By all indications, we’re currently experiencing a flattening of the curve in terms of new coronavirus cases per day. Even hard-hit states like New York and New Jersey are experiencing a decline in new cases as strict social distancing measures continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We should all feel cautiously optimistic about that fact, but don’t forget that we’re experiencing this slight flattening because of the strict statewide social distancing measures. So don’t expect life to go “back to normal” anytime soon, we’re not out of the woods yet, and it’s likely that reopening the country will be a rolling effort that looks different depending on where you live.
At the present, millions of Americans nationwide are still under some form of shelter order which is keeping nonessential businesses closed, with most states ordering residents to stay at home except to get exercise or seek essential services. Despite President Trump’s assertion that he has “total authority” on this matter, we’re likely to be living under these social distancing measures to some degree or another until our respective governors give the “okay” for states to reopen.
We’ve collected each state’s current order as of April 16th, 2020. Some states have an end date on the books and others are working in unison to reopen segments of the country jointly — so take these dates with a grain of salt. They’re likely to change as each state assesses their respective COVID-19 situations.
Alabama
Until at least April 30th, all Alabama residents have been ordered to stay home unless they’re engaging in essential actives.
Alaska
Nonessential businesses in the state of Alaska are closed for the foreseeable future and residents statewide are being told to remain in their places of residence. Governor Mike Dunleavy had planned on opening the state as early as April 8th, but Alaska currently remains in lockdown.
Arizona
Arizona’s current stay-at-home order will be in effect until April 30th, at which time the state will reassess its response.
California
California’s stay-at-home order currently has no set end date. Earlier this week Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that moves to reopen the state would be coordinated along with Oregon and Washington and is dependent on six factors. The factors include widespread quick testing and tracing efforts, social distancing infrastructure for schools and restaurants, and increased hospital supplies and staff capable of meeting sudden surge capacity.
Colorado
Colorado’s current stay-at-home order has been extended until April 26th.
Connecticut
All non-essential businesses in the state of Connecticut will be closed until May 20th. Individuals are being ordered to “Stay Safe, Stay Home” by Governor Ned Lamont. Efforts to reopen will be coordinated with New York.
Delaware
Delaware’s stay-at-home order has been extended until May 15th or until the threat to public health has been eliminated.
Florida
Florida’s “Safer At Home” order began on April 1st and will see non-essential businesses throughout the state closed until April 30th at the earliest.
Georgia
Georgians are under a shelter-in-place order until April 30th. K-12 public schools in the state will remain closed throughout the rest of the school year.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s stay-at-home order will last until April 30th. Anyone entering Hawaii has been ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Idaho
Idaho residents are being ordered to stay home except to seek essential services until April 30th.
Illinois
Illinois is under a stay-at-home order until April 30th and all non-essential businesses are closed until further notice.
Indiana
Indiana residents are under a stay-at-home order that is scheduled to end on April 20th, though the order will likely be extended.
Iowa
Non-essential businesses in the state of Iowa are to be closed until April 30th. Residents aren’t currently under a stay-at-home order.
Kansas
Kansas is under a statewide stay-at-home order until April 19th. Governor Laura Kelly is currently considering an extension of the order.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s current stay-at-home order is scheduled to end on May 1st.
Louisiana
Louisiana residents are under a stay-at-home order until April 30th at the earliest.
Maine
Maine residents are under a “Stay Healthy at Home” order issued by Governor Janet Mills until April 30th at the earliest.
Maryland
Maryland residents statewide are currently under an indefinite stay-at-home order.
Massachusetts
Non-essential businesses across the state are closed until May 4th. Massachusettes residents are being advised to stay home.
Michigan
Michigan residents are being ordered to stay home except to seek essential services until April 30th. The state’s reopening will be dependent on the following four factors: a sustained reduction in cases, expanding testing and tracing capabilities, new guidelines for continued social distancing, and a healthcare capacity to meet a surge in demand.
Minnesota
Minnesota residents are being ordered to stay home until May 3rd at the earliest.
Mississippi
Mississippi has been under a stay-at-home order since April 5th that is set to expire on April 20th.
Missouri
Missourians have been ordered to stay home until April 24th.
Montana
Montana’s stay-at-home order has been extended until April 24th.
Nebraska
Nebraska residents aren’t currently under a stay-at-home order. Hair salons, tattoo parlors, and strip clubs have been ordered closed until May 31st, but social distancing guidelines have been issued for work, school, and shopping frequency.
Nevada
Nevada’s stay-at-home order is set to expire on April 30th.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire residents are under a stay-at-home order until May 4th.
New Jersey
New Jersey is under a statewide stay-at-home order indefinitely. New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Pennsylvania will coordinate reopening efforts jointly.
New Mexico
Residents are being advised to stay home until April 30th at the earliest. All non-essential businesses statewide are closed.
New York
New York’s social distancing orders will remain in effect until May 15th at the earliest. Reopening efforts will be jointly coordinated with New Jersey, Connecticut, and other eastern states.
North Carolina
North Carolina is under a statewide stay-at-home order until April 29th.
North Dakota
Non-essential businesses like schools, restaurants, gyms, and theaters are closed until further notice. Residents are not under a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order.
Ohio
Ohio is under a stay-at-home order, set to expire on May 1st.
Oklahoma
Vulnerable residents of Oklahoma — those over 65 or with underlying health issues — are being advised to stay at home until April 30th.
Oregon
Oregon will coordinate efforts with Washington and California on when to reopen the state. Until then, residents are under a stay-at-home order.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents are being ordered to stay home except to seek essential services until April 30th at the earliest.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s stay-at-home order has been extended until May 8th.
South Carolina
South Carolina residents are being ordered to limit their movements outside of their homes to only seek essential services until further notice.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s stay-at-home order has been extended until April 30th.
Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all Texans to limit social gatherings to those in the same household and to stay home unless seeking essential services until April 30th.
Utah
Utah residents are being advised to stay home until May 1st but are not being ordered to do so.
Vermont
Vermont residents are being directed to stay home until May 15th.
Virginia
Virginia’s stay-at-home order will be in effect until June 10th. All essential businesses will remain closed until then.
Washington
Washington residents are being ordered to stay home and will coordinate efforts to reopen with California and Oregon. Nonessential businesses will remain closed until mid-May at the earliest.
West Virginia
Residents are being directed to stay indoors until further notice. All nonessential businesses throughout the state are closed.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin residents are being ordered to stay home until April 24th. All essential businesses will remain closed until April 24th.
Wyoming
Bars, restaurants, and personal-service businesses are closed and residents are being directed to congregate in groups smaller than 10 people. Individuals entering the state for non-work-related reasons must quarantine for 14 days. Wyoming is not under a stay-at-home order.