What are the social distancing rules in my state? Here’s how America is reopening amid coronavirus pandemic.

Some experts believe the United States has passed its first peak of coronavirus deaths, and state leaders have rolled out a patchwork of constantly evolving plans to relax social distancing restrictions, plans that often vary by region, state, county and even city. 

Heading into the weekend, multiple states — including Alabama, Texas and Nevada — were moving to relax restrictions on personal care businesses such as barber shops or nail salons.

Those moves came as California Gov. Gavin Newsom identified a nail salon as the origin of the coronavirus outbreak in the state. 

Asked why businesses that offer personal-care services like nail salons can’t open yet, Newsom said, “This whole thing started in the state of California, the first community spread, in a nail salon. I just wanted to remind you, remind everybody, of that. I’m very worried about that.’’

Meanwhile, cases in the U.S. have largely plateaued in recent days, not fallen off, amid reopening efforts. Experts say increased testing could be keeping case numbers from declining, but inadequate social distancing is also likely at play.

President Donald Trump, eager to revive a once-booming economy upended by the virus, has pushed suggestions designed to reopen the U.S. economy following the expiration of his “Stay at Home” guidelines on April 30. The administration has pivoted to a three-phase plan that leaves the decision to states, creating an uneven strategy that some health experts warn could undermine the progress that has been made in stemming the spread of coronavirus. 

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U.S. coronavirus map: Track how the outbreak has spread in your state

At the height of stay-at-home restrictions in late March and early April, more than 310 million Americans were under various directives – some called shelter-in-place orders, others labeled stay-at-home orders. The mandates generally required people to avoid all nonessential outings and stay inside as much as possible.

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Here is how all 50 states – plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. – are making moves to roll back social distancing regulations. We will keep this file updated as measures are announced:

Alabama

Gov. Kay Ivey on May 8 said she would loosen coronavirus restrictions effective May 11, allowing limited operations of restaurants, hair and nail salons, and gyms.

The order allows restaurants, bars and breweries to open with limited table seating. Restaurants must limit tables to 8 persons and maintain six-foot distances between dining groups. The establishments are urged to offer curbside service.

Gyms, athletic facilities and hair and nail salon providers will also be able to open “subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines.” Gyms are forbidden from offering sports that require close contact with others or sharing sporting apparatus and equipment. They must also limit capacity to 50%. 

The order also removes a 10-person restriction on nonwork gatherings. That will allow churches to resume regular services. However, Harris noted that churches have been vectors for the illness, and urged caution in doing so. 

Previously, Ivey loosened some restrictions on retail operations, and said the state would monitor the situation to decide what further steps could be taken.

On April 28, Gov. Kay Ivey outlined her “Safer At Home” order, which went into effect April 30, immediately after Alabama’s stay-at-home order expired. 

Ivey’s order was set to expire on May 15, and it was not immediately clear why she moved up the timetable.

Alaska

Starting May 8, bars, gyms, libraries, theaters and other entertainment venues can reopen with limited capacity as a part of the state’s phased reopening, state health commissioner Adam Crum said. With gyms, for example, a 10-foot distance will be required between people indoors. For pools, 50% of capacity will be allowed, he said.

On April 24, Alaska began allowing restaurants to resume dine-in service and for retail shops and other businesses to reopen, all with limitations, under an initial phase of the state’s reopening plan. 

Personal care services, like barber shops and nail and hair salons, were allowed to reopen April 27, as were restaurants. However, all are operating under strict guidelines intended to guard against spreading the virus.

Gatherings have been limited to 20 people, or 25% maximum capacity, whichever number is smaller and can now include guests from other households. Social distancing, however, must be obeyed.

Religious services must also follow the gathering guidelines.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy and health officials have issued a number of health orders as a part of the phased Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan.

Arizona

Gov. Doug Ducey on May 4 accelerated his phased reopening plan for Arizona, saying expanded testing and declines in reported COVID-19 and flu-like illnesses had provided “a green light to make additional decisions for our first step forward.”

Barbershops and salons were able to resume hair, nail, waxing and other services by appointment May 8, if they limit occupancy, implement social distancing measures, up sanitation protocols and provide cloth masks to employees, the governor said.

On May 11, restaurants and coffee shops can start offering dine-in service. They must also limit occupancy and physically distance diners, in addition to checking employees for COVID-19 symptoms before their shifts.

Ducey on April 29 extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 15, and some businesses reopened on a limited basis May 4.

A week earlier, on April 22, Ducey had announced that hospitals and outpatient centers would resume elective surgeries on May 1.

Ducey said businesses will be able to resume in-person sales May 8, but only if they have certain safety protocols in place.

Arkansas

Pools and water parks can reopen in May with new capacity limits and other restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said May 8.

Dental services are set to resume May 11 and the state’s three casinos may reopen on May 18, Hutchinson said in early May.

State Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith said the original plan was to resume dental services on May 18, but the dental lobby persuaded the state that protective gear supplies were sufficient and that protective protocols were planned by most dentists.

Large outdoor venues may reopen to the public with a limit on the size of crowds, Hutchinson said May 4. The governor also announced a May 18 target date for the reopening of large indoor venues such as movie theaters and bowling alleys.

Hutchinson also reiterated the state’s COVID-19 guidelines for places of worship, and gave his blessing on churches resuming in-person services.

Arkansas’ barbershops and beauty salons, which have been closed since March 25, reopened May 6.

Gyms, fitness centers and indoor athletic facilities reopened on May 4 with restrictions including guidance on face masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing.

Facilities will not be allowed to admit anyone displaying possible COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. Those with compromised immune systems or chronic diseases will also be barred from entry. Pools, spas, showers and saunas at gyms and similar facilities will remain closed until further notice.

Hutchinson had announced April 22 that the state would begin lifting restrictions on elective medical procedures; that went into effect April 27. 

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 7 issued the broadest loosening of his stay-at-home order so far, allowing some retailers to reopen but not have customers in stores. And just in time for Mother’s Day, Los Angeles County permitted the reopening of trails and golf courses but with social distancing restrictions. 

Newsom’s announcement moves California into the second phase of a four-step reopening process. It covers only retail businesses and manufacturers’ warehouses considered low risk for the virus.

Stores allowed to open with curbside service, if they meet other safety requirements, include bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores. Higher-risk businesses like hair salons and gyms, offices and dining in restaurants will come later.

On April 22, Newsom made the first modification to the state’s stay-at-home order with the resumption of “essential” surgeries.

California schoolchildren could return to their classrooms as soon as late July, though likely with modifications, Newsom said in late April. 

Colorado

Offices deemed nonessential were allowed to reopen May 4 with reduced staff. Current restrictions allow curbside retail and real estate showings. Getting a haircut and shopping in person at retail stores were allowed again in much of Colorado starting May 1 as the state eased restrictions.

Denver lifted its stay-home restrictions on the weekend of May 9, and Polis said state officials would be paying close attention to potential health impacts.

Polis said he’s also hopeful that restaurants will be able to reopen in a limited capacity soon, possibly before Memorial Day weekend. 

One week before the state’s stay-at-home order lifted April 27, Gov. Jared Polis announced the next phase, called “safer at home”: The goal is for Coloradans to maintain 60% to 65% social distancing, and vulnerable residents should continue to shelter in place.

Polis said the state will work with nonessential businesses on guidelines to phase in reopening beginning May 1. On May 4, nonessential business offices reopened with half the usual staff to allow for social distancing.

Schools will remain closed, and bars and restaurants will not immediately reopen.

Colorado hospitals, dental offices, optometrists and other health care providers are set to start seeing patients for elective procedures again by early May.

On April 27, Colorado also joined California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada in the Western States Pact, a coalition that shares aligns reopening plans with other states in the region.

Connecticut

Officials on May 8 released detailed protocols on how restaurants, retail stores, hair salons and other businesses can reopen beginning May 20.

On April 10, Gov. Ned Lamont extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 20, and on April 30 announced that date is when the state is expected to start the first step in a gradual, multi-stage process of lifting restrictions on businesses and activities.

That’s when outdoor restaurant dining, in addition to existing takeout, will be allowed. Barring virus flare-ups, Lamont also hopes to reopen — with added precautions — salons, outdoor zoo and museum exhibits, camping and other outdoor recreation, and university research programs.

On May 5, Lamont canceled in-person classes at all Connecticut K-12 public schools for the rest of this school year, requiring districts to continue distance learning.

Delaware

Gov. John Carney’s administration wants to begin the first phase of a reopening plan based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House by June 1.

It’s not clear exactly what the first phase of reopening the economy will look like, but the state has released some details. Social distancing will still be required after June 1, and no more than 10 people can be in a group. Schools will stay closed, and so will bars.

Carney said there would be “interim steps” to reopen the economy between May 8 and June 1. 

Carney announced plans May 5 to allow some businesses to operate again under social distancing rules to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Many businesses could resume “limited operations” starting May 8, according to the announcement from the governor’s office.

Retail stores, such as clothing, book or music stores, will be able to do curbside pickup. Barbershops and salons can reopen for some customers but under strict rules. 

Delaware residents are required to wear face coverings in public settings, according to Carney’s state of emergency declaration.

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis will now allow hair stylists, barbers and nail technicians to reopen.

That announcement came May 8 — the same day he said Palm Beach County could, starting May 11, join 64 other counties in the state where restaurateurs and retailers can  allow customers inside.

DeSantis reopened the state’s parks May 4 with some restrictions, saying the ability for Floridians to get outdoors will offer some “peace of mind.”

DeSantis said May 1 the opening of parks will cover all parts of the state, including the Southeast Florida counties that have been hit hardest by the coronavirus and are set to open their businesses on a slower schedule than the rest of the state.

DeSantis said April 29 he is easing back on Florida’s month-long shutdown. The first phase went into effect May 4, but excluded Miami-Dade, Broward and West Palm Beach counties.

Elective surgeries can resume, restaurants can offer outdoor seating with six feet of social distance, and indoor seating must be at 25% of normal capacity. Indoor retail businesses can operate at 25% indoor capacity. Bars and gyms would remain closed; schools will remain in distance learning. DeSantis has said he has no plans to reopen movie theaters.

DeSantis urged everyone to continue observing social distancing, avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people and wearing face masks in situations when physical distance is difficult to achieve. He also recommended that Florida’s most vulnerable population, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, remain sheltered in place.

Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp allowed businesses such as tattoo parlors, bowling alleys and hair and nail salons to reopen with restrictions in late April, a sweeping move that prompted national criticism. Restaurants and movie theaters have since been able to welcome customers back in on a limited basis, and a statewide shelter-at-home order has expired.

Some malls reopened May 4, though things were far from normal with many businesses inside still shuttered and parking lots sparsely filled.

Kemp allowed his statewide shelter-in-place order to expire at midnight April 30 but extended his emergency powers to June 12 and told the elderly and medically fragile to stay at home until then.

In-person religious services resumed over the April 25-26 weekend, and restaurants and theaters reopened on April 27 with “specific social distancing and sanitation mandates.”

Hawaii

Hawaii has been under a statewide stay-at-home order since the last week of March. Gov. David Ige has relaxed some restrictions, including allowing shopping malls to reopen. They will open their doors on Maui on May 11 and on Oahu May 15.

Ige previously allowed businesses such as golf courses, some real estate services and car dealerships to reopen.

On April 25, Ige announced that he would be extending the state’s stay-at-home directive and mandatory quarantine for travelers entering Hawaii through May 31.

Ige said beaches could be used to access oceans for outdoor water exercise like swimming and surfing and for “running, jogging, or walking on the beach, so long as social distancing requirements are maintained.”

Elective surgeries can resume “as each facility determines to be appropriate.”

Idaho

Gov. Brad Little allowed his five-week stay-at-home order to expire April 30. Idaho residents have been successful at reducing infections and deaths because of the coronavirus, Little said.

On May 1, the state entered the first of his four-stage plan to recover from the economic damage caused by the virus. Little said the process will take time, and advancing through the stages to return the state to near normalcy by the end of June will be based on declining infections and strong testing. The readiness of the health care system is another factor.

Child-care centers were able to reopen May 1. Churches can reopen, with distancing and sanitation rules. Bars, gyms, salons, movie theaters and sporting venues remain closed. Restaurants can offer curbside and delivery service.

Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a five-phase reopening plan May 5 called “Restore Illinois” and indicated at that time that the state was already in the plan’s second phase, with nonessential businesses open for curbside pickup and delivery.

Also part of the second phase, residents are directed to wear face coverings when outside and can resume outdoor recreational activities such as golf, boating and fishing as long as social distancing is practiced. 

On May 8, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released the city’s five-step path toward re-opening, which includes some stricter standards than the state plan.

The next phase of the state plan will see manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons reopen with capacity limits and social distancing requirements. Gatherings of 10 or fewer will be allowed and face coverings and social distancing will also remain standard.

Restaurants and bars won’t resume service until Phase 4.

The phases correspond with hospital bed occupancy, the surge capacity of the health care system, the increase of contact tracing and testing capabilities. The phases will apply differently to the regions of the state and Illinois can also revert back to previous phases if a spike in cases occurs. 

“Here’s the truth and I don’t like it any more than you do: Until we have a vaccine, or an effective treatment or enough widespread immunity that new cases fail to materialize, the option of returning to normalcy doesn’t exist,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker’s modified stay-at-home order took effect May 1; it allows small, safe worship services to resume.

Before his stay-at-home order was set to expire at the end of April, Pritzker announced April 23 that he would be signing an extension that runs through May 30.

Indiana

As of May 4, Gov. Eric Holcomb began lifting social distancing restrictions in Indiana. Gatherings of up to 25 people are allowed in all but the three hardest-hit counties; malls and other nonessential retailers can open at 50% capacity and churches can begin holding services with no limits on the number of attendees.

The reopening plan calls for the removal of additional restrictions in phases through July 4. Beginning May 11, for example, restaurants can open at half capacity.

Some cities and counties have set their own restrictions. Indianapolis and Marion County residents will remain under Mayor Joe Hogsett’s stay-at-home order until at least May 15.

Holcomb on April 27 reopened routine care. That includes dental offices, abortion clinics, dermatology offices and veterinary clinics. 

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds said May 6 she will allow dental services to resume and campgrounds, drive-in theaters, tanning facilities and other businesses to reopen statewide beginning May 8 if they meet certain requirements. She ordered them shut down in March.

Reynolds is allowing retail stores in malls to reopen, but the shopping centers must keep common spaces like play areas and food courts closed. She’s also allowing fitness centers to reopen by appointment only, limiting to one person inside at a time.

Dentists may resume providing services if they comply with guidelines for safely reopening adopted by the Iowa Dental Board, have adequate personal protective equipment, demonstrate a plan to preserve such equipment and have a supply chain to obtain more equipment if needed.

Other businesses that can open statewide beginning May 8 are:

• Campgrounds

• Drive-in movie theaters

• Tanning facilities

• Medical spas

The reopenings are on top of a previous order that allowed some retail businesses, including restaurants, to open in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties beginning on May 1.

Reynolds also said on April 24 she would allow elective surgeries and farmers markets to open with some restrictions. She described it as a first step in a long process of reopening Iowa’s economy.

Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly’s stay-at-home order expired May 3 as she moved the state into the first part of a multi-phase plan to reopen Kansas between now an at least June 15. Some businesses, including restaurants, opened their doors for the first time in weeks, with the addition of social distancing protocols.

The first stage allows dine-in service in restaurants and the reopening of stores, though social distancing must be observed.

The transition included a passing of the baton to county health officials, who have the option of imposing tighter restrictions based on local infections, hospitalizations and deaths from the coronavirus.

Kelly announced April 30 that she hopes to lift all coronavirus-inspired state limits on mass gatherings and other restrictions by June 15.

The state plans to recruit and train 400 new workers for a robust contact tracing program.

Kentucky

Gov. Andy Beshear on May 7 announced Phase 2 of his plan for reopening Kentucky’s economy, which includes restaurants, would begin in late May.

Under the plan, restaurants can reopen their doors to in-person traffic on May 22 at 33% capacity indoors and unlimited seating outdoors, so long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

Beshear also announced that movie theaters, fitness centers, campgrounds, child care centers and certain youth sports will be able to reopen under public health guidelines in June.

On May 6, Beshear issued a new travel ban in response to a federal judge’s ruling that knocked down the previous prohibition.

Beshear laid out his first phase of a plan for re-opening several portions of Kentucky’s economy on April 29.

In order to re-open, various businesses must follow public health guidelines set forth by industries and the state in its “Healthy at Work” initiative.

Under phase one of the plan, manufacturing companies can re-open their doors on May 11, and horse racing can occur without fans. On May 20, places of worship can hold in-person services, and retail shops can welcome back customers. And on May 25, 10-person or less social gatherings can occur, and barbershops can re-open doors.

While Beshear is pushing forward with his plan for Phase 1 of the reopenings — set to begin in mid May — Kentucky hasn’t met key benchmarks.

Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an extension of his stay-at-home order through May 15, warning the state will enforce the restrictions if some parishes allow businesses to reopen early.

Stressing the need for increased testing, Edwards said on May 8 he would not yet provide any information about what will happen when his current stay at home order expires on May 16.

Edwards’ new proclamation makes a few minor changes in his previous order that expired April 30.

It allows some outside dining at restaurants but no table service, outside church services with social distancing and curbside retail at malls otherwise closed, but most restrictions remain in place, including inside gatherings of 10 or more people. Non-emergency medical procedures can resume.

Meanwhile, some Louisiana parishes bucked the governor’s continued coronavirus order by letting churches and other establishments open their doors to more people May 1.

LaSalle Parish in central Louisiana and East Feliciana Parish near Baton Rouge both said churches and businesses may open at 25% of occupancy limits – a change Bel Edwards has said he hopes to make in mid-May. East Feliciana Parish also is reopening libraries and some other establishments.

Maine

Maine will reopen the economy in rural part of the state sooner than its population centers, with many businesses reopening in May, the state’s governor said May 8.

The reopening plan applies to 12 counties in the state. It leaves out Cumberland, York, Penobscot and Androscoggin counties, which are home to the state’s biggest cities and more than half its population.

Gov. Janet Mills said retail stores in the more rural counties will be able to open on May 11 with increased health and safety precautions in place. Restaurants will be able to open on May 18.

The state is in the midst of a gradual reopening of its economy. Retail businesses and restaurants aren’t allowed to open statewide until June 1.

Maryland

While the state’s stay-at-home order is still in place, Gov. Larry Hogan has reopened state beaches and announced that outdoor activities like golfing, camping, fishing and boating can start up again.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan announced the town plans to reopen its Boardwalk, Inlet parking lot and beaches to the general public on Saturday, May 9.

Hogan said May 6 the state may be able to enter phase one of a reopening plan in mid-May. He also announced Maryland schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

Previously, Hogan announced a three-phase recovery process:

• Phase one: Lifting the stay-at-home order, reopening many small businesses and restarting low-risk community activities

• Phase two: Allow for a larger number of businesses to reopen, including restaurants and bars, with significant safety precautions in place.

• Phase three: Begin permitting larger events and lessening restrictions even further.

Massachusetts

Limited use of golf courses will be allowed, Gov. Charlie Baker said May 7. Earlier in the week, Barker said a 17-person commission is scheduled to issue a proposal May 18 on suggestions to safely open up the economy.

Baker had previously extended the state’s stay-at-home advisory until May 18. 

“If we act too soon, we could risk a spike in infections that could force our state to revert to serious restrictions again,” Baker said. “This scenario would be far worse for our economy, and for our communities, and for our people.”

Starting May 6, everyone in the state was ordered to wear masks or facial coverings while in public under an executive order signed by Baker. The order applies to everyone over the age of two and must be observed indoors and outdoors when social distancing cannot be achieved.

Michigan

Michigan manufacturing will resume on May 11, with the auto plants restarting one week later, on May 18, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said May 7. Michigan’s stay-at-home order has been extended through May 28.

Whitmer said Michigan is in phase three — flattening — of six phases of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent restart. The phases are uncontrolled growth, persistent spread, flattening, improving, containing, and post-pandemic, the governor said.

Though case numbers are improving, “we are still safer at home,” Whitmer said. “While we can re-engage in more things, we’ve got to be smart about it.”

Essential reasons to leave home include shopping for groceries or drugs, getting health care, getting exercise, or walking a pet.

Construction, real estate and more outdoor work resumed May 7.

Whitmer on April 30 ordered theaters, restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms and other places of accommodation to remain shuttered until May 28; they remain limited to carry-out and delivery orders only.

Minnesota

Beginning May 11, doctors, dentists and veterinarians will be able to begin providing elective surgeries again — as long as they create a plan to keep patients and health care workers safe. 

Gov. Tim Walz signed an order May 5 to allow hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and clinics to resume many delayed procedures. Leaders of those facilities will have to develop criteria for determining which procedures should proceed during the novel coronavirus pandemic and provide a safety plan. 

An April 30 executive order from Walz extended Minnesota’s stay-at-home order to May 17. Restaurants, bars and other public accommodations will remain closed until then.

Effective May 4, however, many retail businesses reopened, but only for curbside and delivery services. 

Previously, some businesses were able to reopen under an executive order signed April 23 by Walz.

The order allowed “industrial, manufacturing and office-based businesses that are not customer-facing to return to work,” with conditions, Department of Employment and Economic Development Steve Grove said during a press conference.

Another executive order closed schools in Minnesota through the end of the school year.

And on April 17, Walz signed an executive order that reopened outdoor recreational businesses, including golf courses, bait shops, public and private marinas and outdoor shooting ranges. The order went into effect the following day and requires residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mississippi

Gov. Tate Reeves announced May 8 that salons, barbershops and gyms will be allowed to resume operations on May 11. He also extended his “Safer At Home” order, which allows for some restrictions to be lifted, for another two weeks. 

Reeves allowed restaurants and parks to reopen May 7. Among other changes: up to 20 people will be allowed gather for outdoor activities, but gatherings are still limited to 10 people or less for indoor activities.

Reeves on April 24 issued an executive order for Mississippians that he calls “Safer-at-Home,” which allowed most retail stores to open with certain guidelines, but kept other businesses closed.

It allowed clothing, gift and other retail locations to open, but owners and managers must take precautions such as sending home sick employees, wearing masks in common areas, using proper sanitation procedures, providing hand sanitizer for customers and limiting the number of customers at any given time.

Reeves said the businesses that won’t be allowed to open are ones that generally involve close, interpersonal contact, such as movie theaters, museums, casinos, entertainment venues and gyms.

Missouri

Much of Missouri reopened May 4 under relatively lenient statewide orders, but local governments can impose stricter rules if they want.

The state’s stay-at-home order expired May 3. St. Louis and St. Louis County will begin easing stay-at-home orders later in May.

Kansas City began phasing in its reopening on May 6, but with very strict rules on social distancing and crowd sizes.

Statewide through May 31, people must stay 6 feet away from non-family members in public unless they’re doing a job that makes that impossible; schools remain closed; retail businesses must limit the number of customers and restaurants can reopen dine-in services if they employ social distancing measures.

On April 27, Gov. Mike Parson announced the first phase of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan.

“Opening these businesses is going to look very different for a while, but I’m confident Missourians will abide by the guidelines as we move forward,” Parson said.

Montana

Some Montana schools reopened May 7 when Gov. Steve Bullock announced gyms, theaters and some museums could reopen in the middle of May with reduced capacity, social distancing and sanitizing requirements.

The May 15 reopening date for health clubs, theaters and museums was set to give the businesses and public health officials time to prepare and ensure guidance is being followed.

Some retailers reopened on April 27 and bars and restaurants were permitted to open with decreased capacity on May 3. Gyms, pools and hot tubs had been scheduled to reopen in the second phase of reopening the economy, although a date had not been set.

Nebraska

Gov. Pete Ricketts loosened restrictions May 4 in most of the state, allowing salons, tattoo parlors and dine-in restaurants to reopen with limited capacity. Restaurant employees must wear masks. Day cares will be allowed up to 15 children per room. The loosened restrictions will be expanded to 10 more counties May 11.

Nebraska is one of the handful of states without a formal stay-at-home order, although many of the restrictions Ricketts imposed are similar.

Nevada

Gov. Steve Sisolak said May 7 that restaurants, retail stores, barbershops, hair salons and some brewpubs can resume limited operations on May 9, a full week ahead of the schedule laid out in Nevada’s coronavirus recovery plan.

Restaurants and retail outlets set to reopen this weekend can only use half of their available seating capacity, and will be barred from providing self-serve stations such as salad and beverage bars. 

Barber shops and salons without privacy partitions will have to maintain a six-foot separation between customers. Pot shops will be subject to similar social distancing standards, as will open-air malls, car dealerships and drive-in movie theaters.

Employees at each of those operations will be required to wear face masks, which are also “strongly encouraged” for customers.

Casinos, bars, nightclubs, gyms and most high-capacity sports facilities will remain closed during phase one of the state’s reopening plan. Gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited.

Sisolak said each of the state’s counties can stick to stricter virus-prevention protocols if they so choose, but will not be allowed to reopen faster than the rest of the state.  

Sisolak has said Nevada schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

On April 27, Nevada joined California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado in the Western States Pact, a coalition that shares aligns reopening plans with other states in the region.

New Hampshire

On May 1, Gov. Chris Sununu extended the state’s stay-at-home order to May 31 while allowing the restricted reopening of restaurants, hair salons and other businesses throughout the month.

Hair salons, barbershops, retail stores and drive-in movie theaters also will be allowed to reopen May 11 with different requirements for the various industries. Retail stores, for example, will be limited to 50 percent capacity, and hair salons will not be allowed to offer services beyond basic haircuts and root touch-ups.

Dentists have gotten the go-ahead to resume some routine work starting May 11 as well.

Restaurants, which are currently limited to takeout and delivery, will be allowed to offer outdoor dining starting May 18.

Hospitals, which had largely been restricted to treating COVID-19 patients and emergencies, started performing time-sensitive procedures such as CT scans and knee and hip replacements for chronic pain May 4.

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy has not publicly identified any key, specific benchmarks the state needs to hit to relax restrictions. 

On May 8, Murphy said residents should expect social distancing measures and limits on crowds once beaches reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. In an interview with NJTV May 7, the governor said he’d be “shocked” if beaches aren’t open by Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer season.

Murphy announced April 29 that state and county parks and golf courses would reopen May 2.

Murphy eased closures that he put in place April 7, opening all state parks and giving counties and golf course operators the discretion to open their parks and courses this weekend. Counties and towns will make the call whether to reopen parks and have various positions.

On April 27, Murphy laid out a “road map” for restarting New Jersey’s economy with a series of public health benchmarks that indicate the state is many weeks away from returning to any semblance of normal life. 

Murphy on May 7 extended New Jersey’s public health emergency for another 30 days but did not say when stay-at-home order restrictions may change.

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced April 30 that the state would begin to ease business restrictions, acknowledging that the coronavirus has brought about an “economic crisis.”

But Grisham has also invoked provisions of the state Riot Control Act, to order residents of Gallup to remain home except for emergencies and block roads leading in and out of town to nonessential travel and any vehicles carrying more than two people as local coronavirus infections soar. The emergency declaration for Gallup ran through noon May 10. 

Many nonessential retailers, pet groomers, state parks and golf courses resumed operations May 1 in a limited way under a new, modified state public health order. The new order is in effect through May 15 and replaces the order that expired April 30.

Grisham announced May 5 that employees of essential businesses operating in New Mexico will be required to wear face coverings.

Here’s what’s not opening: movie theaters, casinos, barbershops and hair salons, gyms, indoor malls, camping centers and state park visitor centers, and offices or workplaces.

Restaurants and bars can only operate as curbside or delivery. Gatherings of five people or more are still prohibited.

New York

New York has extended some executive orders due to the coronavirus, but still hasn’t decided on how long it would extend its stay-at-home order, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office said May 9.

Certain orders, such as eviction protections, have been extended into June. The “New York State on Pause” order is still set to expire May 15.

The state’s 10 regions will need to meet seven benchmarks for the state to consider reopening in four phases.

If those criteria are met, the state would issue an executive order allowing that region to start the reopening process, state officials said.

The phased plan lays out the order in which various industries are set to open:

• Phase 1: Construction, manufacturing; wholesale supply chain; and select retail, mainly curbside pickup

• Phase 2: Professional services; finance and insurance; retail; administrative support; real estate/rental leasing.

• Phase 3: Restaurants/food services; hotels/accommodations.

• Phase 4: Arts/entertainment/recreation; education.

Cuomo said April 29 that he would sign an executive order authorizing the resumption of elective surgeries in all Upstate New York communities except for Erie County. 

New York’s schools and colleges will remain shut through the end of the academic year, Cuomo said.

On April 18, New York joined Connecticut and New Jersey in opening up their marinas, boatyards and boat launches for recreational use.

The state updated its guidance for golf courses, opening the door for public and private courses to open. Golfers will have to walk the course and carry their own bags without a motorized cart, according to Dani Lever,Cuomo’s communications director.

North Carolina

Starting on May 8, North Carolina will begin lifting certain restrictions as the state transitions to Phase 1 of a three-phase plan.

Gov. Roy Cooper previously said Phase 1 is expected to last two to three weeks, or until at least May 22. If data trends look promising, the state would move into Phase 2, which includes the lifting of the stay-at-home order and a limited reopening of other businesses and churches with reduced capacity.

Under Phase 1, people will be allowed to leave their homes for commercial activity and to go to any business that is open.

The order removes the distinction between essential and nonessential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to see that customers are at least 6 feet apart, the release says. Businesses also will be required to screen workers for COVID-19  symptoms, perform frequent cleanings and provide hand sanitizer when available. 

But many businesses will remain closed. Restaurants may not open for seated customers and may operate only in the capacity of takeout, drive-thru and delivery. Bars, gyms and personal care businesses, such as barber shops and hair salons, also will remain closed. Likewise, entertainment venues will stay closed.

North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum unveiled guidelines April 28 for reopening certain businesses that had been closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Most businesses reopened May 1. Burgum eased restrictions that included limiting bars and restaurants to half capacity, requiring barbers and cosmetologists to wear masks and prohibiting some high-intensity fitness classes. Burgum said movie theaters could also reopen if they do such things as limit seating and stagger start times.

While most businesses may reopen with precautions, other large-scale venues and K-12 schools are closed until further notice, Burgum said.

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine announced May 7 that hair salons, barbershops and other personal care businesses will reopen on May 15. Restaurants and bars can open outdoor patios and spaces on May 15 and indoor seating on May 21.

Here’s a look at various state restriction changes for May:

• May 1: Hospital, medical, dental and veterinary services that don’t require an overnight hospital stay.

• May 2: Retail businesses that have been closed can open for curbside pickup, delivery and appointment-only shopping limited to 10 customers at a time.

• May 4: Construction, distribution, manufacturing, offices

• Tuesday, May 12: Consumer, retail and service businesses

• Friday, May 15: Hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, tanning salons, outside restaurants and patios can open.

• Thursday, May 21: Restaurant dine-in locations can open.

Oklahoma

Oklahomans returned to restaurants, malls and other stores May 1 as stay-at-home orders expired in the state’s biggest cities, putting local governments in line with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plans for reopening the state’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Stitt said May 6 the state was on track to begin a Phase II of reopening starting May 15, which includes the reopening of bars, funerals and weddings and church nurseries under a plan announced in late April.

Stitt’s three-phase plan called “Open Up and Recover Safely” allowed personal care businesses to open April 24 by appointment only.

These include hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons and pet groomers and must follow sanitation and social distancing guidelines. Customers are encouraged to wait in their cars until the time of their appointments.

Churches reopened May 1 under guidelines that “they leave every other row or pew open” and follow social distancing measures. Restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and tattoo parlors (by appointment only) also reopened May 1.

Oregon

Rural counties with few cases that meet a series of health and safety prerequisites can apply to enter phase one of a three-part plan to reopen Oregon while limiting the risk of spreading coronavirus, Gov. Kate Brown announced May 7.

In the first phase, under certain restrictions, restaurants can offer sit-down service, personal care businesses — such as gyms and salons — can open and gatherings of up to 25 people can occur.

The governor’s office will begin accepting applications from counties starting May 8 with the goal of approving some to open on May 15.

Oregon reopened a small number of outdoor destinations on May 6, beginning a gradual effort to relax limits imposed on recreation. Eight state parks and boat ramps reopened at that time, with more places to come the following week, officials said on May 5. 

Ski resorts will also be able to resume activities under a forthcoming executive order from Brown.

Oregon medical providers could resume non-urgent medical procedures May 1, Brown announced April 23.

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Wolf said May 8 that 13 more counties will move to the yellow phase of reopening the following week. Also on May 8: Two dozen previously announced counties located in rural northern Pennsylvania made that transition. 

The 13 new counties are in the western part of the state, including much of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Stay-at-home orders will be lifted in “yellow” counties and retail shops can start to reopen, though other restrictions will remain in place as counties move from “red” to “yellow” in a three-phase reopening plan.

Wolf also allowed golfers to hit the course and boaters to hit the water starting May 1. 

Golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds will be able to open, but campgrounds in state parks must remain closed through May 14. Social distancing and masking guidelines will be required just as for other essential businesses. 

Wolf announced on April 22 a three-phase, color-coded plan that will be used to reopen the state’s counties in the coming weeks.

He said several metrics will be used to move counties from red, yellow or green status.

Wolf also announced that he reopened construction in the state beginning on May 1, moved up from May 8.

After state liquor stores were closed in March, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is now allowing select stores to offer curbside delivery.

Previously, Wolf signed a bill to allow online notary services so online auto sales can resume. 

Puerto Rico

A medical task force appointed by Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced submitted recommendations on April 25, suggesting that Puerto Rico abide by strict social distancing and hygienic measures for 18 to 24 months, absent of a vaccine or proven treatment for the virus.

The task force recommends a gradual reopening in four stages, broken down by the infection rate per industry. In the first tier are construction, mining, computing, agriculture and manufacturing. Rather than provide specific target dates for the stages, it recommended enacting each by monitoring the rate of transmission on the island.

On May 1, Vázquez Garced extended a lockdown order through May 25. It allows residents to leave their homes only from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. for essential activities. After 7 p.m., a daily curfew goes into effect until the following morning. The latest extension allows residents to walk, jog, run, ride bicycles and exercise, while observing social distancing measures from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rhode Island

Gov. Gina Raimondo on May 7 became the first governor in the region to lift a statewide stay-at-home order, effective May 9. The order was first imposed March 28.

Raimondo kept in place until May 22 at least a ban on social gatherings larger than five and continued only takeout restaurant service, curtailing for now even outdoor dining. Restaurants now, however, will be able to sell mixed drinks in sealed containers, along with beer and wine.

Raimondo on April 22 announced plans to roll out a staged reopening of parks and beaches in the coming weeks, citing encouraging virus statistics.

“It is my hope that we will be able to enjoy our parks and beaches in some form or fashion in the month of May,” she said.

South Carolina

Dining inside South Carolina restaurants will be allowed to resume starting May 11, Gov. Henry McMaster announced May 8.

Restaurants will be limited to 50% capacity. State officials also issued a host of guidelines detailing how tables and equipment must be sanitized. 

McMaster also removed all remaining coronavirus-related restrictions on South Carolina boaters, including a prohibition against anchoring in waterways except for fishing.

The announcement came four days after outdoor dining was allowed to resume at restaurants in the state. A mandatory stay-home order also was lifted Monday in South Carolina.

McMaster announced a plan April 21 called “Accelerate South Carolina” to “stomp on the gas” and reopen certain sectors of the economy.

Clothing, department, furniture, jewelry and sporting goods stores, as well as florists and flea markets can reopen but will be forced to operate at reduced capacity. The closure on beaches will be lifted, though it will be up to local officials to decide on the reopening of specific beaches.

The order still encourages social distancing directives to be followed. Barber shops, beauty salons, bingo halls, gyms and nightclubs must remain closed for now.

South Dakota

Gov. Kristi Noem unveiled in late April a “Back to Normal Plan” for businesses and residents for the next phase of the coronavirus response. 

The plan lays out actions for residents, employers, schools and health care providers once four criteria categories are met, including a downward trajectory of documented coronavirus cases for 14 days in an area with sustained community spread.

However, some South Dakotans will never be able to return to normal because they’ve lost a family member to coronavirus, Noem said, adding, “My heart breaks for them.” 

Noem had not issued a stay-at-home order, but had placed some statewide restrictions.

Tennessee

Guidance issued by Gov. Bill Lee’s office May 1 says house of worship should exercise caution, encouraging their community members to wear face coverings and remain six feet away from others. The guidance urges faith communities to “conduct as many activities as possible remotely.”

The state reopened salons and barbershops May 6, the latest in a string of restrictions to be loosened in the state.

Details of business restrictions in the order, which also continued the state of emergency, apply to all but six counties in the state. Those counties, which are home to the state’s larger urban areas, are following the guidance of their respective health departments which are operated locally.

Nashville city officials plan to transition to the first phase of reopening the city on May 11, allowing restaurants and retail stores to open at half capacity, despite a recent increase in new coronavirus cases.

Previously, Lee allowed for restaurants to reopen on April 27, many retailers on April 29 and gyms on May 1, each of which came with rules on limited capacity and suggested guidelines. 

Under Tennessee’s plan, businesses in six counties – Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, Madison and Sullivan – will not open until local officials sign off on their own reopening proposals.

On April 28, Lee issued an executive order extending the closure of bars and close-contact businesses through the end of May.

Texas

Hair and nail salons can reopen May 8 with restrictions on capacity and distances and gyms can get back to business on May 18, Gov. Greg Abbott said during his news briefing May 5 on the state’s response to coronavirus.

Bars, meanwhile, will remain shuttered pending more information on the best ways to keep staff and customers safe amid the fast-spreading pandemic, Abbott said.

Every restaurant and retailer across the state was allowed to open doors to customers May 1, although more widely in some cities than others and still under social distancing requirements.

Outdoor sports like golf and tennis can resume, as long as four people or fewer are participating in the event and social distancing is followed.

Abbott announced executive orders April 17 that mandated all schools, public and private, to remain closed for the rest of the school year. 

Abbott, seeking to end a political firestorm, announced May 7 that officials will be prohibited from jailing Texans for violating any of his coronavirus-related executive orders.

Abbott has taken primacy on issuing orders, suspending portions of Texas law that allow for the leaders of cities and counties to enact their own emergency measures. But some local officials, including Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt, have extended social distancing mandates, even if they are largely unenforceable.

Utah

Utah moved May 1 from the “red” to “orange” phase of Gov. Gary Herbert’s proposal to gradually scale back restrictions.

Herbert issued an executive order on May 6 updating the phased guidelines. Part of the order says the state will stay in the orange phase until at least May 15 unless a “political subdivision” submits a request to the Utah Department of Health. 

The state allowed gatherings of up to 20 people, and most businesses, including dine-in restaurants, could open as long as they follow specific guidelines spelled out in the state’s plan.

Every household also has a chance to order face masks from the government. The program, which he dubbed “A Mask for every Utahn,” was unveiled as Herbert announced an official step back from the state’s most stringent stay-at-home orders.

Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott made moves to relax a few restrictions in early May.

Child care programs and summer camps in will be allowed to open this summer — as long as they follow strict health guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Scott said May 8. Regulated day care facilities that adopt those guidelines would be able to open June 1.

Gatherings of 10 people or fewer were allowed with precautions and golf courses and some other forms of outdoor recreation reopened May 7, Scott announced May 6.

Some elective health care procedures will be able to resume as the spread of the new coronavirus in the state continues to slow, Scott announced May 4. 

Scott on May 1 also announced additional steps to ease restrictions under the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.

Manufacturing, construction and distribution companies reopened May 4, with a maximum of 10 employees. The following week, on May 11, those same sectors, will be allowed re-open at full operations with as few employees as necessary.

In order to return to work, Vermont employers and employees must undergo mandatory health and safety training developed by the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency.

The state’s residents and businesses have been operating for more than a month under the order which asks most people to work from home and severely limits how and which businesses may remain open.

Virginia

Gov. Ralph Northam on May 8 shared more details of what phase one will look like for Virginians. The ‘Forward Virginia’ plan for reopening has three phases.

Northam hopes phase one will begin on May 15, but said the administration will adjust the date if data trends change. He expects phase one to last a minimum of two weeks, but it could last longer. 

Northam said the ten-person limit on gathering will remain in phase one. The state will still strongly encourage teleworking for those able to do so as well as wearing face coverings in public.

Northam detailed a number of moves that will come in Phase one:

• Non-essential retail — In phase one, non-essential retail stores will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Northam said this is a slight increase from the current 10 person limit.

• Restaurants and breweries — Restaurants, breweries and beverage services will still be limited to take out and delivery. If a restaurant or brewery already has a permit for outdoor seating they will be allowed to operate service in the outdoor area at 50% capacity.

• Entertainment and amusement — These businesses will remain closed in phase one.

• Fitness and exercise — Fitness and exercise establishments will remain closed but will be allowed to hold outdoor classes with some limitations.

• Beaches — Beaches will still be restricted to fishing and exercise. Northam said the state is setting high bar to ease restrictions at beaches.

Northam allowed elective surgeries and dental procedures to resume May 1. Veterinarians will also be allowed to see non-emergency pets, Northam said.

Washington

Gov. Jay Inslee said on May 8 curb-side retail sales in Washington could begin almost immediately for businesses with reopening plans approved by health officials. Five rural counties will also be able to relax some stay-at-home restrictions early as the state move through the reopening process.

Inslee announced May 1 that the state’s coronavirus stay-at-home order would be extended through at least May 31 and said there will be a four-stage phase for lifting of restrictions, starting with allowing retail curbside pickup, automobile sales and car washes by mid-May.

There will be a minimum of three weeks between each phase, though he said some counties with lower numbers of cases and deaths may be able to open parts of their economy sooner if approved by the Department of Health.

Fishing, hunting and golfing resumed on May 5, at which time people could also return to state parks and other state lands for day trips.

Inslee on April 24 announced a plan that allows existing construction projects to resume as long as strict coronavirus social distancing protocols are in place.

Washington, D.C.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on April 23 the formation of a task force, the Reopen D.C. Advisory Group, that will issue recommendations in May on the timeline to ease restrictions. To accelerate the process, Bowser said the city would look to hire several hundred contact tracers.

Bowser said the District will be “deliberate and strategic” in its plans, until a stay-at-home order lifts May 16.

West Virginia

West Virginia has scaled back its plan to lift coronavirus restrictions to gauge how current reopenings will effect the state’s caseload, officials said May 5.

Gov. Jim Justice has announced that the third week of his plan will begin May 11 with the opening of physical therapy centers and drive-in movie theaters. His original strategy sought to have offices, gyms, restaurants and other businesses start resuming operations in the third and following weeks.

Justice has so far let hospitals resume elective procedures and allowed the reopening of small businesses, outdoor dining restaurants and barber shops. The physical therapy centers and drive-in theaters can open May 11.

Wisconsin

Guidance released May 8 by Gov. Tony Evers and the state’s economic development agency shows how businesses may resume operations safely once the governor’s order to stay home is lifted. 

The guidance suggests removing as much interaction with customers and workers as possible, such as through cashless payments, and requiring workers in all industries to wear masks if possible.

Evers’ order to stay home expires May 26 and the governor said May 8 he doesn’t see any reason for it to be extended. It could be cut short, technically, by a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling in a lawsuit brought by Republican lawmakers to block Evers’ order.

On April 27, Gov. Tony Evers allowed businesses that can offer services “free of contact with customers” like dog groomers, upholsterers and lawnmower repair shops to open April 29. And on May 1, 34 state parks and forests could open under special conditions. The openings come with attendance limits and reduced daily hours, while facilities like public restrooms, shelters and playgrounds will remain closed.

Outdoor recreational vehicle rentals like those who deal with boats, golf carts, kayaks and ATVs could also open April 29, as could automatic or self-service car washes.

Wyoming

Wyoming eased some of its coronavirus restrictions May 1, with barbershops, gyms, nail salons and child care centers among the businesses that were allowed limited re-openings, Gov. Mark Gordon said.

The changes announced April 28 replace health orders that expired April 30. They are the first steps in the governor’s plan to restart the state economy.

Gordon also said residents would be allowed to camp at state parks starting May 15.

In a news conference, Gordon described the measures as a “methodical, measured approach moving forward.”

Contributing: Savannah Behrmann, Grace Hauck, USA TODAY; Natalie Allison, Nashville Tennessean; Stacey Barchenger, Bergen Record; Teresa Boeckel, York Daily Record; Lisa Kaczke, Sioux Falls Argus Leader; Dustin Racioppi, Bergen Record; Sady Swanson, Fort Collins Coloradoan; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: What states are reopening, and when? Here’s the list