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Every state has reopened at least part of their economy, but some are moving faster than others

Here's when every state plans to end their coronavirus lockdown
Posted at 5:28 AM, Apr 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-21 08:13:07-04

As newly confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus begin to plateau across the country, all states have now at least partially reopened parts of their economy. But while some states are racing to return to normalcy, others have been more cautious in their approach.

See below to see how each state is handling their plan to reopen.

STATES THAT HAVE FULLY OR MOSTLY REOPENED

Stay at home orders have mostly been lifted, or non-essential businesses have reopened.

Alabama

When Alabama's "Stay At Home" order expired on April 30, Gov. Kay Ivey replaced it with a "Safer At Home" order, which will remain in effect through May 22. The order allows retail stores and restaurants to reopen under some restrictions but still requires that entertainment venues remain shuttered.

Arizona

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey let the state's stay-at-home expire on May 15, and he's since lifted several restrictions non-essential businesses.

Ducey is allowed some retail businesses to begin reopening on May 3, and salons and barbers began reopening on May 8. Restaurants resumed dine-in service on May 11.

Alaska

The state's "Stay At Home" order expired on April 21. Gov. Mike Dunleavy lifted some restrictions on non-essential businesses prior to the expiration. Phase 2 of the state's plan for reopening the economy went into effect May 8 and allowed most businesses to reopen at reduced capacity. The state has some requirements on face coverings at certain businesses.

Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis did not extend the state's "Stay At Home" order, which expired on April 26. However, he encouraged many counties to keep the policies in place on their own. Many counties heeded Polis' advice and extended orders, while others quickly moved to reopen businesses.

Connecticut

The state's "Stay At Home" order will remained in effect until May 20. Businesses must now meet certain requirements laid out in Gov. Ned Lamont's plan before they can reopen, however, nearly all businesses in the state can now legally operate.

Florida

Florida — one of the last states to issue a statewide stay-at-home order — quickly begun the process of reopening parts of the state in April. Beaches in the northern part of the state began reopening for limited hours during the weekend of April 18.

On April 29, Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his "SAFE. SMART. STEP-BY-STEP PLAN" to reopen the state.

The first phase of reopening businesses would begin May 4, with restaurants and businesses allowed to open on limited capacities. Phase one also allows elective surgeries to resume.

However, DeSantis said schools must keep distance learning, visits to senior living facilities are still prohibited, and bars, gyms and hair salons should remain closed.

Beginning May 11, restaurants in the state began operate at 25 percent capacity.

Florida has also remained open to professional sports, and hosted WWE matches and UFC fights in May.

Georgia

Georgia was among the first states to reopen non-essential businesses. In late April, while most other states kept businesses closed, Gov. Brian Kemp lifted restrictions on tattoo parlors, bowling alleys and hair and nail salons. He also allowed restaurants to open on a limited capacity.

Hawaii

The state's "Stay At Home" was set to expire on April 30, but on April 26, Gov. David Ige extended the order through the end of May. According to the New York Times, he has allowed some businesses to reopen, including some retail stores.

Idaho

Idaho Gov. Brad Little unveiled a four-step plan for reopening the state. The first phase of the plan, which went into effect on May 1, loosens some restrictions on non-essential businesses while still encouraging Idahoans to self-quarantine and avoid large gatherings.

Phase 2 of the plan began on May 16. Restaurants, gyms and salons can reopen after submitting approvals to the state.

Phase 3 of the plan is expected to being May 30.

Indiana

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has unveiled a 5-stage plan to reopen the state. The second stage went into effect on May 4 for most of the state, which allows retail businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity and allows gatherings of up to 25 people if proper social distancing guidelines are being followed.

Tentative plans call for the state to move to phase three by May 24.

Iowa

The state did not issue a "Stay At Home" order, though it did issue State of Public Health Disaster Emergency that forced the closure of non-essential businesses through midnight local time on April 30. That order has since been extended through May 27.

Kansas

Kansas' "Stay At Home" order expired on May 3. In its place, Gov. Laura Kelly introduced a three-phase plan for reopening the state economy. The first phase reopened childcare facilities and libraries but limited public gatherings to 10 people.

The state will move to a "modified" phase two plan beginning May 22.

Kentucky

On April 28, Beshear said he plans to lift some restrictions on non-essential businesses beginning May 11 and gradually continue to lift restrictions each week until June 1.

Businesses that were able to reopen on May 11 include construction, car dealerships and horse racing (without fans in attendance). Businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask.

Beshear also said he wants all Kentuckians to wear masks when in public. Businesses that do not comply could be closed by the government, and businesses can refuse to serve customers, not wearing a mask.

Restaurants and personal care shops have not yet opened, but are expected to reopen soon.

Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards has extended the state's "Stay At Home" order multiple times and expired on May 15. Upon the expiration, restaurants, bars, personal care spaces, retail and places of worship and were able to reopen at their own discretion.

Maine

The state's "Stay Healthy At Home" order was extended through the end of May on April 28. However, The New York Times reports that Gov. Janet Mills has already allowed the opening of some personal care businesses. Restaurant openings and other businesses are tentative set to reopen in June.

Maryland

On May 15, Gov. Larry Hogan lifted the state's "Stay At Home" order, sending Maryland into Phase 1 of its reopening plan. Retail stores can reopen with up to 50 percent capacity, manufacturing can resume, and barber shops and hair salons will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity by appointment only. Churches can also reopen at 50 percent capacity.

Some counties have chosen to implement thier own "Stay At Home" orders.

Massachusetts

Gov. Charlie Baker extended the state's "Stay At Home" order multiple times, and the order expired on May 18.

Minnesota

On May 1, Gov. Tim Walz extended his state's "Stay At Home" order, which was set to expire May 4. The order then expired on May 17.

Mississippi

On April 17, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced that he was extending the state's "Stay At Home" order through April 27.

Reeves then enacted a "Safer At Home" order, which allowed some businesses to reopen. However, after the state saw a single-day spike of more than 900 new cases and 20 deaths later that week, Reeves said he would take a "step back" in reopening parts of the economy. Gyms, bars, restaurants, retail and personal care shops remain open.

Missouri

On April 27, Missouri announced plans to reopen the state's economy on May 4. Businesses can open at 25% of capacity, but places no limits on the number of people. The order includes restaurants and other mass gatherings.

Since then, the state has allowed bars, restaurants, personal care shops and retail stores to reopen.

Montana

On April 18, President Donald Trump said in a statement that Montana would begin reopening non-essential businesses on April 24. The state has gradually begun the process of reopening some of those businesses.

The state has said schools can resume in-person classes on May 7 if they choose to do so. Restaurants resumed offering dine-in service on May 4.

Nevada

Nevada's emergency declaration expired on May 9. While restaurants and some retail businesses have reopened, Gov. Steve Sisolak encourages Nevadans to remain at home, and the state's vital casino industry remains shut down.

New Hampshire

Gov. Chris Sununu extended a "Stay At Home" order through May 31 but has allowed some aspects of the economy to reopen — including salons and barbershops on May 11. Restaurants reopened on May 18.

North Carolina

A stay-at-home order remains in effect, but Gov. Roy Cooper has allowed non-essential businesses to open, according to The New York Times.

Ohio

On April 27, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that non-essential medical procedures could resume. Non-essential manufacturing can resume on May 4. Retail establishments reopened on May 12 with strict social distancing guidelines.

Barbershops and salons in the state can reopen with reduced capacity on May 15. Restaurants with oudoor seating reopened to the public on the 15th as well, and dining rooms reopeedn with reduced capacity shortly after.

Despite the relaxed measures, DeWine has extended his "Stay At Home" order through the end of May.

Oklahoma

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a "Safer At Home" order in April that advised people 65 and older to stay in their homes until May 6.

In late April, Stitt released a three phase plan to reopen the state's economy. Phase one, which went into effect on May 1, allowed restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, churches and sporting venues to reopen.

Phase two went into effect on May 15. The new phase allowed children's nurseries and places of worship to reopen, bars to open with reduced capacity, allowed sports teams the option to practice outdoors with proper social distancing and allowed funerals and weddings to resume under social distancing protocols.

Pennsylvania

While much of the state will remain under a "Stay At Home" order until June 4, Gov. Tom Wolf is granting some blocks of counties in the northwest part of the state the option to reopen their economies. Wolf has said he will gradually give more states the options to lift restrictions as the crisis passes voluntarily.

Rhode Island

On May 8, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Riamondo allowed the state's stay at home order to expire. Social distancing measures remain in place at retail stores.

South Carolina

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order on April 20 allowing non-essential businesses to function using strict social distancing guidelines, keeping businesses limited to 20 percent of capacity. The order also allowed the state's beaches to reopen, although some mayors have decided to hold off on opening beaches within their jurisdictions.

Tennessee

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced allowed the state's "safer at home" to expire before April 30. He's since issued an order than outlines the gradual return to business for Tennesseans, which expires on May 29. Lee has cautioned that the plan could be subjected to more amendments if needed.

Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on March 31, closing non-essential businesses through April 30. Abbott later unveiled a plan that details how some non-essential businesses can return to work.

Bars and restaurants are open with several restrictions, but indoor entertainment facilities remain closed.

Utah

Utah never issued a stay at home order. Instead Gov. Gary Herbert issued a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" guidance on March 27 through May 1, which encouraged residents to work from home and practice social distancing.

As of May 21, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has placed the majority of the state under low risk for COVID-19 spread, meaning most businesses can reopen with social distancing restrictions. However, the state's most populous regions remain under "moderate" risk, meaning more restrictions are in place.

Vermont

Vermont's stay at home order expired on May 15. On April 27, Scott slightly modified the order to allow some business, such as real estate transactions, to continue.

Virginia

Gov. Ralph Northam began lifting restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people on May 15, allowing many businesses to reopen. However, northern portions of the state — particularly suburbs of Washington, D.C., remain under restrictions that prevent large gatherings.

West Virginia

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice issued an indefinite "Stay At Home" order on March 23, which went into effect on March 24.

On May 4, Justice let the "Stay At Home" order expire and replaced it with a less restrictive "Safer At Home" order. Some non-essential businesses in the state reopened beginning May 11.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers extended the state's stay at home order through May 26 — but the state Supreme Court struck that order down, calling it "unlawful, invalid and unenforceable."

The decision has prompted confusion in the state, and now restrictions vary county-by-county.

Wyoming

On April 29, Gov. Mark Gordon said Wyoming would ease some of its coronavirus restrictions on May 1, with barbershops, gyms, nail salons and childcare centers among the businesses that will be allowed limited re-openings. Camping at state parks reopened on May 15.

HEAVY RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE

Significant restriction on non-essential businesses remain in effect.

California

Gov. Gavin Newsome issued a "shelter in place" order on March 20 — one of the earliest and most aggressive measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus. California's order does not have an expiration date, though it is part of a coalition of west coast states that are discussing ways to reopen the economy.

Newsome has introduced a four-stage plan on reopening the state, which will happen by region. On May 8, Newsome eased portions of the state into Phase 2 but did not fully open all industries to that level. Bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores opened with curbside pickup, but offices and restaurants remain closed.

Delaware

In March, Gov. John Carney signed a "Stay At Home" order that will remain in effect until May 15 "or until the public health threat subsides." Gov. John Carney is targeting June 1 for Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan.

Retail stores are open for curbside pickup, hair salons can reopen, and farmer's markets can now operate. Bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues remain closed.

Illinois

Illinois' "Stay At Home" order was set to expire on April 30, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended the order through May 30. However, he did loosen some regulations in his new order, allowing the reopening of outdoor businesses.

Retail stores can now operate through curbside pickup only. Pet grooming has also reopened, as well as some outdoor recreation.

Michigan

The state's "Stay At Home" order, passed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, has been extended multiple times. Whitmer's latest order is now set to expire on May 28.

Retail stores are currently open for curbside pickup only. Bars and restaurants are expected to reopen with restrictions when the "Stay At Home" order expires.

Michigan's order has been among the most controversial in the country. With Michigan experiencing among the highest per capita death rates of the coronavirus, Whitmer placed restrictions on the movement of citizens, preventing people who own multiple homes from traveling between and placing restrictions on the sale of some items, including some landscaping products.

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy's "Stay At Home" order does not have an expiration date, and will only expire "until revoked or modified by the Governor, who shall consult with the Commissioner of DOH as appropriate."

Retail stores can operate with curbside pickup only, and golf courses have also reopened.

New York

On May 9, Cuomo granted himself the authority to extend the order through June 6 if necessary but did not extend the order itself.

On May 15, reports emerged that Cuomo planned on extending the order through June 13 for counties in the state that did not meet criteria to reopen.

That same day, Cuomo allowed some construction and manufacturing work to continue in certain regions of the state, but "Stay At Home" orders remain in place until May 28.

Some retail stores in parts of the state can now operate with curbside pickup.

New Mexico

In early April, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham extended the state's Public Health Emergency order through April 30.

That order was then extended again through May 31.

Since then, New Mexico has taken a regional approach to reopening its economy. Three northwestern counties with the most infections remain largely shut down.

Washington

Washington was one of the first states hard hit by the virus and has been under a stay at home order since March 23. Gov. Jay Inslee has since extended that order through May 31.

The state is currently in Phase 1 of a four-phase plan to reopen the economy. Retail stores can operate with curbside pickup, and other largely outdoor businesses, like car sales and landscaping, can operate with social distancing in place.

STATES THAT NEVER ISSUED STAY AT HOME ORDERS

Arkansas
Nebraska
North Dakota
South Dakota