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

Alabama’s stay-at-home order expired on April 30, and the state’s subsequent safer-at-home policy expired on May 22. Under the state’s currently standing rules, entertainment venues and summer camps are allowed to reopen, provided they adhere to proper sanitation and social distancing. Schools will be allowed to reopen on June 1 under the same conditions. Employees at educational institutions will also need to wear face masks. These terms will remain in place until July 3 at the earliest.

Alaska’s stay-at-home order expired on April 24, and on May 22, Gov. Mike Dunleavy allowed all businesses in the state to reopen at 100% capacity. Local communities, however, still have the option to impose their own restrictions. Despite reopening, 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, which opened for dine-in on May 11, 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.

Arkansas was one of a handful of states to never issue a statewide stay-at-home order, but nonessential businesses were closed for a period. Establishments like gyms and barbershops began reopening in early May. Since May 11, restaurants have resumed dine-in services but with limitations — they can only seat a third of their total capacity. If cases in the state continue to decline, restaurants will be able to operate at two-thirds capacity. High school and community sports teams will be allowed to resume practice events starting June 1, under strict measures.

A stay-at-home order, which has no set end date, is still in effect, though some restrictions are being lifted. The state is reopening at the county level — with counties that meet certain criteria allowed to lift certain restrictions.

In general, Californians are still ordered to stay 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.