Where Can You Hold Events? Here’s the State-by-State Reopening Status
Updated Aug. 12, 2020. (Originally published on NorthStarMeetingGroup.com)
The surge of COVID-19 infections continues in the U.S., accounting now for more than 5 million cases and 162,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some states, such as Georgia and Florida, have reported record-high daily death tolls.
In response, many states have slowed their reopening plans or imposed new restrictions. In recent weeks, states including Hawaii, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington and Kentucky have imposed stricter limits on gatherings. For example, beginning Aug. 3, gatherings in Hawaii were lowered to 10 people (see below), while on Aug. 7, the limit to outdoor gatherings in Massachusetts was lowered to from 100 to 25 people (see below).
The widespread rise has caused some state officials — including those in Louisiana, North Carolina, Utah and Washington — to pause their reopening plans, and others to reinstate restrictions that had been lifted, as in Texas and Florida, where bars have again been closed, and in New Mexico and Oregon, where limits to indoor activities have been reinstated. Mask mandates have also spread throughout the country, with more than 30 U.S. states now requiring facial coverings to be worn in public — most recently in Mississippi and Vermont.
On Aug. 11, leaders in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut expanded their 14-day quarantinerule for visitors from states with case spikes to include Hawaii and South Dakota (bringing the total to 33 states), as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
State-by-state updates follow. See anything missing? Please email us with new information.
Reopening Status and Event Restrictions for Every State
Alabama
As the statewide stay-at-home order expired, it was replaced by a Safer at Home order that went into effect throughout the state on May 22 and has been extended until at least the end of August. Under that order, non-work gatherings of all sizes are prohibited if six feet of distance can’t be maintained between participants. Restaurants and retail stores can reopen at up to 50 percent maximum occupancy. Beaches are open, with social-distancing guidelines. Barbershops and hair salons have been allowed to reopen, while night clubs, theaters and bowling alleys remain closed. As cases have risen, Gov. Kay Ivey has amended the Safer at Home order to include a mask requirement, in effect until the end of August.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted, as long as social-distancing rules can be followed.
Alaska
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Alaska, which has the fewest coronavirus cases of any state, entered phase 3 of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s “Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan” on May 22 — allowing most businesses to reopen at full capacity, with a handful of restrictions still in place. Large gatherings are again permitted, but with strict social-distancing and hygiene practices. Visitors are required to be tested within 72 hours to five days prior to arrival (beginning Aug. 11, the state no longer offers nonresidents these tests), and may only enter the state if they test negative. Those who do not get a test must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Alaskans are asked to contact health officials before organizing a major event to coordinate communication and ensure a proper plan is in place.
Current meeting limits: Large gatherings are permitted, with social distancing and permission of state public health officials.
Arizona
Arizona has seen a rapid increase in cases, regularly setting new daily records for the highest number of new positive results. On June 29, Gov. Doug Ducey “paused” operations at bars, gyms, theaters and water parks for a month, partially reversing a number of the steps taken as part of phase 1 of its “Returning Stronger” plan, which began in mid-May. A July 9 executive order requires restaurants with indoor seating to operate at less than 50 percent capacity. It also prohibited gatherings of more than 50 people. During a news conference, Ducey urged Arizonans to “arm yourself with a mask,” but he has stopped short of requiring that masks be worn in public. Ducey has said he has no plans for cancelling upcoming summer events.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings are limited to 50 people or fewer.
Arkansas
No statewide stay-at-home order was put in place here, and restaurants began serving guest at limited capacity on May 11. On June 15, the state fully entered Phase 2 of reopening, allowing restaurants and other businesses to expand to two-thirds capacity, but with social distancing and mask-wearing encouraged. Outdoor recreation and personal-care locations have reopened. Large indoor venues, including movie theaters, museums and casinos, are open at 33 percent capacity, as are bars with social-distancing limits. But as cases began to surge, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced on June 25 a pause on further reopening and required that masks be worn statewide beginning July 20.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 100 or fewer people are permitted.
California
Many parts of the state have seen surges in COVID-19 cases, leading Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 13 to again close bars, indoor restaurants, movie theaters and other venues statewide. For the more than 30 counties on the state’s monitoring list (the state has 58 counties), Newsom also ordered the closing of indoor operations at fitness centers, churches, personal-care salons, malls, offices, hair salons and barbershops. School district officials in Los Angeles and San Diego also announced that they would not be opening schools in September. Most of the state had entered stage 2 (reopening “lower-risk” workplaces such as retail, offices and manufacturing) or the early phases of stage 3 (with “higher-risk” workplaces reopening, including limited personal care and recreational venues) of Newsom’s four-stage Resilience Roadmap. A timeline for stage 4, in which concerts, conventions and sports events with live crowds will be permitted, has not yet been announced.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of more than 10 are prohibited in most of the state.
Colorado
On June 1, Gov. Jared Polis transitioned the state from Safer at Home to “Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors,” in which high-risk individuals are now encouraged to spend time out of doors. Indoor gyms, bowling alleys and other recreational facilities are open at 50 percent capacity, with no more than 500 people in one setting at a time. Restaurants are allowed to operate at either 50 percent dine-in capacity or 50 persons maximum, whichever is less. Indoor gatherings are allowed but must be limited to 100 people, among other restrictions. Outdoor events must have no more than 175 people. Bars are now allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity. On July 16, Polis announced a statewide face covering requirement for indoor public spaces, including stores and businesses.
Current meeting limits: Indoor gatherings limited to 100 people; outdoor events must have no more than 175 people.
Connecticut
On Aug. 11, the state’s leaders joined New York and New Jersey in requiring visitors from 33 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., that are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Previously, on May 20, Gov. Ned Lamont began the first phase of his four-phase plan, allowing offices and stores to open their doors at 50 percent capacity and restaurants to open with outdoor seating. On June 1, hair salons and barbershops were permitted to accept clients again. On June 17, the state began phase 2, in which hotels, gyms and indoor restaurants were allowed to reopen. Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people and indoor gatherings of up to 25 people are now permitted. Outdoor-gathering limits were expected to increase to 250 people by mid-July, but on July 6, Lamont announced that phase 3 would be postponed indefinitely.
Current meeting limits: Indoor gatherings of up to 25 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted.
Delaware
The state entered Phase 2 of its recovery plan on June 15, allowing restaurants, casinos, hotels and retail establishments to expand from 30 percent to 60 percent capacity, with face coverings required. Outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people currently are permitted, but recreation facilities, including bowling alleys, skating rinks and sporting facilities, remain closed. On June 30, Gov. John Carney paused any further reopenings and on July 3, ordered all bars in eastern Sussex County to close indefinitely. Convention centers and meeting facilities may host indoor events up to 60 percent of the venue’s capacity, with social distancing measures followed.
Current meeting limits: Outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people are allowed, and indoor gatherings up to 60 percent of the venue’s capacity.
District of Columbia
On July 27, Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered travelers from 27 states to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, saying the requirement would remain in effect until at least Aug. 10. Days before, Bowser issued an executive order requiring that masks be worn by residents age 3 and older outside the home, including outdoors; the mandate will be enforced with a $1,000 fine for those who do not comply. On June 22, the city entered phase 2 of reopening, allowing for gyms and camps, as well as indoor retail and restaurant dining to resume. Gatherings of up to 50 people are also now permitted. The city entered into phase 1 on May 29, allowing outdoor seating at restaurants, as well as curbside pickup and delivery from nonessential retail stores. Barbershops and hair salons also are now available for appointments.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted.
Florida
As new COVID-19 cases in the state have skyrocketed, Gov. Ron DeSantis first paused, then reversed steps in the state’s reopening. On June 26, the state ordered bar owners to stop selling alcohol at their establishments, requiring many that had been opened to close their doors again. The state remains in phase 2 of its “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step” plan, which allows gyms and stores to operate at full capacity. Restaurants and movie theaters can operate at 50 percent capacity. Florida’s Department of Health has advised limiting gatherings to fewer than 50 people. As a result of the surge in cases, authorities in Miami-Dade County shut down gyms, party venues and restaurants effective July 8, while Jacksonville will now require face masks. The Florida Keys are accessible once again, discontinuing checkpoints from South Florida and passenger screenings at the airports, with lodging limited to 50 percent capacity.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of more than 50 are discouraged.
Georgia
As cases rose throughout the state, officials launched a “Four Things for Four Weeks” campaign, urging that masks be worn in public, physical distancing be practiced, residents wash their hands for 20 seconds throughout the day and follow public health orders. Beginning June 16, Gov. Brian Kemp permitted gatherings of up to 50 people (with those over 50 banned unless there is at least six feet between each person). Capacity limits have been lifted on movie theaters, restaurants and dining rooms. Bars can now welcome 50 people or 35 percent capacity, whichever is greater. Atlanta has moved ahead with its reopening more slowly, and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced a five-phase plan for the city. On July 1, conventions began to be permittedand live performance venues will be allowed to reopen, as long as 21 specific guidelines are met. But as cases have surged in the state, Kemp has pushed back on efforts by city leaders to require masks, going so far as to sue Atlanta’s mayor over her efforts to require masks be worn.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited when six feet of social distance can’t be maintained.
Hawaii
Though the state was expected to reopen to tourists beginning Sept. 1, as cases rapidly climbed Gov. David Ige suggested on Aug. 11 that this would likely be delayed. Ige had previously announced that beginning in September, all out-of-state travelers will be required to get a COVID-19 test prior to arrival and show proof of a negative result in order to avoid the 14-day quarantine. A mandatory 14-day quarantine for all visitors remains in effect and the limit on gatherings was lowered to 10 people as of Aug. 3. Currently in the Act With Care phase of reopening, most businesses — including gyms, dine-in restaurants and personal services — were allowed to accept clients again, with some variations among islands. The state lifted its quarantine requirement on inter-island travelers on June 16. Ige has also mandated the wearing of masks when entering a business or waiting in line to enter.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed indoors or outdoors.
Idaho
Idaho remains in Phase 4 or Gov. Brad Little’s four-phase reopening plan, which allows for gatherings of any size, as long as social-distancing and precautionary measures are in place. Large venues and nightclubs are permitted to reopen, as long as physical distancing is followed. As the state saw new COVID-19 cases rise, Little announced that the state would be “tapping the brakes” on its reopening further.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size permitted, with social distancing.
Illinois
On June 26, the state entered phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-step “Restore Illinois” reopening plan, in which gatherings of up to 50 people or 50 percent capacity are permitted and health and fitness clubs, theaters, museums, zoos and indoor restaurant dining can open or expand with capacity restrictions. Hair salons, gyms and other nonessential businesses can reopen if they have safety measures and other restrictions in place.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted.
Indiana
On July 27, everyone in the state 8 years and older will be required to wear masks in public indoor spaces, on public transportation and outdoors when it’s not possible to social distance, according to the new statewide mask order. On June 12, the state entered Phase 4 of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s five-stage Back on Track Indiana plan, which allows for social gatherings of up to 250 people, for retail and commercial businesses to open at full capacity and for restaurants to expand indoor dining to 75 percent capacity. Museums, aquariums, bars, movie theaters and bowling alleys can welcome guests at 50 percent capacity. On July 15, it entered phase 4.5, in which events like festivals and fairs can take place, with approval by the state department of health, which will continue for at least two weeks.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 250 people are permitted.
Iowa
Beginning May 15, an order from Gov. Kim Reynolds loosened restrictions on all 99 of Iowa’s counties. Barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage therapists and salons are allowed to see clients again. Partial reopenings of restaurants, libraries and fitness centers are permitted across the state (previously, these restrictions had been loosened for 77 of the counties). Effective June 12, businesses were permitted to operate at full capacity and theaters, performance venues and swimming pools are allowed to reopen in compliance with state guidance.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 10 or fewer are permitted.
Kansas
The state remains in phase 3 of its “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” which limits gatherings to fewer than 45 people and removed restrictions on nonessential travel. On July 6, Gov. Laura Kelly extended the recommendation that the state remain in phase 3 indefinitely. As the state had seen a rise in cases overall, Kelly issued an executive order mandating the use of masks in stores, restaurants and in any public situation where social distancing cannot be maintained, beginning July 3.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 45 or fewer are permitted in most of the state.
Kentucky
After a rise in cases led Gov. Andy Beshear to close bars for two weeks, they were allowed to reopen on Aug. 11. On July 20, the limit on private gatherings was lowered to 10 people or fewer, and Beshear has also ordered that anyone over the age of 5 wear a mask in public indoor spaces, now in effect until at least Sept. 6. Gyms, bowling alleys, retail stores and movie theaters can operate with restrictions.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 10 or fewer are permitted.
Louisiana
On Aug. 4, Gov. John Bel Edwards extended his order that the state remain in phase 2 of reopening, allowing previously opened businesses to expand to 50 percent occupancy. Bars remain closed. Edwards also extended the requirement that masks be worn in public. The cap on social gatherings has been raised to 50 people, as long as distancing can be maintained. Theme parks, music halls and indoor live entertainment also must remain closed during phase 2.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of more than 50 are permitted, as long as social-distancing rules are followed.
Maine
On June 1, Maine began stage 2 of its four-step “Restarting Maine’s Economy” plan, allowing lodging businesses to open to Maine residents or those who have completed a 14-day quarantine. Gatherings of up to 50 people are now permitted, and all retail stores and museums are now allowed to reopen. Effective June 17, the state’s remaining three counties were allowed to reopen indoor dining with additional health and safety protocols, as well as open bars, breweries, gyms, tattoo parlors and nail salons. While indoor bar service as scheduled to resume beginning July 1, Gov. Janet Mills announced that this would be postponed “until further notice.”
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 50 or fewer are permitted.
Maryland
On July 31, an expanded mask order requiring everyone over the age of 5 to wear masks in public spaces of all businesses, and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained, took effect. Most of the state has entered Phase 2 of the “Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery” reopening plan. Beginning June 12, restaurants and pools are allowed to open indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. On June 19, indoor gyms and fitness studios were allowed to resume at 50 percent capacity and casinos and malls are allowed to reopen with strict precautions. On July 14, Gov. Larry Hogan directed local leaders to better enforce public safety requirements in bars and restaurants, saying state officials have connected an increasing number of cases to non-compliance. On June 26, the Baltimore Mayor Jack Young lifted restrictions on outdoor gatherings and stated that indoor gatherings would be capped at 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 10 or fewer are permitted.
Massachusetts
On Aug. 7, due to an increase in positive cases, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that it would remain indefinitely in step 1 of phase 3 of its four-phase reopening plan. This allows movie theaters, outdoor performance venues, museums, cultural and historical sites, fitness centers and health clubs to be open under industry-specific rules and restrictions. Indoor gatherings are now limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet, with no more than 25 people in a single enclosed space, while the limit to outdoor gatherings was lowered to from 100 to 50 people.
Current meeting limits: Indoor gatherings of 25 or fewer are permitted. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people.
Michigan
As cases rose in the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lowered the limit to indoor gatherings from 50 to 10 people and outdoor gatherings from 250 to 100. Bars were ordered to stop indoor service and residents must wear face coverings when indoors or in crowded outdoor spaces. For regions in phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan, retail stores, hair salons and other personal-care businesses can reopen. For regions in phase 5, gyms, indoor theaters and other places of public amusement are allowed to open.
Minnesota
Beginning July 25, residents are required to wear face masks in stores and indoor gathering spaces. Following the state’s “COVID-19 Preparedness Plan,” on June 10, the limit to outdoor gatherings is 25 people and indoor gatherings are capped at 10 people. Restaurants will be open for indoor dining at 50-percent capacity, while entertainment venues open at 25-percent capacity.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 permitted indoors and 25 people outdoors.
Mississippi
As Mississippi has seen a spike in cases, Gov. Tate Reeves extended the state’s “Safe Return” order through Aug. 17. This limits indoor gatherings to 10 people, and outdoor gatherings to 20 and allows bars to only serve alcohol to seated patrons, among other restrictions.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted indoors, and up to 20 people outdoors.
Missouri
Missouri became the first state to allow the resumption of live events when Gov. Mike Parson’s “Show Me Strong Recovery” plan went into effect on May 4. It entered Phase 2 on June 16, in which all businesses, including large concert venues and theaters, have resumed operations, at limited capacity and with social-distancing measures in place. The March 21 ban on large gatherings has been allowed to expire.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted, as long as social-distancing practices are followed.
Montana
The state’s stay-at-home order expired April 26, and Gov. Steve Bullock began the three-phased “Reopening the Big Sky” plan, beginning with houses of worship, retail, restaurants and bars, and a few schools. The state entered Phase 2 of reopening on June 1, raising the cap on gatherings to 50 people and for restaurants, bars, pools and gyms were allowed to fill up to 75-percent capacity. On July 15, Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive requiring that face masks be worn in certain indoor spaces and outdoor areas where social distance could not be maintained.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 50 or fewer are permitted.
Nebraska
On June 22, 89 counties entered phase 3 of Gov. Pete Ricketts’ “Steps to Get Nebraska Growing” plan. Indoor gatherings expand to 50 percent of the venue capacity and outdoor gatherings expand to 75 capacity, with no gatherings to exceed 10,000 people. All indoor and outdoor venues that hold 500 or more individuals must submit plans to their local health department for approval before reopening or expanding to new capacity limits. Restaurants and bars can expand to 100 percent occupancy (though groups are limited to eight individuals or fewer). Gyms, fitness centers and health clubs can operate at 75 percent capacity.
Current meeting limits: For those counties in phase 3 of reopening, gatherings of up to 10,000 people permitted, following capacity and social-distancing guidelines (including 50 percent capacity for indoor venues and 75 percent capacity for outdoor venues).
Nevada
As the state saw record-breaking numbers of new cases, Gov. Steve Sisolak mandated that masks be worn in public, including at casinos. The state began Phase 2 of its “Roadmap to Recovery” on May 29, with restaurants allowed to welcome guests in their dining rooms, with restrictions, and most businesses to reopen, but on June 24, Sisolak announced that it would remain in this phase until further notice and that “any discussion of entering Phase 3 will be tabled.” The limit on public and private gatherings was raised to 50. On June 4, much of the gaming industry reopened, with strict social distancing and hygiene practices in place. Sinks for hand-washing, mask and glove dispensers and plexiglass around table games are among the safety measures that have been put in place.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 50 or fewer are permitted.
New Hampshire
Gov. Chris Sununu’s “Stay at Home 2.0” order expired on June 15, lifting the cap on gatherings, which had been limited to 10 people. Museums, art galleries, bowling alleys and more are allowed to reopen following state guidance. Beginning June 5, hotels were allowed to resume business for in-state residents and out-of-state travelers who had completed a 14-day quarantine. Beginning June 29, indoor movie theaters, performing arts centers, amusement parks and adult day centers were allowed to open with capacity limits, while large hotels can operate at full capacity.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of more than 10 people permitted.
New Jersey
On Aug. 11, the state’s leaders joined New York and Connecticut in requiring visitors from 33 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. As cases in the state have risen, Gov. Phil Murphy has slowed reopening plans, lowering the limit of indoor gatherings from 100 to 25 people, though the 500-person limit to outdoor gatherings remains. In mid-June, following “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health,” the state entered phase 2, in which nonessential retail businesses reopened at 50 percent capacity and outdoor dining resumed. On July 8, Murphy expanded the state’s mask requirement to outside public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained. Retail stores can have a limited number of customers inside, and restaurants can continue to provide outdoor service. Movie theaters and other entertainment venues, as well as gyms, remain closed.
Current meeting limits: Indoor gatherings of 25 percent of a building’s capacity or 25 people (whichever is lower) are permitted, as are outdoor gatherings of up to 500 people.
New Mexico
The state had begun its “All Together New Mexico” plan, allowing the partial reopening of retail, restaurants and more. But as cases have jumped, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham again prohibited indoor dining at restaurants or breweries. Groups remain limited to a maximum of five people. “We’re going to continue to prohibit congregating in large groups and numbers of people. We’re going to keep that tight and small, we’re going to be in our bubbles of five,” said Lujan Grisham. Individuals are required to wear face masks in public, including, as of July 13, while exercising or at the gym. Out-of-state travelers are also required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 5 people are permitted.
New York
On Aug. 11, the state’s leaders joined Connecticut and New Jersey in requiring visitors from 33 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., that are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Beginning July 14, the state also placed enforcement teams at airports to ensure travelers have filled out their State Department of Health traveler forms. Those who refuse to fill out the form, which includes contact information and details about where the traveler came from and where they are going, will face a $2,000 fine.
Previously, on July 20, New York City entered phase 4 of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s four-step “New York Forward” plan for reopening, allowing outdoor arts and entertainment venues to reopen at 33 percent capacity, indoor arts and entertainment venues to open at 25 percent capacity and social gatherings of up to 50 people to take place, though indoor dining remains prohibited. It joins the rest of the state, which entered this final phase on June 26. On July 9, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he would extend the city’s ban on large-scale events requiring a city permit (such as parades and street fairs) until at least Sept. 30. “No, we don’t need big events anytime soon,” he said on CNN. “We’ve had a lot of success making New York City healthier and we’ve got to stick to that plan.”
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted.
North Carolina
As new cases surged throughout the state, on Aug. 5, Gov. Roy Cooper extended its hold on reopening, announcing that it will remain in Phase 2 of the “North Carolina: Staying Ahead of the Curve” plan, until at least Sept. 11. Gatherings of 25 or fewer people outdoors and 10 or fewer indoors are allowed if social distancing can be maintained. Entertainment and fitness venues, including bars and gyms, remain closed.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors are permitted.
North Dakota
On May 29, the state moved from moderate to low risk on Doug Burgum’s “ND Smart Restart” plan, allowing for dine-in service at restaurants at 75-percent capacity, movie theaters to expand to 65-percent capacity and gatherings of up to 500 people “provided that health criteria is met.”
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of 500 or fewer are permitted.
Ohio
Beginning July 23, face masks are required to be worn in public spaces statewide. The state entered the latest phase of Gov. Mike DeWine’s “Responsible Restart Ohio” plan on June 1, in which catering services, banquet halls and day care centers were allowed to reopen, under strict safety rules. On June 10, entertainment facilities including art galleries, museums and movie theaters reopened, and on June 19, this was extended to casinos, amusement parks and water parks.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted.
Oklahoma
On June 1, the state entered phase 3 of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s three-phase “Open Up & Recover Safely (OURS) Plan,” under which businesses can resume unrestricted staffing and summer camps can reopen, in addition to the loosening of restrictions permitted under previous phases (such as allowing bars to open and sports activities to resume, while practicing social distancing). As cases in the state have risen, face coverings have begun to be required in some cities.
Current meeting limits: People are directed to avoid groups “that do not readily allow for appropriate social distancing.”
Oregon
Gov. Kate Brown’s county-by-county, multiphase “Building a Safe & Strong Oregon,” plan has been slowed as cases surged in the state. Brown announced that beginning July 15, indoor social gatherings such as birthday or dinner parties will be limited to 10 or fewer people (with the exemption of faith-based events and businesses). Previously, seven counties imposed a requirement that masks be worn in indoor public spaces, and this was expanded statewidebeginning July 1 and to outdoor public spaces on July 15. “Today, I am sounding the alarm: We are at risk of COVID-19 getting out of control in Oregon,” Brown tweeted. “Each of us needs to take immediate action to slow the spread of this disease.”
Current meeting limits: Indoor gatherings of more than 10 people prohibited.
Pennsylvania
All of the state’s county’s had moved to the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s “Process to Reopen Pennsylvania,” by July 3, but new restrictions were introduced on July 16. This includes the closing of nightclubs, gyms and fitness facilities have been asked to prioritize outdoor physical fitness activities and businesses must conduct operations entirely or in part remotely through teleworking when possible. Gatherings are limited to 25 people indoors and 250 people outdoors. On July 1, the State Department of Health issued an updated order requiring the use of face masks in indoor public spaces and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is not possible.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 250 people outdoors and 25 people indoors are permitted for those counties in the “green” phase.
Puerto Rico
On June 16, Puerto Rico entered phase 3 of Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced’s “slow and gradual” reopening, allowing beaches, movie theaters and gyms to reopen, and restaurants to expand capacity to 50 percent. Indoor venues such as the Puerto Rico Convention Center reopened on July 1. While the island was expected to begin welcoming tourists on July 15 (as long as each visitor produces evidence of a negative result to a COVID-19 test or to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival) this has been postponed until further notice as cases throughout the United States continue to rise. Effective July 1, casinos can open at 75 percent capacity, and shops and restaurants can expand to 75 percent capacity. Public transportation services, wakes and funerals can resume in line with health and safety protocols. Additional updates and resources are available at the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. These restrictions will remain in effect until at least Aug. 15.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted.
Rhode Island
The state is currently in phase 3 of Gov. Gina Raimondo’s “Reopening RI: Charting the Course” plan, which has been extended until at least Aug. 28. In this phase, restaurants are allowed to expand indoor dining to 66 percent capacity, retail stores can resume operations with capacity limits, and gyms and hair salons can reopen with restrictions. On July 29, Raimondo lowered the limit for social gatherings to 15 people.
Current meeting limits: Social gatherings are limited to 15 people or fewer.
South Carolina
Effective Aug. 5, Gov. Henry McMaster has required that face coverings be worn in all state government buildings. Restaurants also must limit dine-in service to 50 percent capacity and require patrons to wear a face covering when inside the establishment except when they are eating or drinking. Entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, and other types of mass gatherings cannot exceed 50 percent capacity or 250 people (whichever is smaller). Masks are required.
Current meeting limits: Mass gatherings limited to 250 people or fewer.
South Dakota
Gov. Kristi Noem’s “back to normal” plan permitted businesses to reopen, beginning April 28, if the surrounding area had seen cases decreasing for 14 days. There is no cap on the number of people who can meet, but the plan urges individuals to “consider steps to maintain reasonable physical distancing.”
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted, as long as social distancing is practiced.
Tennessee
When the statewide stay-at-home order expired on April 30, “the vast majority of businesses in 89 counties” were allowed to reopen, entering phase 1 of Gov. Bill Lee’s “Tennessee Pledge” plan. Currently, restaurants must limit parties to 10 people, among other restrictions, while retail stores are also required to limit customers. Gyms, hair salons, spas and similar close-contact businesses are required to implement strict social distancing and sanitation practices. Amusement parks, movie theaters and other large venues have reopened, with social-distancing requirements in place. On May 21, Lee signed an executive order that raised the maximum number of people allowed to gather for social and leisure activities from 10 to 50. On July 3, as cases in the state rose, Lee signed an order permitting local mayors to institute face-mask requirements at their discretion.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted.
Texas
As Texas saw a skyrocketing number of cases, with the spread taking what Gov. Greg Abbott called a “swift and very dangerous turn,” the state first paused its reopening plan and then reinstated some restrictions. The governor has again closed bars and reduced indoor dining at restaurants to less than 50 percent capacity (it had previously increased to 75 percent), and shut down river rafting and tubing. Public outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more will now require approval by local officials; officials may choose to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people. “Large gatherings are a clear contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases,” Abbott stated. “Restricting the size of groups gatherings will strengthen Texas’ ability to corral this virus and keep Texans safe.” As of July 3, residents in counties with 20 or more active COVID-19 cases are required to wear face coverings in public.
Current meeting limits: Outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people require approval by local officials.
Utah
On May 16, much of the state (excluding the more populous areas, such as Salt Lake City) entered the “low-risk” phase of Gov. Gary Herbert’s “Utah Leads Together 2.0” plan, in which team sports are allowed, all businesses can operate and groups of up to 50 people can gather. On June 12, Herbert released updated reopening guidelines and moved one county to the “new normal” phase, which lifts restrictions on gatherings with the caveat that “hygiene measures, physical distancing, face coverings and symptom monitoring are encouraged for all group gatherings.” But as the state saw an increase in cases, Herbert announced on July 10 that he is extending Utah’s risk status, leaving Salt Lake City as moderate risk (orange), ten counties as normal risk (green) and the rest of the state in low risk (yellow).
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of all sizes are permitted for those counties in the “low risk” phase.
Vermont
Effective Aug. 1, all residents are required to wear face masks when six feet of distance cannot be maintained. Beginning June 26, following Gov. Phil Scott’s “Play Smart and Play Safe” plan, events can now have up to 75 people indoors and up to 150 outdoors, while cultural and entertainment venues, as well as restaurants, can expand capacity for events and dining to 50 percent. Gyms, fitness centers and spas have reopened and restaurants and entertainment venues are permitted to expand to 50 percent of capacity.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 75 people indoors and up to 150 outdoors are permitted.
Virginia
While much of Virginia has entered phase 3 of its “Forward Virginia Plan, allowing for social gatherings of up to 250 people and for restaurants to open at full capacity, on July 28, Northam ordered additional restrictions for the Hampton Roads area. Effective July 31, no alcohol can be consumed at different businesses and establishments after 10 p.m., and indoor dining in the area is limited to 50 percent capacity, while social gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited. For the rest of the state in phase 3, gyms, movie theaters and concert venues to reopen, following social-distance guidelines, though bars are to remain closed and face masks required at all indoor public places.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 250 people are permitted in those areas that are in phase 3 of reopening.
Washington
On July 20, Gov. Jay Inslee reduced the maximum number of individuals allowed in social gatherings in Phase 3 from 50 to 10, while those in Phase 2 counties remain capped at 5 people. All indoor and outdoor live entertainment, including drive-in concerts, are prohibited. As COVID-19 cases rose throughout the state, Inslee halted any further reopenings and issued an order, effective June 26, requiring that face masks be worn in public or outdoors when social distancing is not possible. On July 7, this was extended to require businesses to enforce the use of face coverings by all customers or visitors.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted for those counties that have qualified for phase 3 of the reopening plan.
West Virginia
Restrictions from the statewide stay-at-home order began lifting on certain businesses May 4, while Gov. Jim Justice continued to encourage citizens to stay home. The state is moving forward on Justice’s “West Virginia Strong — The Comeback” plan, which allows in-restaurant dining, as well as the reopening of fitness centers and large retail stores. On June 5, the limit on public gatherings increased from 25 to 100 people, and Justice started to permit fairs and festivals beginning July 1. But as the state has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases, Justice announced that beginning July 9, anyone over the age of nine years is required to wear a face mask anytime they are in public and where they are unable to maintain six feet of social distancing.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted.
Wisconsin
Beginning Aug. 1, all individuals aged five and older must wear face coverings. As Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” initiative expired at the end of May, much of the state entered Phase 1 of his “Badger Bounce Back” plan, allowing for the gathering of up to 10 people, and up to 50 people outdoors. Most businesses, including restaurants and gyms, opened at 25-percent capacity. as well as the reopening of K-12 schooling and childcare services. Phase 2 will expand the limit on gatherings to 50 people, and Phase 3 will remove any cap.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors are permitted.
Wyoming
While Gov. Mark Gordon never issued a stay-at-home order, he began lifting restrictions on gyms, personal-care services and more, on May 1. As of July 1, gatherings in a confined space, indoors or outdoors, are limited to 50 people. Some gatherings, such as those at hotels, livestock auctions and faith-based organizations are exempt, while certain gatherings of up to 250 people are allowed, such as outdoor concerts and sporting events, if social distancing can be maintained.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted.
