Jump directly to the content
Revealed
LIFTING THE LOCKDOWN

The states reopening and relaxing coronavirus restrictions – as DC extends stay-at-home order

RESTRICTIONS are relaxing across the US and lockdown orders lifting, but stay at home orders remain firmly in place in Washington DC.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the capital's stay at home order would be extended through June 8.

 People shop at the Southwest Washington Fish Market on April 29, 2020, in Washington, DC
12
People shop at the Southwest Washington Fish Market on April 29, 2020, in Washington, DCCredit: AFP or licensors

"We're not there yet and not quite ready to begin that phased new opening," Bowser said at a news conference.

Bowser said the city had not met the 14 day decline in coronavirus cases, although other reopening criteria had been met.

"We will continue to follow the advice of our health officials," she added. "Rushing to reopen could have tragic results."

 Police tape blocks the entrance of a closed ice cream shop amid the coronavirus pandemic on April 29, 2020, in Washington, DC
12
Police tape blocks the entrance of a closed ice cream shop amid the coronavirus pandemic on April 29, 2020, in Washington, DCCredit: AFP or licensors

Meanwhile in Wisconsin, the state's Supreme Court overturned Governor Tony Evers' stay at home order, meaning some businesses can reopen immediately.

In its order, the court said Evers' stay at home order is "invalid, and therefore, unenforceable," the Wisconsin State Journal reported. 

However some counties, such as Dane, have already issued replacement orders enforcing the elements of the governor's order, and therefore must remain closed.

Other counties which have not issued new orders may begin operating again, including bars and restaurants.

The judgement means the state could become a patchwork of reopenings.

 Evers' administration overstepped its authority when it unilaterally extended the governor's stay-at-home order through the end of May, the state Supreme Court ruled
12
Evers' administration overstepped its authority when it unilaterally extended the governor's stay-at-home order through the end of May, the state Supreme Court ruledCredit: AP:Associated Press

The majority of states have either begun reopening their economies or have plans to do so, however many are failing to meet criteria laid out by President Trump.

Following the announcement of President Trump's three phase guidelines, some states have already begun to open beaches, shops, restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, beauty parlors, barber shops and parks.

Only Washington DC, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and Oregon remain closed, although the latter has plans to reopen soon.

Most states that have started to lift restrictions don't meet White House guidelines, and reopening businesses too early may end in disaster, the government's own model shows.

One of the studies the Trump administration is relying on warns individual counties could witness as many as 1,000 more daily coronavirus cases if officials move too quickly to reopen.

12

Nationwide protests have also put pressure on governors to kickstart their economies and allow businesses to reopen.

Although beaches in LA County reopened on Wednesday, Mayor Eric Garcetti warned the city will "never be fully open" until there is a coronavirus cure.

His comments came just one day after LA announced it will extend its stay-at-home order for another three months as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the city.

The coronavirus death toll in the US continues to rise; as of Wednesday it stands at 83,791.

Georgia

Georgia's stay at home order lifted on April 30, and many venues and businesses have reopened.

Gov Brian Kemp admitted cases will likely increase as bowling alleys, gyms, nail salons, massage therapists and movie theaters reopen, and indeed they did.

The state reported nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in a 24 hour window following the restrictions being eased, while deaths have been predicted to continue to rise as Georgia gets back to normal.

 An Infection Control Team from the Georgia Army National Guard's 138th Chemical Company disinfect the Wellstar Atherton Place senior care facility from possible contamination of the coronavirus COVID-19 virus in Marietta, Georgia
12
An Infection Control Team from the Georgia Army National Guard's 138th Chemical Company disinfect the Wellstar Atherton Place senior care facility from possible contamination of the coronavirus COVID-19 virus in Marietta, GeorgiaCredit: EPA

Tennessee

Despite Gov. Bill Lee extending the State of Emergency declaration until June 30, restaurants, retail outlets, gyms, salons and barbershops are allowed to reopen.

Lee said he would not be enforcing health and safety measures for businesses, and expected business owners and consumers to implement them instead.

 Protesters rally at the Tennessee state capitol to speak out against the state's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak Sunday, April 19, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn
12
Protesters rally at the Tennessee state capitol to speak out against the state's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak Sunday, April 19, 2020, in Nashville, TennCredit: AP:Associated Press

Florida

Florida is coordinating with five other southern states to reopen their economies, even as cases continue to rise in the state. 

Many of Florida's beaches have reopened, with walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing allowed. Sunbathing, towels, blankets, chairs, coolers and grills are not.

Restaurants, retail stores, houses of worship and sporting venues - although without spectators - have all been allowed to reopen.

 A city worker places cones to block a beach entrance along the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
12
A city worker places cones to block a beach entrance along the Myrtle Beach boardwalkCredit: AP:Associated Press

Colorado

Colorado has transitioned to a "safer at home" approach, meaning retail stores can open for curbside pickup, salons and personal grooming services can reopen with precautions, as can offices.

South Carolina

Stores selling furniture, books, music, flowers, clothing and accessories, as well as department stores, sporting goods stores and flea markets can open at 20% capacity.

Beaches opened on Tuesday, and Gov Henry McMaster's state of emergency executive order expired on April 27.

Local officials have the last word on whether beaches will reopen, and a handful have already said they wold not, including Isle of Palms, Edisto Beach, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island.

Gyms, pools and personal care businesses are due to open soon.

 The coronavirus has pushed the members of Relevant Church in Clover, South Carolina, out of their usual church setting
12
The coronavirus has pushed the members of Relevant Church in Clover, South Carolina, out of their usual church settingCredit: AP:Associated Press

Texas

All retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls were allowed to reopen on May 1, with limited capacity.

Gyms, offices and manufacturing industries are scheduled to reopen soon.

Texas was one of the first states to reopen, with Abbott saying the state was "battling a colossal challenge," in a recent briefing.

"An invisible enemy that is testing our lives and livelihoods. Part of the Texas brand however is our ability to overcome challenges.

"We can get folks back to work. We can adopt safe strategies that prevent the spread of Covid-19

"And step by step we will reopen Texas."

 Protesters gather at the Texas State Capital building to reopen the state
12
Protesters gather at the Texas State Capital building to reopen the stateCredit: Getty Images - Getty

West Virginia

Gov Jim Justice announced restrictions would be lifted on May 4 and since then restaurants have been allowed to reopen for outdoor dining, whilst personal care businesses such as salons, barbershops and pet grooming have also been granted permission to begin trading again.

Alabama

Gov Kay Ivey allowed the stay at home order to expire at the end of April, and retail stores have been allowed to open at 50 per cent capacity. Gyms, bars, breweries, restaurants and salons have also resumed business.

Alaska

Restaurants, bars, retail stores, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and other personal care establishments were allowed to reopen on April 24.

Gov Mike Dunleavy's easing of restrictions have been some of the most far-reaching in the country.

Pools, gyms, libraries, museums, theaters and bowling alleys are also back to business, although the restart has come with restrictions.

Indiana

In Indiana, all but three counties have been allowed to ease restrictions. Reopenings began May 4, and included houses of worship, personal grooming - including spas - libraries, offices, retail stores and restaurants.

Iowa

Republican Gov Kim Reynolds has allowed restaurants, gyms, campgrounds, retail stores, malls, libraries, medical spas and tanning salons to reopen.

 A patron walks away with his food on the first day coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were eased on the boardwalk and beach in Ocean City, Maryland
12
A patron walks away with his food on the first day coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were eased on the boardwalk and beach in Ocean City, MarylandCredit: Reuters

More to follow

Arizona's stay at home order is set to expire on May 15, but some businesses, including salons and barbershops, and restaurants and retail stores, have already been allowed to reopen.

In Arkansas, theaters, stadiums, casinos, bowling alleys and museums are set to reopen soon, while gyms, beauty salons, barbershops and restaurants reopened on May 6.

Hawaii's stay at home order expires on May 31, but the state has imposed strict quarantine rules. On May 7, retail stores, repair shops and outdoor areas began to reopen.

Maryland's stay at home order has been in effect since March 30, and outdoor recreational activities are allowed.

Gov Larry Hogan announced on Wednesday that the order would be lifted on Friday, and counties would be allowed to open at their own discretion.

 People maintain social distancing as they walk in Liberty State Park, Monday, May 11, 2020, in Jersey City
12
People maintain social distancing as they walk in Liberty State Park, Monday, May 11, 2020, in Jersey CityCredit: AP:Associated Press

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay at home order expires on May 28, and retail stores have been allowed to open to curbside pickup. Construction, real estate and manufacturing industries have been allowed to reopen, including auto companies.

In Oregon, certain counties may be allowed to reopen on May 15, which would see restaurants, bars, retail stores, salons, barbershops and gyms open their doors.

Proceeding with caution

In Republican-led Idaho, only houses of worship have been permitted to reopen, with Gov Brad Little keeping restaurants, gyms and salons shut until phase two of his reopening plan.

Gov Gavin Newsom was the first state leader to order residents to stay at home, and has allowed retail stores to open with curbside pickup, and manufacturing industries to resume. However he has warned the state is months away from a return to normalcy.

 An employee sets a table for pick up orders at a restaurant in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia
12
An employee sets a table for pick up orders at a restaurant in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, VirginiaCredit: AFP or licensors

In Delaware, Gov John Carney has allowed hair salons to reopen with restrictions, and retail stores to operate with curbside pickup, but his plan to reopen won't kick in until June 1.

In Illinois, residents have been ordered to wear face masks in public. Although some outdoor activities have been allowed, Gov JB Pritzker has extended the stay at home order until the end of May.

New Jersey's stay at home order is in effect until June 5, while Washington's Governor Jay Inslee has extended his shutdown order, however he has allowed restaurants in certain counties to reopen.

 

 

The government's coronavirus advisor Dr Anthony Fauci warned reopening states will tank economic recovery, saying: "The message [from the protests] is that clearly this is something that is hurting from the standpoint of economics, from the standpoint of things that have nothing to do with the virus.

"But unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen," Fauci said.

Trump slams Fauci’s ‘unacceptable’ view schools should stay shut


Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552.