This article has been updated.
By all indications, we’re currently experiencing a flattening of the curve in terms of new coronavirus cases per day. Even hard-hit states like New York and New Jersey are experiencing a decline in new cases, as strict social distancing measures continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We should all feel cautiously optimistic about that fact — but don’t forget that we’re experiencing this slight flattening because of the strict statewide social distancing measures.
Life isn’t just going to go “back to normal” all of a sudden. We’re not out of the woods yet, and it’s likely that reopening the country will be a rolling effort with different precautions in place depending on where you live. At the present, millions of Americans nationwide are still under some form of shelter order which is keeping nonessential businesses closed, with most states ordering residents to stay at home except to get exercise or seek essential services. Despite President Trump’s assertion that he has “total authority” on this matter, we’re likely to be living under these social distancing measures to some degree or another until our respective governors give the “okay” for states to reopen.
We’ve collected each state’s current order as of April 30th, 2020. Some states have an end date on the books and others are working in unison to reopen segments of the country jointly — so take these dates with a grain of salt. They’re likely to change as each state assesses their respective COVID-19 situations.
Alabama
Alabama is now under a Safer at Home order that runs through May 15th. Residents have been advised to stay home, but businesses may begin to open subject to sanitation and social-distancing guidelines. All retail stores can reopen to 50 percent occupancy, beaches will be reopened, though gatherings of 10 or more are still prohibited, according to WSFA News.
Alaska
Under strict health guidance by the state, retail spaces, restaurant dine-in services, salons, childcare and day camps, fishing charters, lodging and overnight camping areas, gyms and fitness centers, and other social and religious gatherings are now open.
Further guidance will be updated in mid-May.
Arizona
Arizona’s current stay-at-home order has been extended until May 15th.
California
California’s stay-at-home order currently has no set end date. Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that moves to reopen the state would be coordinated along with Oregon and Washington and is dependent on six factors. The factors include widespread quick testing and tracing efforts, social distancing infrastructure for schools and restaurants, and increased hospital supplies and staff capable of meeting sudden surge capacity.
Colorado
Colorado is now in a “safer-at-home” phase of their lockdown. Masks are still required for public life, but certain businesses like hair salons and barbershops are now reopened, so long as they can follow the state’s social distancing guidelines.
Official guidance for reopening has yet to be released by the state.
Connecticut
All non-essential businesses in the state of Connecticut will be closed until May 20th. Individuals are being ordered to “Stay Safe, Stay Home” by Governor Ned Lamont. Efforts to reopen will be coordinated with New York.
Delaware
Delaware’s stay-at-home order has been extended until May 15th or until the threat to public health has been eliminated.
Florida
Certain businesses throughout the state, like restaurants and retail spaces, will reopen to the public on May 4th, with the exception of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Retail spaces must be kept at 25% capacity.
Georgia
Georgia is set to make an announcement about the relaxation of the shelter-in-place order on May 1st.
In keeping w/ our promise to let data & experts guide our decisions, I announced another strategic step forward. Tomorrow, I will sign a statewide shelter in place order. We will issue guidance soon so Georgians can prepare for the next phase in the fight against COVID-19. #gapol
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) April 1, 2020
Hawaii
Hawaii’s stay-at-home order has been extended until May 31st, restrictions on elective surgeries and beaches will begin to weaken throughout the month of May.
Idaho
Idaho residents are being ordered to stay home except to seek essential services until April 30th. On May 1st the state will reopen.
Illinois
Illinois’ stay-at-home order has been extended until May 30th, though some businesses will begin to re-open throughout the month. State parks, and fishing and boating services will also begin a phased re-opening.
Indiana
Indiana residents are under a stay-at-home order that is scheduled to end on May 1st. The Governor is set to make an announcement about the next-steps on May 1st.
Iowa
Restaurants, gyms, and retail spaces are set to reopen on May 1st. Counties with high incidences of COVID-19 will continue to be closed until May 15th.
Kansas
Kansas is under a statewide stay-at-home order until May 3rd. Governor Laura Kelly is making plans to re-open the state with some harder-hit counties maintaining a stay-at-home order.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s current stay-at-home order will remain in effect indefinitely as of the end of April.
Louisiana
Louisiana residents are under a stay-at-home order until May 15th.
Maine
Maine residents are under a “Stay Healthy at Home” order issued by Governor Janet Mills until May 15th.
Maryland
Maryland residents statewide are currently under an indefinite stay-at-home order.
Massachusetts
Non-essential businesses across the state are closed until May 4th. Massachusettes residents are being advised to stay home.
Michigan
Michigan residents are being ordered to stay home except to seek essential services until May 15th at the earliest. The state’s reopening will be dependent on the following four factors: a sustained reduction in cases, expanding testing and tracing capabilities, new guidelines for continued social distancing, and a healthcare capacity to meet a surge in demand.
Minnesota
Minnesota residents are being ordered to stay home until May 3rd at the earliest.
Mississippi
Mississippi has been under a stay-at-home order since April 5th which was set to expire on April 20th and then extended again. It has currently expired and the state is slowly reopening.
Missouri
Missourians were ordered to stay home until May 4th. The stay at home order is being extended in St. Louis and certain counties.
Montana
Businesses are slowly beginning to re-open throughout the state of Montana, though strict social distancing requirements apply.
Nebraska
Nebraska residents aren’t currently under a stay-at-home order. Hair salons, tattoo parlors, and strip clubs have been ordered closed until May 31st, but social distancing guidelines have been issued for work, school, and shopping frequency.
Nevada
Nevada’s stay-at-home order is set to expire on April 30th, though there is no firm date as to when businesses may reopen.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire residents are under a stay-at-home order until May 4th.
THREAD: Today, I announced that the State of New Hampshire will be issuing a Stay-at-Home order and directing all non-essential businesses that have not already voluntarily closed to end in-person and public-interacting operations by 11:59 PM tomorrow, March 27, 2020. pic.twitter.com/wLO7KZB2hj
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) March 26, 2020
New Jersey
New Jersey is under a statewide stay-at-home order, lasting indefinitely. New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Pennsylvania will coordinate reopening efforts jointly.
New Mexico
Residents are being advised to stay home until May 15th at the earliest. All non-essential businesses statewide are closed.
New York
New York’s social distancing orders will remain in effect until May 15th at the earliest. Reopening efforts will be jointly coordinated with New Jersey, Connecticut, and other eastern states.
North Carolina
North Carolina is under a statewide stay-at-home order until May 8th.
North Dakota
Businesses will reopen on May 1st.
Ohio
The state of Ohio will reopen on May 1st.
Oklahoma
Restaurants, movie theaters, and sporting venues will reopen on May 1st.
Oregon
Oregon will coordinate efforts with Washington and California on when to reopen the state. Until then, residents are under a stay-at-home order.
Pennsylvania
Golf courses, marinas, campsites, and guided fishing trips may resume operation on May 1st.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s stay-at-home order has been extended until May 8th.
South Carolina
South Carolina residents are being ordered to limit their movements outside of their homes to only seek essential services until further notice.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s stay-at-home order has been extended until April 30th. On May 1st, Tennessee will begin reopening businesses.
Texas
Retail stores, movie theaters, restaurants, museums, and libraries are set to reopen on May 1st.
Utah
Starting May 1st, restaurants may reopen for dining.
Vermont
Vermont residents are being directed to stay home until May 15th.
Virginia
Virginia’s stay-at-home order will be in effect until June 10th. All essential businesses will remain closed until then.
Washington
Washington residents are being ordered to stay home and will coordinate efforts to reopen with California and Oregon. Nonessential businesses will remain closed until mid-May at the earliest.
West Virginia
Residents are being directed to stay indoors until further notice. All nonessential businesses throughout the state are closed.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin residents are being ordered to stay home until April 24th. All essential businesses will remain closed until April 24th.
We have been working hard to ensure the health and safety of the people of our state as we have responded to COVID-19. We’ve taken important steps, but folks, time is of the essence. So today I’m announcing we'll be issuing a #SaferAtHome order tomorrow. Here’s what this means ⬇️
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) March 23, 2020
Wyoming
Bars, restaurants, and personal-service businesses are closed and residents are being directed to congregate in groups smaller than 10 people. Individuals entering the state for non-work-related reasons must quarantine for 14 days. Wyoming is not under a stay-at-home order.