnerable populations to resume public interactions with social distancing, removes the 14-day self-quarantine requirement for individuals entering Idaho, and eliminates restrictions on non-essential travel on May 30. Phase four allows gatherings fo more than 50 people with physical distancing guidelines, unrestricted staffing of worksites, visits to senior living facilities, reduced capacity operations of bars and nightclubs, and operation of large venues (including movie theaters and sports venues) on June 14.
    • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
    • Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer, of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, issued an order making a number of modifications to filing procedures for unaffiliated and new-party candidates.
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.

  • April 22, 2020
    • South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.
    • The Republican Party of Wisconsin had postponed its state convention, originally scheduled to take place in May, to July 10-11, 2020.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced that he would rescind the statewide school closure order on May 7, but that individual districts would be allowed to decide whether to reopen for in-person instruction.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced that the state's stay-at-home order would be lifted effective April 26. He said that places of worship could open on that date as long as physical distancing was practiced. His order allows retail stores to open with physical distancing practices on April 27, and bars and restaurants to re-open with limited capacity beginning May 4. Bullock also said he would rescind the statewide school closure order on May 7, but individual districts would be allowed to decide whether to reopen for in-person instruction.

  • April 21, 2020
    • Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.
    • Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
    • West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.

  • April 20, 2020
    • Judge Terrence Berg, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, issued an order reducing the petition signature requirements for primary candidates in Michigan to 50 percent of their statutory requirements. Berg also extended the filing deadline from April 21, 2020, to May 8, 2020, and directed election officials to develop procedures allowing for the collection and submission of electronic petition signatures.
    • Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 8.
    • Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced that travel restrictions with Canada and Mexico would be extended another 30 days. The restrictions, implemented in agreement with Canada and Mexico in late March, prohibit nonessential travel.
    • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.

  April 13-19

  • April 18, 2020
    • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
  • April 17, 2020
    • Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the statewide stay-at-home order through April 27.
    • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced three executive orders to begin the process of reopening the state's economy. One order allows for product pickup at retail stores curbside, another order will allow a limited amount of nonessential surgeries at hospitals, and the third order will allow state parks to reopen, though visitors will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
    • Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 24, was extended through May 15.
    • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.
    • Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through May 1.
    • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 4.
    • Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.
    • The Hawaii Department of Education closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.
    • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced three executive orders to begin the process of reopening the state's economy. One order allows for product pickup at retail stores curbside, another order will allow a limited amount of nonessential surgeries at hospitals, and the third order will allow state parks to reopen, though visitors will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
  • April 16, 2020
    • Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 26.
    • Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) extended the stay-at-home order through May 3.
    • The governors of Missouri, New York, and Wisconsin extended their states' stay-at-home orders. The Missouri order was extended through May 3 (original end date of April 24), the New York order was extended through May 15 (originally set to last indefinitely) and the Wisconsin order was extended through May 26 (original end date of April 24).
    • New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
    • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 15, extending the statewide school closure.
    • New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced that schools would be closed until at least May 15. Prior to the announcement, schools had been under an indefinite closure since March 18.
  • April 15, 2020
    • Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced she was extending the state's stay-at-home order through May 3.
    • Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • The governors of Idaho and Kansas extended their states' stay-at-home orders. The Idaho order was extended through April 30 (original end date of April 15) and the Kansas order was extended through May 3 (original end date of April 19).
    • Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) issued a travel restriction that requires out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days.
    • Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) recommended that schools close for the remainder of the academic year. Schools in the state were previously ordered closed from March 20 through April 24.
  • April 14, 2020
    • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced that the Senate would not reconvene until at least May 4.
    • Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
    • Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (D) issued Proclamation Number 46 JBE2020, postponing the state's presidential preference primary election to July 11, 2020.
    • Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 17.
  • April 13, 2020
    • Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the state's stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • The Supreme Court of the United States announced it would hear 13 cases by teleconference in May. The court announced it would release live audio of the proceedings to the public for the first time in history.
    • Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30.

  
  

  April 6-12

  • April 12, 2020
    • The Republican congressional committee of Virginia's 5th Congressional District voted to postpone its convention, originally scheduled for April 25, 2020, indefinitely.
  • April 10, 2020
    • Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 15.
    • The Kansas Supreme Court agreed it would hear a lawsuit filed by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) the state's Legislative Coordinating Council on April 9. The council is a seven-member group made up of the state's legislative leaders from both parties and voted 5-2 along party lines to revoke Kelly's executive order limiting religious gatherings to 10 individuals on April 8.
    • Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) signed B23-0733 into law, directing the district's election officials to send absentee ballot applications to all registered voters in advance of the June 2, 2020, primary election.
    • South Dakota Secretary of State Steve Barnett (R) announced that his office would mail absentee ballot applications to all registered voters in advance of the June 2, 2020, primary election.
    • Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through May 20.
    • Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) issued Executive Order No. 39 FY 19/20, postponing the statewide primary election, originally scheduled for June 9, 2020, to July 14, 2020.
    • Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) issued a proclamation directing election officials to conduct the June 2, 2020, primary election largely by mail.
    • The Republican Party of Mississippi announced the postponement of its state convention, originally scheduled for May 15-16, 2020, indefinitely.
    • New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner (D) and Attorney General Gordon MacDonald (R) released a memo to election officials, advising them that any voter in the September 8, 2020, primary or November 3, 2020, general election could request an absentee ballot based on concerns related to COVID-19.
  • April 9, 2020
    • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) announced the postponement of Georgia's statewide and presidential primary elections to June 9, 2020. The primary runoff was postponed to August 11, 2020. The state had previously postponed its presidential primary to May 19, 2020, the original date of its statewide primary.
    • 'Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
    • David J. Shafer, chairman of the Republican Party of Georgia, announced the cancelation of the party's state convention, which had originally been scheduled to take place on May 29-30, 2020.
    • 'Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools had been closed indefinitely from March 16.
    • Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 24.
    • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 20, was extended through May 20.
    • Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) announced the postponement of Georgia's statewide and presidential primary elections to June 9, 2020. The primary runoff was postponed to August 11, 2020. The state had previously postponed its presidential primary to May 19, 2020, the original date of its statewide primary.
  • April 8, 2020
    • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) extended the statewide stay-at-home order through May 4.
    • New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued executive orders postponing their states' respective primary elections. The New Jersey primary, originally scheduled for June 2, 2020, was postponed to July 7, 2020. The Virginia primary, originally scheduled for June 9, 2020, was postponed to June 23, 2020.
    • Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 28.
    • Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced he was extending the state's statewide stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (D) postponed the statewide primary, originally scheduled for June 9, 2020, to June 23, 2020. The petition deadline for independent candidates for non-presidential office was automatically extended to June 23, 2020.
    • New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) issued Executive Order No. 120, postponing the statewide primary election, originally scheduled for June 2, 2020, to July 7, 2020. All other elections originally scheduled between May 13, 2020, and July 7, 2020, were also postponed to July 7, 2020. The petition deadline for unaffiliated candidates for non-presidential office was extended to July 7, 2020. The order also extended electronic nominating petition signature provisions from Executive Order No. 105 to general election candidates.
    • New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that he would issue an executive order suspending existing eligibility criteria for absentee voting, allowing all votes to cast their ballots by mail in the June 23, 2020, election.
    • Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued an order requiring all visitors over the age 18 who enter Utah through airports or roadways to complete a travel declaration within three hours of entering the state.
  • April 7, 2020
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 8.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through April 24.
    • Gov. Janet Mills (D) recommended that schools in the state remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
    • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 7.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 10, was extended through April 24.
    • Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) ordered all people traveling to the state from areas of the country with widespread COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • April 6, 2020
    • South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire when the declared state of emergency is over.
    • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 1.
    • New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued an executive order postponing in-person voting in the spring election, originally scheduled for April 7, 2020, to June 9, 2020. The order also extended the receipt deadline for absentee ballots to June 9, 2020. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R) issued a joint statement in which they said they would appeal Evers' order to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
    • The Idaho State Board of Education voted to close schools for the remainder of the academic year, or until social distancing protocols in the state were lifted.
    • South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 1.
    • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 15, was extended through April 29.
    • Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 24.
    • The Supreme Court of the United States voted 5-4 to stay a district court order that had extended the absentee voting deadline. As a result, the absentee ballot postmark and return deadlines were reinstated to April 7, 2020.
    • Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced that he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through April 26.
    • Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) closed schools for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to this order, schools in the state were closed through April 17.
    • The Wisconsin state supreme court voted 4-2 to enjoin an executive order issued earlier in the day by Governor Tony Evers (D) postponing in-person voting in the spring election, scheduled for April 7, 2020, to June 9, 2020. As a result, in-person voting was set to take place as scheduled on April 7, 2020.
    • Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) issued an order authorizing parties that nominate by convention to postpone those conventions or conduct them remotely.

  March 30-April 5

  • April 5, 2020
    • The Republican congressional committee of Virginia's 7th Congressional District voted to postpone its convention, originally scheduled for April 25, 2020, indefinitely.
  • April 4, 2020
    • The executive committee of the Democratic Party of Arkansas voted to authorize 17 of the state's 75 counties to conduct their conventions via telephone or video.
  • April 3, 2020
    • Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) and Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services Randall Williams issued a stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 24.
    • Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee (R) signed two orders authorizing candidates to submit qualifying documents, including signed petitions, electronically.
    • The Democratic Party of Maine canceled its state convention, originally scheduled for May 29-30, 2020.
    • Judge William M. Conley, of the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, ordered officials to withhold the results of the April 7, 2020, election until the extended deadline for receiving ballots on April 13, 2020.
    • Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) issued an executive order calling the Wisconsin State Legislature to meet in a special session on April 4, 2020, to consider modifications to the April 7, 2020, election, including eliminating in-person voting and extending the deadline to receive ballots to May 26, 2020. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) said in a statement that lawmakers would not take action on the proposal.
    • The Supreme Court of the United States postponed the oral arguments scheduled for its April sitting. The court was scheduled to hear eight cases from April 20 to April 29.
    • Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued an executive order requiring all out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • As part of a stay-at-home order issued by Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons (R), the statewide school closure scheduled to end April 3 was extended through April 24.
    • Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through April 20.
    • Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced she was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to go into effect Saturday, April 4.
    • Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 17, was extended through April 30.
  • April 2, 2020
    • Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 4.
    • Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) ordered all schools in the state to close through April 30. Previously, her office recommended schools close until April 13.
    • Louisiana Gov. John Edwards (D) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • 'Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that schools in the state would remain closed through the end of the academic year. Prior to this order, schools were scheduled to be closed through May 1.
    • Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced that schools in the state would remain closed through the end of the academic year. Prior to this order, schools were scheduled to be closed through May 1.
    • Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 13, was extended through April 30.
    • Judge William M. Conley, of the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, issued an order extending absentee voting deadlines in Wisconsin's April 7, 2020, election. Under Conley's order, the absentee ballot request deadline was extended to 5:00 p.m. April 3, 2020. The ballot return deadline was extended to 4:00 p.m. April 13, 2020. The primary date itself was unchanged.
    • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the statewide school closure, originally scheduled to end on April 20, would extend until May 1.
    • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced that schools statewide would remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Prior to this order, schools were scheduled to reopen April 13.
    • Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire on April 13.
    • Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney (R) announced that absentee ballots applications will be sent to all registered voters ahead of the state’s May 19 primaries.
    • The Democratic Party of Puerto Rico announced a further postponement of its primary election to an unspecified future date.
    • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an order requiring all people traveling to Kentucky to self-quarantine for two weeks.
  • April 1, 2020
    • Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 30.
    • Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 30.
    • Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 30.
    • Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 20.
    • West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R) issued Executive Order 18-20, postponing West Virginia's statewide primary election to June 9, 2020. The primary was originally scheduled to take place May 12, 2020.
    • Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that schools would remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Prior to the order, the state's school closure was scheduled to end April 24.
    • Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) directed schools to operate without students through May 31. This date was after the academic year was scheduled to end.
    • Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) issued a stay-at-home order effective from April 1 to April 30. This extended the statewide school closure, scheduled to end on April 16, through April 30.
    • Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 17, was extended through April 30.
    • Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that schools would be physically closed for the remainder of the school year.
    • The governors of Florida, Nevada, and Pennsylvania issued statewide stay-at-home orders.
    • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 30.
    • West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 17, was extended through April 30.
  • March 31, 2020
    • Massachusettes Gov. Charlie Baker (R) extended the statewide stay-at-home advisory through May 4.
    • Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was set to last until April 30.
    • Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (R) announced that his office would send absentee ballot applications to all active registered voters in the state in advance of the June 2, 2020, primary election.
    • Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued a stay-at-home order effective from April 2 to April 30. Although schools in Maine had handled closures at a local level, this order extended closures statewide through April 30.
    • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 3, was extended through May 4.
    • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to last through April 30.
    • Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an executive order requiring all non-residents traveling to West Virginia from a COVID-19 hotspot self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • In a brief filed in response to a federal lawsuit seeking postponement of Wisconsin's April 7, 2020, election, Assistant Attorney General Hannah Jurss indicated that Governor Tony Evers (D) would deploy members of the National Guard as poll workers.
    • Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 7, was extended through April 30.
    • Gov. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced he was extending the state's stay-at-home order through April 30.
    • Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (R) announced that his office would send absentee ballot applications to all registered voters in the state in advance of the June 2 primary election.
  • March 30, 2020
    • Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on June 10.
    • Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 14.
    • Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was set to last until the declared state of emergency ended.
    • The governors of Maryland and Virginia issued stay-at-home orders. The Maryland order was set to expire when the state's declared state of emergency ends, while the Virginia order was set to expire on June 10.
    • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that the statewide school closure, initially scheduled to end April 3, was extended through May 1.
    • Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued an addendum to Executive Order 01-20 requiring all residents and non-residents traveling to Vermont to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) issued an executive order requiring residents and non-residents traveling to Montana, except those traveling for work, to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Governor Brad Little (R) and Secretary of State Lawerence Denney (R) announced that Idaho's May 19, 2020, primary election would be conducted entirely by mail.
    • The Democratic Party of Kansas announced that its presidential primary, originally scheduled for May 2, 2020, would be conducted entirely by mail.
    • The Florida Department of Education announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 14, was extended through May 1.
    • Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) signed H0681 into law, making a series of temporary changes to the state's election laws in response to the coronavirus outbreak: suspending candidate petition signature gathering requirements for both the August primary and the November general elections; authorizing local legislative bodies to transition upcoming local elections from floor meetings to Australian ballot (i.e., secret ballot) elections; and authorizing the secretary of state, with the consent of the governor, to enact temporary changes to election procedures (e.g., expanding voting by mail).
    • Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced that he had issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to last through April 30.
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced that the statewide school closure, initially scheduled to end April 3, was extended through April 30.
    • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an order requiring residents to self-quarantine for any out-of-state travel, unless they traveled to care for a person in need, bought groceries or necessary supplies, went to work, were required by a court order, or obtained healthcare.
    • Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced that the statewide school closure would last indefinitely. It was previously scheduled to end on April 8.
    • Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were scheduled to reopen on April 13.

  March 23-March 29

  • March 29, 2020
    • Trump announced that social distancing guidelines would remain in effect through April.
    • Delaware Gov. John Carney Jr. (D) ordered an automatic two-week quarantine for anyone traveling to Delaware.
    • Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an amendment to Executive Order 2020-07 requiring people entering Oklahoma from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, and Washington to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order requiring people traveling into Texas on roadways from Louisiana or other states and cities determined thereafter self-quarantine for two weeks.
  • March 28, 2020
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to last until April 13.
    • Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) issued an executive requiring any person traveling to Rhode Island for any reason other than employment to automatically self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the postponement of the state's presidential preference primary to June 23, 2020. Special elections in one congressional district and four state legislative districts were also postponed to June 23, 2020.
    • Gov. Chris Sununu (R) requested people traveling to New Hampshire for reasons other than same-day trips for work, care of a loved one, or for essential supplies to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire on April 19.
    • State Health Official Mylynn Tufte issued an order directing people traveling to North Dakota from another country or from a state classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as having widespread COVID-19 outbreak to self-quarantine for two weeks.
  • March 27, 2020
    • North Carolina Gov. Ray Cooper issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 29.
    • Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued an executive order requiring people traveling to South Carolina from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and New Orleans to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that the statewide school closure, initially scheduled to end April 3, was extended through April 17.
    • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 1, was extended through April 15.
    • Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a stay-at-home order closing nonessential businesses and requiring residents to stay home.
    • Trump signed the third coronavirus relief package. The U.S. House passed the legislation earlier in the day by a voice vote.
    • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order requiring all travelers who enter New Mexico through an airport to self-quarantine for 14 days.
    • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) signed HB 197 into law, extending absentee voting in the state's primary to April 27, 2020, and setting the final date for in-person voting, restricted to individuals with disabilities and those without home mailing addresses, as April 28, 2020.
    • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all people traveling to Florida from Louisiana or an area with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 on roadways to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were scheduled to reopen on April 6.
    • Gov. Charles D. Baker (R) directed all people, except essential workers, traveling to Massachusetts to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • The Kansas Department of Health and Environment mandated residents who traveled to Colorado or Louisiana on or after March 27 to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) signed into law legislation postponing the state's primary election to June 2, 2020. It was originally scheduled for April 28, 2020.
    • The governors of Colorado, Minnesota, and New Hampshire issued stay-at-home orders.
  • March 26, 2020
    • New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on May 4.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 10.
    • New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued a stay-at-home order, extending the statewide school closure through May 1. Prior to the order, schools were scheduled to reopen on April 6.
    • Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts (R) and Secretary of State Bob Evnen (R) announced that the state's May 12, 2020, primary election would proceed as scheduled, with every eligible voter receiving an absentee ballot application by mail. In-person locations were expected to remain open as planned.
    • Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order requiring people flying to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or New Orleans self-quarantine for two weeks. California, Louisiana, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami were later added.
    • Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were scheduled to reopen on April 6.
    • Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 31, was extended through April 24.
    • Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were scheduled to reopen on April 6.
    • The Republican Party of North Carolina postponed its state convention, originally scheduled for May 14, 2020, to June 4, 2020.
    • North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (R) issued Executive Order 2020-13, authorizing counties to conduct the June 9, 2020, primary election entirely by mail. The order also directed the secretary of state to send absentee ballot applications to all of the individuals listed in the state's central voter file.
    • Utah Governor Gary Herbert (R) issued an executive order authorizing a candidate and/or campaign to deliver petition sheets to voters electronically. The order also permitted voters to return signed petition sheets electronically or by mail.
    • West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner (R) issued guidance directing the state's county clerks to mail every registered voter in the state an absentee ballot application in advance of the May 12, 2020, primary election.
  • March 25, 2020
    • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 10.
    • Virginia Judge W. Reilly Marchant issued an order reducing the petition signature requirement for Republican primary candidates for the United States Senate to 3,500. The statutory minimum was 10,000.
    • West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that all schools would remain closed through April 17.
    • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 27, was extended through May 1.
    • The Indiana Election Commission authorized the temporary suspension of the state's statutory absentee voting eligibility requirements, allowing all voters to cast their ballots by mail in the June 2, 2020, primary election.
    • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was set to expire when the declared state of emergency ends.
    • The Tennessee Department of Education announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 31, was extended through April 24.
    • Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 27, was extended through April 24.
    • Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 6, was extended through May 1.
    • Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 15.
    • Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire on April 11.
    • Montana Governor Steve Bullock (D) issued a directive authorizing counties to conduct upcoming elections entirely by mail.
    • The Oklahoma Department of Education announced that schools would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year.
    • The U.S. Senate voted 96-0 to pass the third coronavirus relief package, which includes individual payments of $1,200 for individuals making up to $75,000 annually.
  • March 24, 2020

  West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to remain in effect until it is terminated by a subsequent executive order.

  • • Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) announced that election officials would mail absentee ballot request forms to all active voters for the May 19, 2020, primary election.
    • The Hawaii Department of Education announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 6, was extended through April 30.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 27, was extended through April 10.
    • At his daily press briefing, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) asked residents who traveled to a country or a state with a widespread COVID-19 outbreak to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Governor John Carney (D) postponed Delaware's presidential preference primary election, originally scheduled for April 28, 2020, to June 2, 2020. Carney also postponed select municipal and school board elections.
    • South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) announced that the statewide school closure, initially scheduled to end March 27, was extended through May 1.
    • South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended to April 30.
    • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) ordered travelers flying into Florida from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) announced that election officials would mail absentee ballot request forms to all active voters in the upcoming primary election.
    • The office of Idaho's secretary of state announced the implementation of online absentee ballot application process.
    • Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske (R) announced plans to conduct all voting in the June 9, 2020, primary election by mail.
    • Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 15.
    • Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 24.
  • March 23, 2020
    • Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was scheduled to continue until rescinded by the Governor.
    • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which was originally set to expire on April 13.
    • Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home advisory, which was set to expire on April 7.
    • Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (R) announced that absentee voting in the June 2, 2020, primary election would open on April 23, 2020, 40 days before the primary election.
    • Massachusetts postponed the following special elections, originally scheduled for March 31, 2020: Senate 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District and Senate Plymouth and Barnstable District were postponed to May 19, 2020; House 3rd Bristol District and House 37th Middlesex District were postponed to June 2, 2020.
    • Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended through April 8.
    • Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) signed S2608 into law, authorizing municipalities to postpone any elections originally scheduled to take place prior to May 30, 2020, to any date on or before June 30, 2020. The legislation also extended absentee voting eligibility to "any person taking precaution related to COVID-19" in elections taking place on or before June 30, 2020.
    • Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) announced that her office would mail absentee ballot applications to all voters in the May 5, 2020, election.
    • Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 27, was extended to May 15.
    • Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order.
    • Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 30.
    • Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 31, was extended to May 1.
  • March 23, 2020
    • Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire on April 6.
    • Amy Acton, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued a stay at home order that directed individuals in the state to stay at home unless performing essential activities and placed restrictions on non-essential businesses. The order was originally set to expire on April 6.
    • Kathyleen Kunkel, the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health, issued a Public Health Emergency Order, which directed individuals in the state to stay at home unless performing essential activities and placed restrictions on non-essential businesses. The order was originally set to expire on April 10.
    • Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced that all schools statewide would be closed for the rest of the school year. Schools were previously scheduled to close through March 27.
    • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D) stay-at-home order meant that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 5, was extended to April 13.
    • The Idaho State Department of Education ordered schools statewide to close to students from March 24 to April 20.
    • The Kansas Department of Health and Environment mandated residents who traveled to New Jersey or Illinois on or after March 23 to self-quarantine for two weeks.
    • Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo (D) announced that she would sign an executive order postponing Rhode Island's presidential preference primary to June 2, 2020.
    • Texas Secretary of State Ruth Ruggero Hughs determined that the petition deadline for independent candidates for non-presidential office would be extended to August 13, 2020.
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced that she would sign an executive order postponing Rhode Island's presidential preference primary to June 2, 2020.
    • Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 31, was extended through April 20.
    • North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended to May 15.

  March 16-22

  • March 22, 2020
    • Louisiana Gov. John Edwards announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order, which was set to expire on April 2.
    • Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire on May 15.
    • President Donald Trump (R) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency would fund the activation of U.S. National Guard units in California, New York, and Washington.
  • March 21, 2020
    • New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The order did not have an expiration date.
    • Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end April 6, was extended to April 16.
  • March 20, 2020
    • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) issued Executive Order No. 202.8, which directed individuals in the state to stay at home unless performing essential activities and placed restrictions on non-essential businesses. The order did not originally have an end date.
    • Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) closed all schools in the state through April 3.
    • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was originally set to expire on April 7.
    • California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued Executive Order N-34-20, providing for all-mail voting in the following elections: the Westminster special recall election scheduled for April 7, 2020; the 25th Congressional District special general election scheduled for May 12, 2020; and the 28th State Senate District special general election scheduled for May 12, 2020.
    • Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) extended the petitioning deadline for minor-party and unaffiliated candidates to August 14, 2020.
    • On March 20, 2020, the Democratic Party of Hawaii announced that it would not conduct in-person voting in its party-administered presidential preference primary, originally scheduled for April 4, 2020. Instead, all voting would take place by mail. The deadline for returning completed ballots was set for May 22, 2020.
    • Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended to May 1.
    • The executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections announced that the Republican primary runoff for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District would be postponed to June 23, 2020.
    • The Portland School Department, the largest district in the state, along with several others, announced closures until April 27.
    • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that the statewide school closure, originally scheduled to end on March 27, would extend until April 20.
    • Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued a stay-at-home order. The order was set to expire on April 22.
    • Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 31, was extended through April 7.
    • Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (R) announced the postponement of three special municipal elections to July 7, 2020.
    • Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R), Secretary of State Connie Lawson (R), Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer, and Democratic Party Chairman John Zody announced the postponement of Indiana's primary election, originally scheduled for May 5, 2020, to June 2, 2020.
    • Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (R) postponed the Republican primary runoff election for the state's 2nd Congressional District, originally scheduled for March 31, 2020, to June 23, 2020.
    • Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 27, was extended to April 10.
    • The Democratic Party of Alaska announced the cancelation of in-person voting in its presidential preference primary, originally scheduled for April 4, 2020, opting instead to conduct all voting by mail.
    • Governor Greg Abbott (R) issued a proclamation postponing primary runoff elections, originally scheduled for May 26, 2020, to July 14, 2020.
    • Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the federal tax filing deadline would be delayed to July 15.
    • Judge William M. Conley, of the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, extended Wisconsin's electronic voter registration deadline to March 30, 2020, for the April 7, 2020, election.
  • March 19, 2020
    • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) closed all schools in the state from March 20 until April 3.
    • California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he was issuing a statewide stay-at-home order. The order was set to stay in effect until rescinded by Newsom.
    • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) introduced S.3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
    • MissouriGov. Mike Parsons (R) announced that all schools across the state had temporarily closed. Parsons did not issue a statewide closure, but said all local districts had chosen to close. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education later announced that schools would not reopen until at least April 6.
    • Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) closed all schools in the state until May 1.
    • Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) announced that the statewide school closure, originally scheduled to end on March 20, would extend until April 7.
    • The Hawaii Department of Education announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended through April 6.
    • Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, closing schools. At the time of the order, 99 percent of schools in California were already closed via local decision.
    • Gov. Larry Hogan (R) instructed the Maryland Transportation Authority Police to restrict traffic at BWI Marshall Airport Terminal to only ticketed passengers, those helping disabled passengers, and employees.
    • Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 27, was extended to April 17.
    • North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced that the statewide school closure was extended indefinitely.
    • Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D) announced the postponement of the state's presidential preference primary, originally scheduled for April 28, 2020, to June 2, 2020.
    • New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) issued an executive order making the following changes to the state's election procedures: permitting candidates to collect petition signatures electronically and submit petitions online; postponing special municipal elections in the townships of Old Bridge and West Amwell and Atlantic City to May 12, 2020; postponing all school board elections scheduled for April 21, 2020, to May 12, 2020; and eliminating in-person voting for all May 12, 2020, elections and instead conducting these elections solely by mail.
  • March 18, 2020
    • Trump signed the coronavirus relief bill (H.R. 6201) into law after it was passed by the U.S. Senate.
    • Paul Ziriax, secretary of the Oklahoma state board of elections, announced that municipalities could reschedule elections, originally scheduled for April 7, 2020, to a later date (June 30, 2020, in the case of regular elections, and any date allowed by law in the case of special elections).
    • Gov. Janet Mills (D) recommended that all schools in the state close indefinitely. At that time, school closures were handled at a local level and the majority had already closed.
    • Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that the state would postpone its primary runoff election, originally scheduled for March 31, 2020, to July 14, 2020.
    • The Republican Party of Minnesota announced that all local party conventions would be conducted online.
    • Gov. Jared Polis (D) all schools in the state from March 23 to April 17.
    • Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) announced that Maryland's primary election, originally scheduled for April 28, 2020, would be postponed to June 2, 2020. Hogan also announced that the special election for Maryland's 7th Congressional District would proceed as scheduled using a vote-by-mail system.
    • Gov. Laura Kelly (D) announced the closing of K-12 schools in the state from March 23 through May 31, effectively ending the school year.
    • South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) announced that schools in the state would remain closed for the week following spring break, through March 27.
    • Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 31, was extended to April 28.
    • Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) extended the public school closure through April 14.
    • Gov. David Ige (D) issued an automatic two-week quarantine for people traveling to Hawaii. Ige asked would-be visitors to the state to postpone their trips for 30 days.
    • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) announced that polls would be closed on March 17, 2020, by the order of the state health director.
  • March 16, 2020
    • The U.S. House passed a coronavirus relief bill and sent it to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) said that the legislation included free coronavirus testing, two weeks of paid sick leave, and paid family and medical leave.
    • Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced the closure of the state's public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools from March 18 through the end of the month.
    • Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams (R) announced the postponement of Kentucky's primary election, originally scheduled for May 19, 2020, to June 23, 2020.
    • President Donald Trump made several recommendations, including limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people, avoiding eating and drinking in bars and restaurants, and avoiding unnecessary travel.
    • The executive committee of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota voted to conduct all local and district-level conventions online.
    • The state executive committee of the Republican Party of Missouri voted to cancel its county caucuses.
    • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that schools across the state would close for at least two weeks beginning March 18.
    • Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) urged schools across the state to close as early as possible. He said that all schools should close no later than March 20 and remain closed through March 31.
    • The Oklahoma Department of Education announced plans to close schools statewide from March 17 until at least April 6.
    • The Virginia Department of Elections announced that all voters would be permitted to cast absentee ballots in municipal elections scheduled for May 2020.
    • Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced the postponement of the special election for Texas State Senate District 14, originally scheduled for May 2, 2020, to July 14, 2020.
    • Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) signed HB20-1359 into law, extending select political party deadlines for the 2020 election cycle.
    • Gov. David Ige (D) announced that schools in the state would extend spring break for one week, through March 27.
    • New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) ordered all schools in the state to close, effective March 18.

  March 9-15

  • March 15, 2020
    • South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) ordered the postponement of all county and municipal elections originally scheduled for March and April to sometime after May 1, 2020.
    • Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) recommended that schools in the state close in response to the coronavirus outbreak and reopen no later than April 6. As of March 16, 35 of the state's 48 school districts were closed.
    • Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) ordered all K-12 schools in the state to close effective March 18 until at least April 6.
    • North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) ordered all schools in the state to close for one week, effective March 16.
    • South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the closing of all K-12 schools in the state for two weeks, effective immediately, with the possibility for schools in counties without any cases of coronavirus to remain open.
    • Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued an executive order closing all schools in the state from March 17 until April 6.
    • Gov. Kim Reynolds (D) recommended that schools across the state close for four weeks. Individual districts have authority to make decisions based on the recommendation.
    • Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced that all public K-12 schools in the state would be closed from March 16 to March 27.
    • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced the closing of all K-12 schools in the state, effective March 18 until March 27.
    • New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued an order closing all public schools to close for three weeks effective March 16, 2020.
    • Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced that schools across the state would close until at least April 6, beginning on March 16.
    • Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued an executive order closing all schools in the state from March 16 to March 31.
    • Gov. Doug Ducey (R) ordered all schools in the state to close until March 27.
    • Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) ordered all schools in the state to close from March 17 to March 27.
    • The Democratic Party of Missouri announced a series of changes to its state convention delegate selection process.
  • March 14, 2020
    • Trump extended the March 11 travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Ireland.
    • Georgia postponed its presidential preference primary from March 24, 2020, to May 19, 2020.
    • The Democratic Party of Utah canceled state caucus nights.
    • North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced the closure of all public schools in the state for at least two weeks.
    • Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) called on schools to extend spring break through the week of March 16.
  • March 13, 2020
    • Trump declared a national emergency under the Stafford Act.
    • Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) closed all K-12 schools in the state for two weeks effective March 16.
    • Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced the closing of K-12 schools in the state for at least two weeks beginning March 16, 2020.
    • Gov. Gary Herbert (R) ordered all schools to soft close for two weeks, effective March 16. The soft closure would allow classes to continue online.
    • Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) ordered all public schools in the state to close. She said that the spring break planned for April would be rescheduled to the week of March 16. The Department of Education later closed all schools through April 3.
    • West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) closed all pre-K-12 schools across the state indefinitely.
    • Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) ordered all K-12 schools in the state to close for six weeks, effective March 17, and banned gatherings of more than 250 people in the state.
    • An Arizona judge issued an order barring the Maricopa County Recorder from mailing ballots to all voters for the presidential preference primary election, scheduled for March 17, 2020.
    • Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) ordered all K-12 schools in the state to close for at least two weeks, effective March 16.
    • Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) signed an executive order closing all K-12 schools statewide until April 13.
    • Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) closed all schools across the state until the end of March.
    • The Florida Department of Education closed schools across the state for two weeks effective March 16.
    • Gov. John Carney (D) closed schools across the state from March 16 through March 27.
    • Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) ordered a statewide closure of public schools March 16 through March 30.
    • Gov. Kay Ivey (R) closed schools across the state from March 18 through April 5. She said that students absent from school on March 16-17 would be considered excused.
    • The Democratic Party of Utah canceled its state convention.
    • Louisiana postponed its presidential preference primary from April 4, 2020, to June 20, 2020.
  • March 12, 2020
    • The Democratic Party of Wyoming canceled its in-person presidential caucuses, originally scheduled for April 4, 2020. All-mail was instituted instead, with a ballot receipt deadline of April 17, 2020.
    • Maryland Officials ordered all schools in the state to close from March 16 to March 27.
    • The Democratic Party of North Dakota canceled its in-person convention, scheduled for March 19-22, 2020. The party opted instead to conduct convention business remotely.
    • The Republican Party of Utah announced that it would postpone its caucuses and cancel its in-person state convention.
    • Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced that schools across the state would close from March 16 through March 31.
    • Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) issued a 20-day waiver to school corporations. The waived days could be used for the remainder of the academic year and were not required to be used consecutively.
    • New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced that schools across the state would close for three weeks beginning on March 16.
    • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced that all public and private schools in the state would close for three weeks beginning on March 16.
  • March 11, 2020
    • Trump administration announced a 30-day travel ban from European Union countries by foreign nationals.
    • Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) ordered all people traveling to Alaska to complete a two-week quarantine.
    • The Democratic Party of Michigan announced the cancelation of its state convention, originally scheduled for March 21, 2020.

  March 2-8

  • March 3, 2020
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted restrictions on testing for the coronavirus.

  February

  • February 29, 2020
    • Trump administration announces travel ban from Iran by foreign nationals and issues "do not travel" warning for areas in Italy and South Korea.
  • February 28, 2020
    • First confirmed death related to coronavirus in the United States.
  • February 26, 2020
    • Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the federal government response to the coronavirus.

  January

  • January 31, 2020
    • Trump administration announced travel ban from China by foreign nationals.

  • January 21, 2020
    • First confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States.

Multistate agreements

See also: Multistate agreements to reopen after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, several states announced the formation of multistate agreements or regional partnerships for reopening and lifting stay-at-home orders. According to announcements, the agreements were intended to enable states to work collaboratively and develop shared frameworks for how to reopen the region, though each coalition's approach may be different.

The map below shows the multistate agreements established to discuss reopening states after the coronavirus pandemic.

General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization
• Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations, Our World in Data (Number of vaccines administered)
• Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, New York Times (Progress of vaccine trials)

See also

• Ballotpedia: Political responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
• Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
• Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021
• Changes to ballot measure campaigns, procedures, and policies in response to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine distribution by state
• Federal Politics
• State Politics
• Local Politics

Footnotes