Every U.S. state implemented restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Businesses reduced or ceased operations, people transitioned into working and learning remotely, and nonessential activities were paused. At least temporarily, much of the country was under strict orders to stay home.
But as of May 20, all 50 states have begun the process of easing restrictions on businesses, though public health experts say that some are doing so too quickly. At a May 12 Senate hearing, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S.’s top infectious disease expert, expressed concern about some states and localities skipping federal guidelines to open prematurely.
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State officials are charting paths to a new normal, seeking a balance between reopening economies and protecting public health. Governors are outlining new frameworks and timelines for their states as they ramp up testing and contact tracing efforts. Some have also formed regional partnerships to coordinate economic recovery. Most are releasing general and sector-specific reopening guidelines for industries and individuals.
Each day brings changes. NPR is tracking developments in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia so you can see what’s changed and how states compare.
Here’s what each state has done so far, by region:
While stay-at-home orders have expired throughout much of the country, modified versions remain in effect in parts or all of certain states. Most states still encourage at-risk populations to continue avoiding nonessential outings.
Governors in states such as New York, California, Washington, Pennsylvania and Maine have enacted plans that allow regions that meet certain criteria to progress through reopening phases at a faster pace than the rest of the state. Other states, such as Virginia, New Mexico and Utah, have delayed reopening timelines for particular counties based on public health metrics. And within many states, local governments may be authorized to implement tighter or looser restrictions in their own jurisdictions.
Once they reopen, most establishments must follow specific protocols, including limiting building occupancy and requiring employees to wear face masks.
Hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services that are allowed to reopen must often comply with new safety protocols, such as only taking customers by appointment and spacing out work stations.
Restaurants are increasingly allowed to open for limited in-house dining, in addition to offering delivery, takeout and curbside pickup. Many states limit dining to outdoor areas before later permitting restaurants to open indoor seating.
The first version of this page was originally published on March 12. This is a developing story. We will continue to update as new information becomes available.
NPR’s Brakkton Booker, Merrit Kennedy, Vanessa Romo, Colin Dwyer, Laurel Wamsley, Aubri Juhasz and Bobby Allyn contributed to this report.
