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

The stay-at-home order expired on May 18. A safer-at-home advisory is in effect, recommending residents to stay home except for engaging in permitted activities. People over 65 or with underlying conditions should stay home except for essential errands. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Everyone over age 2 must wear a face mask in public places, including grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, and taxis. Grocery stores and pharmacies have to provide special shopping hours for residents 60 and older. After May 25, beaches, parks, drive-in movie theatres, zoos, outdoor gardens, and preserves will be allowed to open. Fishing, hunting, and boating will be permitted as well.

On May 29, Gov. Charlie Baker outlined protocols for the next phase of reopening. The start date of Phase 2 will be determined on June 6 and will be informed by health trends. Outdoor dining for restaurants will begin during the second phase. Tables will be placed 6 feet apart, and the maximum party size is six people.

The stay-at-home order was extended in Michigan until at least June 12. The order also extends the closure of public venues like theaters, gyms, and casinos. Michigan allowed retailers and auto dealerships to reopen on May 26. Effective May 29, the state lifted the requirement that health care providers postpone some nonessential medical, dental and veterinary procedures. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer are permitted as long as people practice social distancing.

The stay-at-home order expired on May 17. Some recreational activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking have been allowed to resume since April 18. Industrial jobs that are not customer-facing can resume if social distancing and sanitary procedures are in place. Employees who can work from home should continue to do so. Retail stores, malls, and other nonessential street businesses can reopen at 50% occupancy and if they follow physical distancing guidelines. Residents can gather in groups of no more than 10 people, with social distancing measures observed. Restaurants, bars, salons, and gyms will remain closed.

Mississippi’s safer-at-home order is due to end June 1. Social gatherings must comply with social distancing requirements, with a limit of 50 people indoors and no more than 100 people outdoors. Gatherings where people cannot socially distance have limits of 20 people indoors and up to 50 people outside.

Health care procedures can return as before, but hospitals have to set aside at least 25% of capacity for COVID-19 patients. School buildings will also be able to open for summer programs.

Missouri’s stay at home order ended May 4. Gov. Mike Parson said on May 28 that he was extending the first phase of his reopening plan through June 15. Phase 1 requires social distancing of 6 feet. Some businesses also are required to put limits on indoor occupancy.

Phase 2 will allow the maximum number of people gathering in one place to increase to 50 people from 10. Also in phase 2, businesses such as restaurants, places of worship, gyms, and salons may boost business to 50% capacity as long as social distancing is followed.