All 50 states are starting to reopen after more than two months in lockdown – but rules vary widely
ALL 50 states have started to reopen as of Wednesday, two months after the coronavirus pandemic hit the US.
President Donald Trump initially pushed for “reopening the economy” on Easter Sunday, despite warnings from that it was too soon as the number of and death toll grew.
On April 16, the released a three-part “phased and deliberate approach” road map to governors to use as guidelines to reopening their states.
The new guidelines were aimed at easing restrictions in areas with lower , while holding off on reopenings in harder-hit areas.
“We’re starting our life again,” Trump said at the time. “We’re starting rejuvenation of our economy again. This is a gradual process.”
He told governors: “You’re going to call your own shots. We’re going to be standing alongside of you.”
Other states with a lesser number of cases that have reopened have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases as they began to welcome back local businesses.
Alabama has added as many as 350 new cases per day in the past two weeks, and the state’s average number of new cases has continued to climb.
However, Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris said the state meets the White House’s criteria for reopening by the percentage of positive tests going down for two weeks.
Alaska
The Last Frontier state has reported nearly 400 cases and 10 deaths from coronavirus.
Republican Gov Mike Dunleavy announced restrictions on certain businesses would be eased starting on April 24, and as of May 22, most restrictions will be lifted.
“It’s time to get back on its feet,” Dunleavy said on Tuesday. “Friday, we’re open for business across the state of Alaska.”
Republican Gov Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order expired on May 15, and businesses like gyms, spas, community swimming pools, and were able to start again.
Republican Gov Asa Hutchinson announced that openings could begin on May 4, with the reopening of gyms, and on May 6 with the reopening of salons.
“Bottom line is: People can go at their own pace, and we are empowering our local health directors and county officials that understand their local communities and conditions,” Newsom said.
“We’re going to start seeing a lot more activity, let’s just make sure we do it thoughtfully and very, very strategically.”
Colorado
The state of has reported more than 22,400 coronavirus cases and over 1,200 deaths as of Wednesday.
By Monday, Polis will decide if the state can allow restaurants and bars to reopen.
Connecticut
has reported nearly 40,000 positive cases of coronavirus and more than 3,400 deaths.
Democratic Gov John Carney has announced a plan to reopen by June 1, as the state’s stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 31.
Retail stores, hair salons, tanning salons, casinos, and restaurants and bars, will be allowed to reopen with strict restrictions.
Restaurants, breweries, and bars will be required to give guests one-time use paper menus that must be thrown away, and condiments must also be provided in a single-use container.
The Republican governor allowed the state’s stay-at-home order to expire on May 4, and on Monday, restaurants and stores were allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.
Ige, a Democrat, said the state can now move from a “safer and home” stage to an “act with care” phase.
Businesses like malls and pet groomers have been allowed to reopen, but there aren’t specific dates on when certain businesses can reopen, as counties will be allowed to set their own timelines.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, for example, has said dine-in restaurant service is approved to begin on June 5 with restrictions.
Illinois
has reported nearly 100,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 4,00 deaths.
Democratic Gov JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 31, but he loosed restrictions on some outdoor activities starting on May 1.
Republican Gov Eric Holcomb eased restrictions, and last week, officials said most businesses were abiding by reopening rules.
The state, however, reported on Sunday more than 500 new cases and 11 deaths after some businesses saw a surge in customers during their first weekend since reopening.
Holcomb said earlier this month about the state’s phased opening: “What we don’t want to do is opening it up all at once and then be rushed and then find ourselves playing catch up and dialing it back.”
Starting May 1, Republican Gov Kim Reynolds eased restrictions on hair salons, restaurants, and gyms in all counties as of May 15, but bars, movie theaters, and casinos are closed.
The state’s stay-at-home order expired on May 3, and Democratic Gov Laura Kelly allowed a phased reopening to begin on May 4.
Last week, Kelly ordered bars and bowling alleys to remain closed at least through the end of May, and said some coronavirus restrictions will be in place until near the end of June.
Democratic Gov Andy Beshear implemented a “healthy at home” order effective March 26, but has since eased restrictions.
Democrat Gov John Bel Edward’s statewide stay-at-home order expired on May 15, and said he was allowing many businesses to operate at 25 percent capacity.
Democratic Gov Janet Mills is allowing businesses to reopen by region, and on Monday restaurants in 12 our of the state’s 16 counties were allowed to dine in.
Retail stores and restaurants in rural areas were allowed to reopen earlier this month, but some areas that are more populated won’t be reopening until at least June.
Maryland
has reported at least 41,500 coronavirus cases and 2,080 deaths as of Wednesday, as the state recently transitioned to a “safer at home health advisory.”
Republican Gov Larry Hogan stay-at-home order expired on May 15, and allowed stores, salons, and places of worship to reopen with restrictions.
, the state’s largest city, kept the stay-at-home order in place, as did Montgomery and Prince George counties.
Republican Gov Charlie Baker on Monday outlined a phased plan to restart the economy, which allows manufacturing and construction businesses to start up again if they follow guidelines.
Places of worship are allowed to resume services if they socially distance themselves, and outdoors activities are encouraged to start again.
stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 28, but some places, like restaurants, bars, and retail stores are allowed to open in some counties starting on May 22.
Democratic Gov Tim Walz's stay-at-home order expired on May 17, but he allowed businesses in certain areas — like agricultural, industrial, and office settings — to go back to work on April 27.
Republican Gov Tate Reeves' shelter in place order expired on April 27, which allowed retail stores to reopen with restrictions, and as of May 7, restaurants have been allowed to have some customers dine in.
Casinos in the state will be allowed to reopen on May 21.
Republican Gov Mike Parson has allowed all businesses, including movie theaters and other large venues, to operate as long as seats are spaced out from one another and other social distancing guidelines are followed.
Montana
has reported more than 470 coronavirus cases and 16 deaths as of Wednesday.
Democratic Gov Steve Bullock's stay-at-home order expired on April 26, and places of worships, retail stores, restaurants, and bars, have since opened.
Some businesses, like restaurants and salons, in certain areas to reopen on May 4 — even as the number of coronavirus cases surges, raising concerns among medical experts.
The stay-at-home order issued by Gov Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, expired on May 9, although residents have been encouraged to stay home.
Republican Gov Chris Sununu's stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 31, but has allowed some businesses, including retail stores and salons, to reopen as of May 11.
Other businesses, like restaurants, were allowed to start seating customers outdoors as of May 18.
Democratic Gov Phil Murphy's stay-at-home order is set to expire on June 5, but he's allowed some businesses, like retail stores, to do curbside pick-up and nonessential construction to begin again.
Democratic Gov Michelle Lujan Grisham's stay-at-home order is set to expire on May 31, but she's allowed retailers, offices, and places of worship to operate with 25 percent capacity since May 16.
Grisham has still asked people to stay home except for essential outings, and has required residents to wear face coverings when out in public.
Democratic stay-at-home order is scheduled to expire on May 28, and the state announced a phased reopening by region starting on May 15.
North Carolina
has reported more than 19,844 coronavirus cases and at least 700 deaths as of Wednesday.
Democratic Gov Roy Cooper's stay-at-home order, which prevents barber shops, salons, gyms, and movie theaters from opening, is set to expire on May 22.
Republican Gov Doug Burgum never issued a statewide stay-at-home order, and had allowed many businesses to start reopening on May 1.
Republican Gov Mike DeWine's stay-at-home order is scheduled to expire on May 29, but state campgrounds will be open on May 21 and motor vehicle bureau will be open on May 2.6
Water parks and swimming at amusement parks, and gambling at racinos and casinos, will remain closed, but horse racing will begin on May 22 without spectators.
Ohioans have returned to offices, factories, construction jobs, and retails stores, and restaurants will be allowed to reopen with indoor dining on May 21.
A statewide stay-at-home order was never in place, and Republican Gov Kevin Stitt began lifting restrictions on salons, barbers, and pet groomers on April 24.
Democratic Gov Kate Brown's stay-at-home order from March remains in effect, but the Democrat approved 31 or 36 counties could open on May 15.
More populated areas of the state have been told to continue to stay home.
Gov Tom Wolf's stay-at-home order which had been in place since Apil 1 is set to expire on June 4.
The Democratic governor is allowing counties throughout the state to reopen in phases, but more than a dozen counties are expected to remain under lockdown orders until June.
Democratic Gov Gina Raimondo's stay-at-home order expired on May 8, which allowed retails stores to reopen with restrictions.
She signed an executive order earlier this month that allows the state Department of Health to fine or shut down businesses that don't follow face covering, social distancing, and other guidelines.
The state will conduct compliance inspections at businesses.
South Carolina
More than 9,000 cases and nearly 400 coronavirus deaths have been reported in , where the statewide stay-at-home order expired on May 4.
Republican Gov Kristi Noem never issued a stay-at-home order, but last month released a "back to normal" plan for businesses to reopen if case numbers in the surrounding areas fell.
“This virus will spread more. There will be more positives, which is just a fact that we need to realize will happen,” Noem said last month. “If you are concerned about getting sick in the coming days, just know that you can still stay home.”
Tennessee
More than 18,000 cases of coronavirus and 305 deaths have been reported in .
Republican Gov Bill Lee's stay-at-home order expired on April 30, but most restaurants were able to reopen on April 27, retail stores on April 29, and gyms on May 1.
Just weeks after the state's reopening, the number of coronavirus cases has been climbing.
Republican Gov Gary Herbert never issued a statewide stay-at-home order, but allowed in-restaurant dining to resume and gyms and salons to reopen on May 1.
Republican Gov Phil Scott allowed smaller changes among businesses — like the reopening of farmers' markets — before allowing a more widespread reopening on May 18.
“Today, Republican legislators convinced four members of the state Supreme Court to throw the state into chaos,” Evers said. “They have provided no plan. There’s no question among anybody that people are going to get sick. Republicans own that chaos.”
Wyoming
has reported more than 770 coronavirus cases and at least 10 deaths.
Republican Gov Mark Gordon never issued a stay-at-home order, but started to life restrictions on May 1.