Every State’s Rules for Staying at Home and Social Distancing

The stay-at-home order expired on April 30. A new safer-at-home policy is in effect but set to expire on May 22, though people are still encouraged to stay home as much as possible. Some businesses such as retail stores have reopened at 50% capacity, but they still must follow social distancing guidelines. Limited operations of hair and nail salons and gyms are now allowed. Restaurants must limit tables to eight persons and maintain 6-foot distances between dining groups. Gyms, athletic facilities, and hair and nail salons — which must limit capacity to 50% — also must follow social distancing and sanitation rules. Gyms can’t offer sports that require close contact with others. Sharing sporting apparatus and equipment is also banned. The ban on 10-person nonwork gatherings has been lifted, including on beaches, but 6 feet of separation is required. Child care facilities must not allow more than 12 children in a single room.

The stay-at-home order expired on April 24. The state government has since allowed nonessential businesses to reopen for regular business hours. There can be no waiting lines in places providing personal services like hair salons. All limits on capacity will be lifted after May 22, when all businesses, including recreational activities and sports, can open at 100% capacity. People are still encouraged to keep 6 feet away from people who don’t live in the same household. All travelers arriving in Alaska must complete a two-week quarantine.

The stay-at-home order expired on May 15. Elective medical procedures have been allowed to resume; some nonessential businesses opened for delivery services; and in-store sales were allowed to resume on May 8. Restaurants opened for dine-in on May 10 but must limit capacity. Gyms and spas were allowed to reopen on May 13, and movie theaters on May 15, but they have to abide by federal social distancing rules. Major leagues sports can resume games but with no fans. Pools can also open with social distancing and enhanced sanitation. More work sectors can reopen incrementally, but employers and their personnel are still encouraged to work remotely whenever possible.

The state never issued a statewide stay-at-home order, but nonessential businesses were closed. A phased reopening plan has been put in place. Gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed indoors or outside. Golf courses are allowed to reopen, as are hair and nail salons, spas, gyms, and other personal care establishments. Restaurants can resume dine-in services but with limitations — they can only seat a third of their total capacity. Rental of campsites, cabins, lodges, and RVs is allowed. People with RVs can stay overnight in campgrounds, but bath houses remain closed. State Parks opened visitor information centers, museums and exhibits, gift shops, marinas, and equipment rental on May 15. The number of visitors will be limited, and social distancing will be enforced.

A stay-at-home order, which has no set end date, is still in effect, though some restrictions are being lifted. The state is now in its second phase of reopening, which includes allowing separate counties to choose to continue their own stay-at-home orders and other social distancing rules based on local conditions. In general, Californians are still ordered to stay home or at their place of residence, except for permitted work, local shopping, or other permitted errands. Small businesses were able to reopen for curbside pickup starting May 8. Businesses will have to follow social distancing guidelines, and employees will have to wear protective gear. Shopping centers, strip malls, and some offices can reopen. Booksellers, sporting goods stores, florists, clothing stores, and other retail shops are allowed to sell merchandise with curbside pickup.