Reopening the Economy, State by State

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Looking Glass Falls entrance blocked with barricade and COVID-19 precaution sign (Photo by Bradley Allweil)

With stay-at-home orders expiring in the coming weeks, many people are eager to know when their state officials plan to open services and retail. We are all eager to see the economy start thriving again. We grieve with those who have lost jobs, and we applaud the collective sacrifices made to reduce transmission of infection. Here are updates from states that have announced plans for the coming weeks. However, many states have not currently announced specific plans on how to reopen. Most states currently plan to open the economy again in phases while still enforcing practices such as social distancing. Many states that have been hit the hardest do not plan to reopen in the coming weeks.

Alabama

After stay-at-home order expires on April 30, Gov. Kay Ivey plans to reopen small retailers, restaurants and other businesses with protective measures in place. Schools will be closed for the remainder of the year.

California

California plans to reopen the economy with a joint multistate task force but has currently announced no specific date to do so. Gov. Gavin Newsom has recently warned citizens that many restrictions will remain through the end of the summer. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Colorado

The stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 26. Gov. Jared Polis has announced that they will enter a “safer at home” phase where residents are encouraged to stay home but are not required to do so. He stated social distancing will be enforced. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Florida

The stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 30, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet announced any plans to reopen businesses. However, the governor reopened beaches for essential activities as of April 17. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Georgia

The stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 30, and Gov. Brian Kemp has announced that businesses, including gyms and hair salons, will be allowed to open on April 24. Elective surgeries will also be allowed on this date. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Idaho

The stay-at-home order is set to expire on April 30, and Gov. Brad Little has announced an extension on the order. Some nonessential businesses will be allowed to open with restrictions in place. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Michigan

The stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 30. However, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced a likely extension of the order. She stated earlier in the month that continued large group protests would cause an even longer stay-at-home order in the state. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Montana

The stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 24, and Gov. Steve Bullock has announced a reopening of the state beginning on Sunday, April 26. On this date, churches will be permitted to reopen with appropriate precautions in place. Schools and restaurants will be permitted to open on May 7

New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced plans to begin slowly opening parts of the state after the stay-at-home order expires on May 15. Schools will be permitted to open after this date. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced the closing of schools through the rest of the school year.

South Carolina

The State of Emergency order was due to expire on April 27, but it has been extended for up to 15 days. Gov. Henry McMaster has allowed some public beaches, retail stores, bookstores and other businesses to reopen on April 20. Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.

Tennessee

The stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 30, and Gov. Bill Lee states that most businesses will be permitted to reopen on May 1. Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year.

Utah

The stay-at-home expires on May 1, and Gov. Gary Herbert plans to reopen the state in three different phases. The first phase includes the opening of sit-down restaurants and gyms as well as elective surgeries. Social distancing will still be enforced until the end of the summer. Schools are closed for the remainder of the year.

Washington

The stay-at-home order expires on May 4, but Gov. Jay Inslee has stated that he has no plans to lift any restrictions on this date. Schools are closed for the remainder of the year.

 

Resources:

¹ Cohn A. Here’s when all 50 states plan to reopen after coronavirus restrictions. TheHill. https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/493717-heres-when-all-50-states-plan-to-reopen-after-coronavirus-restrictions. Published April 23, 2020. Accessed April 24, 2020.

² Elassar A. This is where all 50 states stand on reopening. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/us/states-reopen-coronavirus-trnd/index.html. Published April 20, 2020. Accessed April 24, 2020.

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Aryn Akerberg

Aryn Akerberg is a junior health science major pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Her goal is to serve in clinical medicine as well as public health policy through medical missions.