Every State’s Rules for Reopening Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

The third phase of the reopening began June 8. Due to spikes in coronavirus cases in some areas, local health officials recommend phase 3 that lasts at least until July 6, a delay from the original end date of June 22. Social gatherings of up to 45 people are now allowed, up from 15. Bars and restaurants must preserve a 6-foot distance between tables, booths, and barstools. Casinos and indoor leisure spaces can open as well. Nonessential travel may resume. Restrictions on on-site staffing have been lifted. All education, activities, venues and establishments can operate if they follow public health guidelines. Local governments can impose stricter rules. Driving tests to get a driving license have resumed statewide since June 22. Everyone in the car has to wear a face mask.

Movie theaters and fitness centers were allowed to reopen on June 1, and museums, outdoor attractions, aquariums, libraries, and distilleries were allowed to reopen on June 8. Campgrounds can now reopen. Child care services can reopen as well with reduced capacity. Restaurants and bars can expand capacity to 50% or more as long as people not from the same household can be 6 feet apart starting June 29. Outdoor seating is unlimited. Businesses that were permitted to operate at 33% capacity since May 22 have been allowed to increase capacity to 50% since June 22, provided they comply with guidelines. Effective June 29, gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, but people must maintain physical distancing. NASCAR races will return to the Kentucky Speedway with no live audience beginning July 9.

The state entered phase 2 of reopening on June 5, and the second phase was expected to last three weeks. However, Gov. John Bel Edwards recently announced that Louisiana would remain in phase 2 for at least another four weeks as the numbers of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have begun to rise.

In phase 2, places of worship and businesses that were already allowed to open can expand to 50% capacity with social distancing. These businesses include massage and tattoo parlors, spas, bars and breweries with food permits, bowling alleys, arcades, pool halls, casinos and video poker, trampoline parks, event centers and wedding venues, and outdoor playgrounds and play centers. Employees who work with the public must wear face coverings. Businesses are strongly encouraged to offer temperature checks to patrons. Expanded phase 2 guidelines allow bars and nightclubs to host live music.

As of June 17, all counties in Maine were allowed to reopen indoor dining with additional health and safety protocols. Bars, breweries, and tasting rooms can reopen for outdoor, seated service. Indoor service was supposed to resume July 1 but that has been postponed indefinitely due to coronavirus outbreaks in the state linked to indoor bars.

Gyms, tattoo parlors, and nail salons can open while adhering to requirements such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance. Capacity limits at retail establishments now allow up to five customers per 1,000 square feet. Maine lodging providers began accepting reservations for stays with an arrival date of June 1 or later for Maine residents and for non-residents who comply with the state’s 14-day self-quarantine mandate. Gatherings of people were increased to 50 from 10 as of June 1.

Maryland shifted to phase 2 of its reopening plan on June 5 by lifting the order requiring the closing of nonessential businesses. Restaurants can open indoor dining at 50% capacity. Outdoor amusements and rides can open with restrictions. After June 19, indoor gyms, martial arts, dance, and other indoor fitness studio activities resumed activities at 50% capacity. All child care providers may start to reopen, with up to 15 people per room. Employees able to telework are encouraged to continue to do so. Other guidance from the state for the workplace includes wearing face coverings, conducting temperature checks for workers, implementing split schedules, and staggering shifts.

Outdoor high school sports can resume practices and training activities. Nursing homes are allowed to resume limited outdoor visitation as well as small group activities with proper precautions.