Some COVID Rates on the Rise Amid Reopenings — What Phase Is Your State In?

Governor Kay Ivey issued an amended Safer at Home Order that is in effect from 5 p.m. on May 22 to 5 p.m. on July 3.

The latest Safer at Home order allows additional activities and business to open in line with social distancing and sanitation rules, including athletic activities, educational institutions, child care facilities, summer camps and entertainment venues such as arcades, theaters and bowling alleys.

As of May 22, Alaska is in Phase 3 of reopening.

The state is "open for business" according to an announcement, with all businesses, houses of worship, libraries, museums, and recreational and sports activities open.

Certain restrictions still apply, including restricted access for senior centers, prisons, and institutions. Any proposed large public gatherings such as festivals and concerts need to consult first with public health before scheduling.

Arizona's Stay at Home Order expired on May 15 and has been replaced by new state guidance on safely reopening. According to the governor's office, "Arizona’s new Executive Order, which takes effect on Saturday, May 16, builds on Arizona’s comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health, including: ramping up testing availability and frequency; implementing tracking of key health metrics such as reported symptomatic cases and emergency room usage; standing up surge hospital capacity to be used as needed; expanding statewide contact tracing; bolstering supply chains for personal protective equipment for frontline medical workers and emergency responders; implementing enhanced safety protocols to protect those living and working in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes; and providing public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing."

Arizona's Stay at Home Order expired on May 15, replaced by new state guidance.

According to the governor's site: "Arizona’s new Executive Order, which takes effect on Saturday, May 16, builds on Arizona’s comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health, including: ramping up testing availability and frequency; implementing tracking of key health metrics such as reported symptomatic cases and emergency room usage; standing up surge hospital capacity to be used as needed; expanding statewide contact tracing; bolstering supply chains for personal protective equipment for frontline medical workers and emergency responders; implementing enhanced safety protocols to protect those living and working in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes; and providing public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing."

The state of California issued a stay-at-home order on March 19.

As of June 4, the state has been in Phase 2, "where retail, related logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, child care, and essential businesses can open with modifications. The state is issuing guidance to help these workplaces reopen safely."

According to the state website, Colorado is in Level 3: Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.

The site explains: "While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice greater social distancing in our vast outdoors than in confined indoor spaces. Much of Colorado is now open with restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect those at highest risk for severe illness."

Connecticut remains in Phase 1 of its reopening plan.

Phase 2 is set to begin on June 17, under which the following can reopen: amusement parks, hotels/lodging, restaurants (current table limit is 25), museums, zoos, aquariums, recreation (e.g., bowling, movie theaters, etc.), libraries, outdoor events, personal services (e.g., nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.), sports and fitness facilities (e.g., gyms, fitness centers, pools, etc.).

Delaware enters Phase 2 on June 15, "in which restaurants, retailers and some other businesses will be permitted to increase capacity to 60 percent of state fire occupancy," according to a tweet by the state. Full guidance can be found here.

DC launched Phase 1 on May 29. While some establishments and public spaces have reopened, gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited.

On June 5, Florida entered Phase 2, which eases restrictions on gyms, bars and movie theaters, among other businesses.

Phase 1 of Georgia's reopening plan lifted some restrictions, but social distancing, sanitation and public health safety measures remain in effect until June 12, reports ABC.

Hawaiian Gov. Ige's stay-at-home order expired May 31. According to a statement from the state's site, Hawaii "will start to gradually re-open medium-risk businesses and operations beginning in June – assuming the state’s COVID-19 activity remains manageable. The re-opening of high-risk businesses and operations will eventually follow, as long as Hawai‘i’s disease activity continues to remain manageable."

Idaho is in Stage 3 of reopening, under which businesses opening their doors in various stages of the Idaho Rebound plan should have operational plans in place to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. These include encouraging telework. Gatherings of 10-50 people can occur.

As of June 3, the entire state of Illinois, including Chicago, is in Phase 3. According to the state plan, "Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer are permitted. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm."

On June 12, Gov. Eric Holcomb will move Indiana into Stage 4 of the state's 5-part plan to reopen, reports IndyStar. Stage 4 will continue to relax certain restrictions, including the ability to resume work at office buildings and bars reopening at 50% capacity. But Holcomb has emphasized that residents should continue to wear masks and follow social distancing rules.

Iowa never put a stay-at-home order in place. But a proclamation from Gov. Kim Reynolds has been extended until June 25, permitting bars, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and social and fraternal clubs to reopen with the same public health measures as restaurants in place on May 28. On June 1, additional establishments, including outdoor performance venues, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement parks, skating rinks, skate parks, outdoor playgrounds are permitted to reopen. The proclamation also permits social, community, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people if public health measures are implemented, including limiting attendance to 50% of the venue capacity and maintaining six feet of distance between those attending.

On June 8, Gov. Laura Kelly recommended that most local communities consider moving into Phase 3 of Kansas' reopening plan, reports KNSS. Phase 3 makes the following recommendations to county officials:

—Mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are not recommended;
—All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate and are recommended to follow all public health guidelines;
—On-site staffing has no recommended restrictions;
—Nonessential travel may resume, provided travelers follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas;
—As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that restaurants and retailers can reopen at 50% capacity one month after their original date of reopening their doors, reports WDRB. Kentucky restaurants were allowed to reopen at 33% indoor capacity on May 22 as part of the second phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions

Louisiana began Phase 2 of its reopening plan on June 5. Per the governor's office: "In Phase 2, churches, places of worship and many more businesses will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees and increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends that businesses consider offering temperature checks before a person can enter and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter."

Maine entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan on June 1, according to News Center Maine. Group gatherings can consist of up to 50 people (with physical distancing regulations still in place). Lodging facilities may open statewide. Retail may open with different occupancy maximums according to store size. Many parks and beaches have begun to open up as well. Restaurants can open for outdoor or indoor dining, depending on county.

On June 10, Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state can proceed with more Stage Two reopening plans. This includes opening restaurants for indoor dining and opening gyms, casinos and malls next week.

On June 8, the following businesses were eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase II, with contingencies:

—Retail, with occupancy limits;
—Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;
—Restaurants, outdoor table service only;
—Hotels and other lodgings, no events, functions or meetings;
—Warehouses and distribution centers;
—Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching and education tutoring;
—Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech and occupation schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;
—Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;
—Outdoor recreation facilities;
—Professional sports practices, no games or public admissions;
—Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education or life skills and in groups of less than 10;
—Driving and flight schools Outdoor historical spaces, no functions, gatherings or guided tours;
—Funeral homes, with occupancy limits

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has moved Michigan to Stage 4 of its reopening plan, reports WWJ.

Restaurants and bars can resume dine-in service on June 8 — with limited seating and other COVID-19 safety measures in place. Bars and restaurants will only be allowed to operate at half capacity, with groups sitting at least 6 feet apart, and servers will be required to wear masks, under the governor's latest executive order.

Libraries and museums will be allowed to reopen on June 8, and the governor is easing limits on gatherings. Groups of up to 100 people can gather outside as long as they practice social distancing under a new executive order signed Monday, and drive-in movie theaters will be allowed to reopen.

Shopping will also open up a bit more, with retailers allowed to reopen with limited store capacities, without an appointment, this Thursday, June 4.

Day camps for children and public pools can also open June 8, under the governor's order.

Minnesota entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan on June 10.

Social settings: Gatherings of 25 or less outdoors, gatherings of 10 or less indoors. Drive-in gatherings per MDH guidelines.

Businesses can open, but must telework if possible.

Retails and restaurants can reopen at 50% capacity.

Gyms, indoor events and entertainment can reopen at 25% capacity.

Mississippi businesses were given the green light to reopen on June 1, reports WAPT. According to an order from Gov. Tate Reeves, all businesses can reopen -- including movie theaters and ballparks -- but they will have to follow the strict health orders that are in place.

Gov. Mike Parson entered the state into Phase 2 on May 4, allowed businesses to reopen with social distancing guidelines and limits on the number of people allowed to enter buildings. Those second-phase restrictions are set to expire June 15, according to Webster County Citizen.

Montana entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan on June 1. According to an order from Gov. Steve Bullock, this includes:

—Avoid gatherings in groups of more than 50 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Groups larger than 50 people should be cancelled unless physical distancing can be maintained. It is recommended to continue to social distance in gatherings of any size.
—Restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, and casinos remains in the same operations status as Phase One, but with an increase to 75% capacity.
—Gyms, indoor group fitness classes, pool, and hot tubs can operate at 75% capacity and only if they can adhere to strict physical distancing and they exercise frequent sanitation protocols.
—Concert halls, bowling alleys, and other places of assembly may operate with reduced capacity and if they adhere to strict physical distancing guidelines.
—All businesses are required to follow the social distancing and sanitation guidelines established in Phase One, and Montanans are strongly encouraged to continue sanitation practices, including hand washing and wearing masks in public places like grocery stores.

On June 1, Nebraska entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan in all counties except Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota, reports KMTV. Under this phase:

—Gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 3,000)
—Bars and restaurants can reopen at 50% capacity
—Gyms, personal services, and wedding venues can reopen to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 50% of rated occupancy.

Gov. Steve Sisolak entered Phase 2 on June 4, reports KNXT. Under the order, most businesses will be allowed to re-open, though with capacity limits and strict social distancing guidelines in place.

Through the Stay at Home 2.0 plan, Gov. Chris Sununu has outlined the following reopening targets:

—June 5: attractions, beaches, golf courses, lodging
—June 15: restaurants, weddings
—June 22: day camps
—June 28: overnight camps

Gov. Phil Murphy has set a June 15 target for Phase 2. The following are slated to open soon, according to NorthJersey.com:

—Retail stores: June 15
—Outdoor dining: June 15
—NJ day cares: June 15
—NJ hair salons and barbershops: June 22
—NJ youth, HS, college sports: June 22
—NJ summer camps: July 6

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a phased reopening plan, with the following changes having taken into effect on June 1:

—Drive-in theaters may reopen under COVID-Safe Practices;
—Nine additional state parks will reopen for day-use only beginning May 30, with five more opening June 1, some with capacity limits;
—Indoor malls, hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and massage services may begin operating at 25 percent occupancy;
—Shopping mall food courts must remain closed, and loitering is prohibited;
—Salons and other personal-service businesses must operate on a by-appointment basis, per the amended order. Waiting rooms will remain closed; clients will not be allowed to enter until time for their appointment;
—Hotels may operate at 50 percent of maximum occupancy under COVID-Safe Practices;
—Gyms allowed to reopen at 50 percent occupancy. Personal training is permitted for up to two trainees;
—Group fitness classes are still prohibited, as are sparring, grappling, wrestling and other forms of person-to-person contact training;
—Swimming pools may reopen for lap swimming and lessons of up to two students;
—Bars – defined as food and beverage service establishments that derived more than 50 percent of their revenue in the prior calendar year from the sale of alcoholic beverages – remain temporarily closed, although breweries and wineries can do curbside pickup where permitted by their licenses;
—Retailers and houses of worship may operate at 25 percent of maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices.

As of June 9, all of New York's ten regions have begun a four-phase reopening process following the statewide PAUSE plan ordered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the onset of the virus. NYC remains in Phase 1, while the state's other nine regions entered Phase 2 on June 10.

North Carolina entered Phase 2 on May 22, which reopened more businesses to limited capacity including retail (50%), gatherings (10-person limit indoors, 25-person limit outdoors), child care, restaurants (50%), barbers and salons (50%), and venues, pools and day camps (open but with restrictions).

According to the state site, North Dakota is in the Green - Low Risk Level of the ND Smart Restart Plan as of May 29. A state report reads: "During this level, schools and businesses can reopen, and much of normal life can begin to resume. However, some physical distancing measures and limitations on gatherings will still be recommended to prevent transmission from accelerating again. For older adults (those over age 65), those with underlying health conditions, and other populations at heightened risk from COVID-19, continuing to limit time in the community will be important. State and community leaders should prepare health alerts, communicate risk and symptoms, review plans, prepare for public health capacity if needed for spikes in cases."

As of June 5, an order from the state ordered the following businesses to remain closed:

—K-12 schools

—Older adult day care services and senior centers

—Adult day support or vocational habilitation services in congregate settings

—Rooming and boarding houses, and workers’ camps

—Certain entertainment/recreation sites

According to a state order, Oklahoma entered Phase 3 on June 1. According to the order: "Under Phase 3, businesses may resume unrestricted staffing at their worksites by observing proper CDC-recommended social distancing protocols and are recommended to continue increased cleaning and disinfecting practices. Individuals should minimize time spent in crowded environments and continue following CDC guidelines regarding social distancing. Additionally, summer camps are allowed to open provided they follow safety guidelines. Businesses that had been operating by appointment only may begin accepting walk-in clients at their discretion."

The majority of Oregon counties are currently in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan. According to the state site: "Subject to public health guidelines, physical distancing, gathering size limits, and sanitization guidelines, this includes: recreational sports; pools; venues like movie theaters, bowling alleys, and arcades; some additional in-office work; bars and restaurants able to stay open until midnight; social, civic, and faith-based gatherings can meet in larger, physically-distanced groups."

As of June 5, about half of Pennsylvania counties are in the yellow phase while about the other half are in the green phase.

According to guidance, during the yellow phase, "some restrictions on work and social interaction will ease while others, such as closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place."

Meanwhile, the green phase "eases most restrictions with the continued suspension of the stay at home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.

Rhode Island entered Phase 2 on June 1. The second phase loosened restrictions on personal behavior (gatherings of up to 15 people are now allowed). Additionally, businesses that offer personal services, such as gyms, tattoo shops and parlors, can operate with restrictions. State beaches have also reopened, as well as non-essential retailers and malls (with some restrictions).

McMaster's stay-at-home executive order expired on May 4.
Reopened

Retail

Retail stores

Outdoor and recreation

Beaches, piers, docks, etc.; Gyms; Pools

Food and drink

Restaurant dining

Personal care

Salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors etc.

Gov. Kristi L. Noem of South Dakota has not issued a stay-at-home order.

Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee said restaurants were allowed to open on April 27, and retail outlets on April 29, at 50% capacity.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order announcing the state would enter Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan. The directives expanded upon businesses and activities included in the first two phases of the Open Texas plan.

The majority of Utah counties are currently in the Low-Risk Yellow Phase, while three counties — Bluff, Mexican Hat, and Salt Lake City — are in the Moderate-Risk Orange Phase.

On May 15, Utah Gov. Phil Scott extended the Be Smart, Stay Safe order to extend the State of Emergency to June 15 and update previous emergency orders to reflect re-openings and eased restrictions announced in recent weeks. According to a press release, the revised order "allows the limited resumption of campgrounds, marinas and lodging facilities, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals, parks for recreational vehicles and campgrounds, including those managed by the Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation."

Virginia is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening plan. According to the state site, the following businesses can operate with restrictions during this phase:

—Restaurants and beverage services may operate at 50% occupancy load with at least six feet of spacing between tables.
—Farmers markets may operate as long as six feet of separation can be maintained between guests (including between tables and persons on public sidewalks).
—Non-essential retail may operate at 50% occupancy load.
—Personal care and personal grooming services may operate at 50% occupancy load by appointment only, with no more than two clients per service provider.
—Fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, and indoor exercise facilities may operate at up to 30% occupancy load with at least ten feet of spacing between individuals.
—Indoor and outdoor swimming pools may open for exercise, diving, and instruction only with at least 10 feet of physical distance between individuals in the pool.
—Private campgrounds may operate with at least 20 feet of separation between lots used for stays of less than 14 days.
—Campgrounds may continue to operate lots that are reserved for stays longer than 14 days.
—Outdoor performing arts venues, concert venues, and movie theaters (excluding drive-in entertainment) may operate if the number of patrons does not exceed the lesser of 50% occupancy load (if there is an occupancy limit) or 50 patrons.
—Properly permitted businesses may operate a drive-in model, where cars are parked at least six feet apart and participants must remain in their vehicle
—Museums, Botanical Gardens, Aquariums, Zoos may open at 50% occupancy with no shared objects or touch-based interactive exhibits

On May 29, Gov. Jay Inslee issued an updated, county-by-county based “Safe Start” plan. Beginning June 8, most employees will be required to wear a cloth facial covering or face mask, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site. (Exceptions include individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who communicate with someone who relies on language cues such as facial markers and expression and mouth movements as a part of communication.) Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection.

On June 8, West Virginia initiated Week 7 of Gov. Jim Justice's comeback plan. Operations permitted to resume on that date included:

- Low-contact outdoor youth sports practices
- WVSSAC-sanctioned athletics and band summer training programs
- Little league sports practices
- All remaining adult sports facilities including indoor tennis courts, racquetball courts, outdoor basketball courts, and similar venues

Gov. Tony Evers' stay-at-home order was struck down on May 13. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has issued guidelines for corporations operating during the pandemic by industry.