COVID-19 State-by-State Q1 2020 Archive

March 31, 2020

Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order instituting a “Stay home, Stay health, Stay connected” policy. The order requires individual in Arizona to stay home, except to conduct essential activities, participate in essential governmental functions or essential functions or businesses (as defined in the March 23rd Executive Order), among other things. Individuals are not required to produce documentation or proof of their activities to justify their participation in covered activities, and counties, towns, and cities are prohibited from issuing any rules, regulations, or orders that conflict with this or prior Executive Orders. The order takes effect on March 31, 2020 at 5:00 pm, and remains in effect until April 30, 2020 unless otherwise extended.

Additionally, Governor Ducey and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Kathy Hoffman, announced Arizona school will remain closed through the end of the school year. Governor Ducey also announced that Arizona banks have agreed to suspend evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days, and have committed, among other things, to expedite the application and approval of small business loans as part of the federal Paycheck Protection Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

(Navajo Nation): The Navajo Office of Environmental Health and Protection Program, Navajo Department of Health, issued a Public Health Emergency Order which extends the stay-at-home order, and imposes an 8:00pm to 5:00 am curfew across the Nation and limits the size of public gatherings, including outdoor funerals. The order urges Essential Businesses which directly serve customers to limit operations between 7:00 pm and 6:00 am. The order remains in effect until rescinded.

Colorado:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revised its standing Public Health Order imposing stay-at-home restrictions for a second time. The revised order modifies to the definitions of Necessary Travel and Critical Government Functions.

Necessary Travel now includes travel to transport children between separate households pursuant to a parenting plan or other agreement governing parental responsibilities. The order adds those activities related to federal, state, and local elections and any required acts of a political party to the definition of Critical Government Functions.

District of Columbia:

Mayor Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the District, which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 1st, the text of which has not yet been made public as of this writing. This order builds on the District’s closure of non-essential businesses last week. At minimum, the Mayor’s website indicates that residents may only leave their residences to: engage in essential activities, such as obtaining medical care and obtaining food and essential household goods; perform or access essential governmental functions; work at essential businesses; engage in essential travel; or engage in certain allowable recreational activities.

In addition, Mayor Bowser announced that the District of Columbia has received a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Declaration will provide assistance to the District’s Emergency Response Services and to residents and businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19.

Florida:

Governor DeSantis announced his intention to issue a safer-at-home order for southern Florida, including Broward, Miami-Date, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties. The Order will model Miami-Date County’s safer-at-home order, and is expected to continue through mid-May.

Hawaii:

Governor Ige issued an Executive Order which suspended certain laws regarding wages and hours of employees on public works, charter school boards, workers’ compensation, and the practice of telehealth, among others, to enable county and state agencies to engage in emergency management functions. The order remains in effect for the duration of the emergency period, unless terminated sooner by separate proclamation.

Maine:

Governor Mills has opened an appeal process for businesses whose functions are not listed as essential. If a business disagrees with its designation as non-essential, it may request designation as an essential business.

Maryland:

Governor Hogan implemented a statewide stay-at-home order, which builds on the previous order which had closed non-essential businesses in the state. The stay-at-home element goes into effect at 8:00 p.m. on March 30th, and it allows for exceptions such as obtaining groceries and other supplies, seeking medical assistance, caring for others, and exercising. Gatherings larger than 10 persons remain prohibited, and non-essential businesses must remain closed. The order says non-essential businesses are those which are not part of the critical infrastructure sectors identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. However, the previous order was later accompanied by guidance, and such guidance is possible here, and if issued, will be included in a further update.

Nebraska:

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a superseding Directed Health Measure (DHM), No. 2020-005, expanding previous state-ordered restrictions to additional counties in the Panhandle. It is effective immediately through April 30 (for Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties) and May 6 (for Lancaster, Dodge, Saunders, Washington, Hall, Hamilton, York, Seward, Butler, Polk, Merrick, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, and Burt counties) and May 11 (for Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties). This DHM imposes a mandatory home-quarantine requirement for any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has any two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or above, cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, or having resided with individuals who have met either of these requirements. There are no exceptions to this conditional quarantine requirement, except to get medical care as provided in the incorporated quarantine directions, which are also attached to the order itself.

The DHM also prohibits all elective surgeries and elective procedures, except for those involving a medical emergency or which must be done to preserve the patient’s life or physical health. The DHM expands to all of the above-listed counties the geographic application of the previous prohibitions on gatherings of more than 10 people. Gathering does not include transportation facilities, health care facilities, shopping malls and centers, typical offices, factories, or retail or grocery stores, logistics/distribution centers, courts, or public utilities.

Governor Ricketts issued a new executive order to give healthcare facilities greater flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of the order is to enable healthcare facilities to expand capacity as the need arises. Among other changes, the Governor’s order accomplishes the following:

Waives time limits for how long Critical Access Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Centers may keep patients.
Waives the time limit on complex nursing interventions in assisted living facilities.
Modifies the training and testing requirements for nurse aides, medication aides, and dining assistants to allow individuals with sufficient training and appropriate supervision to serve temporarily in these capacities.
Defers requirements for the renewal and implementation dates of facility licenses and extends the licenses so that they do not need to be renewed during this emergency.
Waives the Certificate of Need Act to allow hospitals to add or convert any beds into long-term care beds or rehabilitation beds in appropriate locations to care for COVID-19 patients who no longer require acute care support.
Waives the licensed bed limit if additional unlicensed beds are available or could be added for use in treating COVID-19 cases or to meet the needs of non-COVID-19 patients.
Directs the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish guidance for payment of Medicaid services via telehealth.

New Hampshire:

Governor Sununu has opened an appeal process for businesses whose functions are not listed as essential. If a business disagrees with its designation as non-essential, it may request designation as an essential business. Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function should only be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance. These requests should be submitted to [email protected] and include basic contact information and a brief justification.

New Mexico:

Governor Grisham issued Executive Order 2020-014 on March 27, releasing up to $20 million for purchasing personal protective equipment, testing supplies, and other related materials, as well as avoiding or minimizing economic and physical harm. The order does not elaborate on the use of the funds for minimizing economic harm. The order remains in effect indefinitely.

New York:

Monday, March 30th, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.13. That order suspends and modifies numerous laws by generally relaxing or removing various requirements. For example, it extends the grace period by 90 days for late payment on life insurance premiums for those facing a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and it imposes a 60-day moratorium on insurers cancelling, non-renewing, or conditionally renewing any workers’ compensation insurance policy issued to an individual or small business facing a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The order took effect immediately and will remain in effect until April 28, 2020.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121, issuing a Stay-At-Home order, begins today, March 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. It will remain in effect for thirty (30) days from today, April 29, 2020. The Executive Order closes all non-essential businesses. “Essential businesses” include: (1) businesses that meet social distancing requirements; (2) businesses operating in CISA identified sectors; (3) healthcare and public health operations; (4) human services operations; (5) essential infrastructure operations; (6) essential governmental operations; (7) stores that sell groceries and medicine; (8) food, beverage production, and agriculture; (9) organizations that provide charitable and social services; (10) religious entities; (11) media; (12) gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; (13) financial and insurance institutions; (14) home improvement, hardware, and supply stores; (15) critical trades; (16) mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; (17) educational institutions; (18) laundry services; (19) restaurants for consumption off-premises; (20) supplies to work from home; (21) supplies for COVID-19 essential businesses and operations; (22) transportation; (23) home-based care and services; (24) residential facilities and shelters; (25) professional services; (26) manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries; (27) defense and military contractors; (28) hotels and motels; (29) funeral services; and (30) additional COVID-19 essential retail businesses.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum sent President Trump a letter requesting a major disaster declaration to support public infrastructure and facilities; mitigation grants for counties and tribal nations; assistance for individuals and households, and supplemental nutrition and transitional sheltering assistance, among other aid.

Oregon:

Governor Brown announced that President Trump accepted Oregon’s Major Disaster Declaration, retroactive to January 20, 2020. This allows for the activation of FEMA’s Public Assistance program for reimbursements of emergency actions taken by state, territorial, tribal, and local government entities, as well as certain non-profit organizations.

Organizations eligible for recovery efforts on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures include, but are not limited to:

Management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety; Emergency operation and coordination costs;
Disinfection of eligible public facilities;
Medical sheltering;
Purchase and distribution of food, water, medicine and other consumable supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment.

Pennsylvania:

Monday, March 30th, Governor Wolf again amended the state’s stay at home order to extend the order through April 30, 2020. The amended order also adds four additional counties, Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Schuylkill. The order for those counties took effect at 8:00 p.m. Monday.

The stay at home order now requires residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, and York counties to stay at their places of residence except as needed to access, support, or provide emergency or government services or life sustaining business.

Tennessee:

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order 21 and Executive Order 22.

Executive Order 21 extends the effective date of Executive Order 17 through April 14, 2020 and adds additional businesses and venues that should not be open to the public, including but not limited to barber shops and hair salons, spas, tattoo parlors, night clubs, theaters and children’s indoor play areas.

Executive Order 22 implements Safer at Home provisions, directing citizens to stay at home unless engaging in Essential Activities or Services and ordering the closure of non-essential businesses for public use. Critical infrastructure remains operational and government entities will continue to provide services. Orders 17 and 21 remain in full force and effect. Order 22 is effective April 1 and remains in effect through April 14.

Essential Activities include, but are not limited to:

Activities essential to a person’s health and safety
Obtaining necessary services or supplies
Providing or receiving delivery or curbside carry out
Engaging in outdoor activity, but not including congregating or playing on playgrounds
Caring for or visiting a family member or friend
Visiting a place of worship or attending a wedding or funeral
Engaging in Essential Travel

Essential Travel includes:

Travel related to Essential Activity
Travel related to Essential Services
Travel to care for vulnerable persons
Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning or related services
Travel to or from the State of Tennessee
Travel required by law, law enforcement or court order

Essential Services include:

Personnel identified by the Department of Homeland Security in its Advisory Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response
Health Care and Public Health Operations
Human Services Operations
Essential Infrastructure Operations
Essential Government Functions
Food and Medicine Stores
Food and Beverage Production and Agriculture
Organizations the Provide Charitable and Social Services
Religious and Ceremonial Functions
Media
Gas Stations and Businesses needed for Transportation
Financial Institutions and Insurance Entities
Hardware and Supply Stores
Critical Trades
Mail, Post, Shipping, Logistics, Delivery, and Pick-Up Services
Educational Institutions
Laundry Services
Restaurants for Off-Premises Consumption
Supplies to Work from Home
Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations
Transportation
Home-based Care and Services
Residential Facilities and Shelters
Professional Services
Manufacturing, Distribution and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industries
Hotels and Motels
Funeral Services
Any business listed as an Essential Activity as defined in Executive Order 22
Any other business or organization that operates at all times with 10 or fewer people accessing the premises at any time
The minimum necessary activities required to maintain any business or organization whether otherwise essential or not

Texas:

The Texas Hospital Association and Texas nurses Association are putting pressure on Gov. Greg Abbott to issue a statewide stay-at-home order. Abbott has long resisted calls to do so, saying the decision is one that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis by local governments.

Instead, Gov. Abbott announced during a 2:00 p.m. news conference that he would extend social distancing protocols through April 30, while Texas schools are to remain closed through May 4. Gov. Abbott said Texans are expected to limit interactions, but stopped short of issuing a stay-at-home order. Executive Order No. 14, instead, the Order states that it “shall supersede any conflicting order issued by local officials in response to the COVD-19 [sic] disaster, but only to the extent that such a local order restricts essential services allowed by this executive order or allows gatherings prohibited by this executive order.” The Order instead allows for all essential businesses as defined by CISA, notably permitting residential construction to proceed.

Patchwork orders throughout cities and counties of Texas have already caused issues, with a McKinney resident filing a lawsuit against the mayor, stating that McKinney’s emergency order is contradictory to that of Collin County.

After 12 COVID-19 cases were confirmed at a senior living facility in the Woodlands, Montgomery County judge Mark Keough issued a shelter-in-place order for the facility. The order, issued just after 6:00 p.m. on March 30, allows residents 24 hours to leave the facility to stay with family and friends. Otherwise, they must continue to self-quarantine and will not be permitted to reenter the property until April 13, 2020.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (“TDEM”) has released their Travel-Quarantine Exemption Form, as required by Gov. Abbott’s executive orders. TDEM will determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the self-quarantine order applies to individuals traveling in connection with commercial activity, military service, emergency response, health response, or critical infrastructure functions.

Vermont:

Today, Governor Phil Scott enacted Addendum 7 to Executive Order 01-20 setting forth new quarantine restrictions for people traveling into the state. Effective immediately, any persons—regardless of resident status—entering Vermont from out-of-state must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days unless the trip occurred for an “essential purpose.” An essential purpose” under the order means “travel required for personal safety; food, beverage or medicine; medical care; care of others; and to perform work, services or functions deemed critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security, as set forth in Stay Home/Stay Safe.” Any “visitors” (not defined) who exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or would be arriving from “hot spots” such as Florida, Louisiana, Detroit, Chicago, and New York City are prohibiting from entering the state.

The order also provides explicit restrictions for the suspension of “lodging operations.” “Lodging” is defined as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals, such as those made available through VRBO, Homeaway, AirBnb and other services, parks for recreational vehicles and campgrounds, all public and private camping facilities including those managed by the Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation, among other establishments. Under the order, lodging establishments may not accept new reservations or extend the existing reservations of patrons already on the premises unless an exception under section 6(a)-(d) applies.

Virginia:

Governor Northam issued a Stay at Home Order for the Commonwealth that is effective immediately. The order directs all individuals to remain at their place of residence except for: traveling to obtain food or beverages; seeking medical attention, social services, emergency services, government services, or law enforcement assistance; taking care of other individuals or animals; outdoor activity and exercise, but only if they comply with social distancing requirements; traveling to the person’s place of residence, house of worship, or work; traveling to or from an educational institution; participation in volunteer or charitable organizations providing social services; and leaving one’s residence at the direction of a government entity, such as law enforcement, due to safety concerns.

The order prohibits all gatherings of more than 10 people. Universities, both public and private, must restrict education to distance learning. They may remain open for research and continued operations, but are instructed to practice social distancing. Businesses remain governed by Executive Order 53 and are directed to comply with social distancing if non-essential. Essential businesses should comply to the extent practicable. Violation of the order constitutes a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 1 year of jail time and by a fine of up to $2,500. The order remains in effect until June 10, 2020.

March 30, 2020

Arizona:

(City of Tucson): Mayor Romero’s Proclamation which orders the closure of businesses that are not “Essential Functions” and which issues a stay at home advisory to residents, took effect at 8:00 am on March 28 and continues through April 17, at 11:59 pm unless terminated sooner. The Proclamation orders that businesses that are not “Essential Functions,” defined by Governor Ducey’s March 24th Executive Order, to close to the public. The Order also advises certain other businesses excluded from the Governor’s definition to close to the public.

California:

On March 27, Governor Newsom ordered a 60-day moratorium on all eviction proceedings resulting from the pandemic. The Executive Order is effective immediately and will remain in effect through May 31 (“Order”).

The Order prevents the eviction of certain qualifying tenants for the Order’s duration. The tenant must satisfy three criteria to obtain eviction relief. First, the tenant must have previously paid rent to the landlord. Second, he or she must have lost the ability to pay rent because of (a) suspected COVID-19 sickness, (b) the loss of employment or reduced hours resulting from COVID-19, or (c) the need to miss work to care for children because of school closures. Third, the tenant must have verifiable documentation showing a change in circumstances preventing the payment of rent. The tenant has seven days after a rental payment is due to notify the landlord of an inability to pay.

The Order also extends the five-day deadline set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure § 1167 to respond to a complaint and summons seeking eviction. The tenant now has 60 days to respond to the complaint and summons.

Delaware:

On March 26, Governor Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi announced a new program to provide emergency housing assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, or unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP) will provide eligible households up to $1,500 in assistance, with payments made directly to the property owner or utility company.

Florida:

Governor DeSantis announced he would expand a previously issued Executive Order, which requires travelers entering Florida from an area with substantial community spread of the COVID-19 virus, to self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay in Florida, whichever is shorter. The order directs the establishment of checkpoints to gather information on those travelers entering Florida by roadways. The order previously required self-quarantine for visitors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and now will include travelers from Louisiana.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation of disaster emergency, effective until April 1, which: (1) continues the State Public Health Emergency Declaration, (2) suspends elective and nonessential medical and dental procedures, (3) suspends some regulatory provisions relating to evictions, (4) extends and expands retail business closures, (5) orders health care facilities and nursing homes to engage in advanced health care screenings, and (6) temporarily suspends other health care related regulations.

The order also closes multiple groups of businesses until April 7, including: restaurants and bars, salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities theatres, casinos and gaming facilities, senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities, mass gatherings, massage therapy establishments, swimming pools and spas.

Kansas:

Governor Kelly issued a state-wide Shelter-At-Home Executive Order for the State of Kansas. All individuals within the state of Kansas are only permitted to leave their home for essential activities, including obtaining food, medicine, and household necessities, working at a business to perform an essential function as identified in the Kansas Essential Function Framework, among others.

This Order adopts the framework from the previously implemented Executive Order No. 20-15 to define what qualifies as essential and includes four core areas, including: (1) “Connect,” which includes functions surrounding telecommunications services, (2) “Distribute,” which includes functions related to distribution of electricity and transportation of passengers or cargo, (3) “Manage,” which includes certain governmental functions such as law enforcement, the protection of sensitive information, the preservation of constitutional rights; and (4) “Supply,” which includes functions pertaining to certain supplies including fuel, housing, food products, defense, and research and development.

The order goes into effect on March 30 and remains in effect until April 19, 2020, or until the State of Disaster expires, whichever is earlier, and unless extended.

Minnesota:

Governor Walz signed Emergency Executive Order 20-23, which authorized the Minnesota Health-Related Licensing Boards to Modify Requirements during the COVID-19 Emergency. The modifications include deferring continuing education requirements, extending the expiration date on certain licenses and registrations, and waiving fingerprint requirements for licensing applications, among others. This Order will remain in effect under the COVID-19 emergency is over.

Nebraska:

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a superseding Directed Health Measure (DHM) expanding previous state-ordered restrictions to additional counties. It is effective immediately through April 30 (for Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties) and May 6 (for Lancaster, Dodge, Saunders, Washington, Hall, Hamilton, York, Seward, Butler, Polk, Merrick, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, and Burt counties). This DHM is the farthest-reaching and most geographically expansive order issued by Nebraska officials to date. It imposes a mandatory home-quarantine requirement for any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has any two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or above, cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, or having resided with individuals who have met either of these requirements. There are no exceptions to this conditional quarantine requirement, except to get medical care as provided in the incorporated quarantine directions, which are also attached to the order itself.

New Jersey:

Saturday, March 28, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 111. The order requires that, starting March 29, 2020, all health care facilities, including licensed acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospital systems, and emergency field facilities, must report their capacity and supplies on a daily basis by 10:00 a.m. to the Office of Emergency Management (“OEM”).

The order requires OEM to specify what data concerning capacity and supplies, including bed capacity, ventilators, and PPE, must be submitted. It also requires OEM to establish a designated process by which health care facilities can submit the daily information, which it has yet to do. The obligation to report will continue until a contrary order from Governor Murphy.

New Mexico:

Governor Grisham issued two Executive Orders significantly expanding the State’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 on March 27.

The first order, Executive Order 2020-012, closes all New Mexico public schools for the duration of the 2019-2020 academic year. The order charges the Secretary of Education with providing all students with alternative learning opportunities to the greatest extent practicable.

The second, Executive Order 2020-013, requires all persons traveling to New Mexico via an airport to self-isolate for fourteen days. These individuals are permitted to leave their isolation only to receive medical care. The State may enforce involuntary quarantine on any individual found violating the order or who otherwise refuses to comply. The order will remain in effect for the duration the State’s public health crisis.

New York:

Friday, March 27, the state issued updated guidance on determining whether a business is subject to a workforce reduction under Executive Order 202.6. Governor Cuomo also issued Executive Order 202.11. That order suspends and modifies numerous laws by generally relaxing or removing various requirements. For example, it allows pharmacists to practice at alternative locations and allows electronic signatures to be used for the authorization of funeral services. Sunday, March 29, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.12. That order moved the state’s primary election originally scheduled for April 28, 2020 to June 23, 2020.

Governor Cuomo also announced that he extended New York State on PAUSE through April 15, 2020. All non-essential businesses statewide must continue to be closed and all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason will continue to be prohibited at least through April 15.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order also closed non-essential businesses. “Essential businesses” include: (1) businesses that meet social distancing requirements; (2) businesses operating in CISA identified sectors; (3) healthcare and public health operations; (4) human services operations; (5) essential infrastructure operations; (6) essential governmental operations; (7) stores that sell groceries and medicine; (8) food, beverage production, and agriculture; (9) organizations that provide charitable and social services; (10) religious entities; (11) media; (12) gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; (13) financial and insurance institutions; (14) home improvement, hardware, and supply stores; (15) critical trades; (16) mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; (17) educational institutions; (18) laundry services; (19) restaurants for consumption off-premises; (20) suppliers for work from home; (21) suppliers for COVID-19 essential businesses and operations; (22) transportation; (23) home-based care and services; (24) residential facilities and shelters; (25) professional services; (26) manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries; (27) defense and military contractors; (28) hotels and motels; (29) funeral services; and (30) additional COVID-19 essential retail businesses.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum signed an executive order to close multiple groups of businesses, effective 12 a.m. Saturday, March 28, until April 6. The businesses that must close include: restaurants, recreational facilities, cosmetologists, elective personal care services, and state agencies and offices.

In a separate executive order, Governor Burgum also suspended payment of unemployment taxes to allow employers to focus on their businesses and employees. The order suspends payment of unemployment taxes and filing of payroll reports that are due on March 31 for the first quarter of 2020, meaning those payments and reports won’t be due until July 1.

Oklahoma:

(Oklahoma City): Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt issued the Third Revised Emergency Proclamation which requires residents to shelter in place. The emergency proclamation further includes the closure of non-essential businesses with essential businesses being those defined by the Governor Stitt as critical infrastructure sectors. Governor Stitt ordered the closure of non-essential businesses on March 25 but has not, at this point, instituted a strict state-wide shelter in place order.

(Tulsa): Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, in conjunction with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, instituted a shelter in place order lasting through April 16, 2020. As with Mayor Holt’s order, this order requires the closure of non-essential businesses as defined by Governor Stitt as critical infrastructure sectors.

Pennsylvania:

Saturday, March 28, the Secretary of the Department of Health again amended the state’s stay at home order to include residents of Beaver, Centre, and Washington counties. The order for those three counties took effect March 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET. In addition, the Commonwealth added nine counties to its stay at home order late Friday, March 27, which took effect at 8:00 p.m. that night. Those counties were Berks, Butler, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Luzerne, Pike, Wayne, Westmoreland and York.

The stay at home order now requires residents of Allegheny, Berks, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Centre, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Pike, Philadelphia, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, and York counties to stay at their places of residence except as needed to access, support, or provide emergency or government services or life sustaining business. Currently, the orders are set to remain in effect until April 6, 2020.

Rhode Island:

On Saturday, March 28, Governor Raimondo signed a Stay-At-Home Executive Order requiring all Rhode Islanders, effective immediately, to stay at home unless traveling for work and/or traveling for medical treatment or obtaining necessities (food, gas, medicine, etc.). Rhode Islanders may still go outside for fresh air and exercise, but they must practice social distancing.

Effective immediately, Rhode Island employers with employees who live in other states shall use all means available to enable those employees to telecommute or make other work-from-home arrangements. This provision shall not apply to public health, public safety, or healthcare workers.

The Order prohibits gatherings of more than five (5) people in any public or private space.

Effective Monday, March 30, all “non-critical” retail businesses shall cease in-person operations. Restaurants will be permitted to operate only for pickup, drive-through, and delivery in accordance with previous executive orders.

Raimondo’s March 28 executive order also requires any person coming into Rhode Island from another state to self-quarantine for 14-days effective immediately. Any person who lives in Rhode Island and works in another state who can work from home is required to do so. To the extent such a person cannot perform his or her functions via telework or other work from home arrangements, that person shall self-quarantine when not at work. Neither of these quarantine restriction shall apply to public health, public safety, or healthcare workers. This Order supersedes a prior Executive Order that only placed quarantine requirements on those coming in from New York.

South Carolina:

South Governor McMaster signed an Executive Order on March 28, 2020 that addresses the following four (4) areas, effective immediately:

Emergency Measures:

visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities is restricted, with the exception of end-of-life situations;
visitation processes and procedures at state correctional institutions and local detention facilities;
specified units of the South Carolina National Guard are placed on State Active Duty, and are under the command of the Adjutant General. The Adjutant General is authorized to give orders as he deems necessary and appropriate. The Adjutant General is also ordered to coordinate with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to take necessary and prudent actions to assist the people of South Carolina;
prohibitions against price gouging are in effect;

School Closures:

all South Carolina public schools and charter schools are now closed to students and non-essential employees through the month of April (extending the original school closure date from March 31, 2020). School district officials are authorized to make any necessary and appropriate decision/arrangement to facilitate the distribution of food and nutritional services;
all state-supported colleges, universities and technical colleges are required to complete the spring 2020 academic semester virtually and remotely. Said colleges, universities and technical colleges may still house out-of-state or displaces students. On-campus services and activities are restricted to only emergency personnel designated as “essential” or whose presence is deemed “necessary” by college or university officials

Protecting First Responders:

any and all 911 operator or emergency dispatcher may ask any individual placing a call for services whether such individual or any member of their household has tested positive for COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the same.

Transportation Waivers:

Governor McMaster originally issued two Executive Orders, one on March 11, 2020 and another on March 13, 2020, instructing the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to waive or suspend application and enforcement of certain state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to registration, permitting, length, width, weight, load, and hours of services for commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles who are responding to COVID-19 or otherwise providing direct assistance to supplemental state and local efforts in South Carolina and North Carolina, including the transporting of essential goods and products, such as food, water, medicine, medical supplies and equipment, fuels and petroleum products, livestock, poultry, feed for livestock and poultry, and crops and other agricultureal products ready to be harvested (including timber). This order did not allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
The March 28 Executive Order extended the transportation waiver, above, to all commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles operating in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Expanded Emergency Declaration (relating to COVID-19).

A person who fails and/or refuses to comply with these orders is guilty of a misdemeanor.

In addition to the above four areas, South Carolina Governor McMaster signed an Executive Order on March 27, 2020 requiring any individual who enters South Carolina from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the City of New Orleans, Louisiana to isolate or self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days, effective immediately. This order does not apply to individuals employed by airlines and individuals performing or assisting with military, healthcare, or emergency response operations. Anyone required by this order to isolate or self-quarantine shall be responsible for any and all costs associated with such isolation or self-quarantine. People who fail to comply with the order shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(City of Columbia): The City of Columbia’s Emergency Stay Home Order went into effect 12:01 am, Sunday, March 29, 2020. It calls for all individuals to stay in their homes and not travel through or congregate in the streets, sidewalks, waterways, public spaces and/or businesses in the City of Columbia, except for the purposes of working at or conducting business with businesses that provide “Essential Services.” Social gatherings of 10 or more people, for any reason other than working at or receiving Essential Services, is prohibited. Bars and restaurants are prohibited from allowing consumption of food or beverages in or on their premises. However, pickup, take-out and other deliver services for consumption off premises are allowed for restaurants and bars. Any person found guilty of violating any provision of the Order shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

South Dakota:

Governor Kristi Noem held a press conference at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2020. When asked whether she is contemplating closing South Dakota businesses as part of the current State of Emergency Declaration, she reiterated her position that she made the decision to not mandate the closure of businesses and instead left such decisions to the local community leaders throughout the state.

Also on Friday, the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation released a statement advising unemployed residents of the new unemployment application process beginning Monday, March 30, 2020. The new system designates the day of week for residents to apply for unemployment benefits according to their last name: A-F on Monday, G-N on Tuesday, and O-Z on Wednesday. If a resident misses their designated filing day, he or she may file on Thursday or Friday.

(Minnehaha County): The County Commission approved a Coronavirus Resolution on March 27, 2020, to limit community spread of COVID-19. The resolution “encourages” businesses within the county which provide services or consumption of goods on-site, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes, to restrict the number of patrons to ten. According to the resolution, these businesses should instead offer carry-out, delivery, or curbside service. Based on the language of this resolution, it does not appear to be a mandatory directive.

Texas:

Gov. Greg Abbot extended his executive order, mandating quarantine for anyone traveling to Texas from any of the following: State of California, State of Louisiana, State of Washington, City of Atlanta, City of Chicago, City of Detroit, and City of Miami.

As of March 27, an estimated 184 Texas counties have enacted declaration and orders related to COVID-19. The newest counties to have enacted stay-at-home orders in the last few days include Atascosa, Bee, Duval, Johnson, Kleberg, Liberty,

March 30, 2020

Arizona:

California:

On March 27, Governor Newsome ordered a 60-day moratorium on all eviction proceedings resulting from the pandemic. The Executive Order is effective immediately and will remain in effect through May 31 (“Order”).

Governor Grisham issued two Executive Orders significantly expanding the State’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 on March 27.

The Order prohibits gatherings of more than five (5) people in any public or private space.

South Carolina:

South Dakota:

Texas:

Meanwhile, the following cities have also enacted stay-at-home orders: Alice, Aransas Pass, Beaumont, Cleburne, Ingleside, McKinney, Odem (includes a curfew between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.), Sinton, and Taft.

Utah:

(Salt Lake County): Salt Lake County issued a stay at home Public Health Order, effective March 30 through April 13. The order directs all individuals to stay at home except to engage in essential activities or businesses, which include: grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations, auto repair, pet supply and veterinarians, food pantries, food and beverage production, religious institutions, charitable and social services, childcare, insurance and financial services, hardware, critical construction trades, mail and shipping, laundromats, home-based care, legal, accounting, real estate professional services, hotels and motels, higher education, transportation, utilities, essential infrastructure, media, and any other business defined as critical infrastructure in the federal CISA guidance.

Vermont:

(Chittenden County): On Friday, March 27, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCPRC) updated its resource document which compiles information from all 17 municipalities within the county. For example, the city of Milton is no longer activating water shut offs.

Wisconsin:

Governor Evers signed Emergency Order 16, which suspended certain administrative rules relating to Health Care Providers. Out of state providers with valid and current licenses issued by another state may practice under that license in Wisconsin without obtaining a temporary or Wisconsin license. Temporary licenses, as defined by the Order, will be extended and remain valid for 30 days after the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, administrative rule governing nurses and physician’s assistants have been suspended. This Order will remain in effect under the COVID-19 emergency is over.

Governor Evers also signed Emergency Order 15, which temporarily bans landlords from serving any notice terminating a tenancy for failure to pay rent. If a failure to commence eviction proceedings could result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person, Landlords may serve notice terminating a tenancy so long as the notice is accompanied by an affidavit attesting to the imminent threat. This Order shall remain in effect for 60 days.

Wyoming:

Governor Mark Gordon announced on Friday, March 27, 2020, the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and Wyoming Workforce Development Council (WWDC) are offering Wyoming businesses up to $5,000 in grant funds in an effort to curtail the number of layoffs. To receive the grant, the business must be in good standing with the Unemployment Insurance and Worker’s Compensation program. The funds may also be used to offset certain COVID-19-related expenses, including: costs associated with deep cleaning and sanitization; technology to implement remote working; equipment which promotes social distancing; and costs related to modifying operations in order to continue to operate.

On March 27, 2020, the Wyoming Department of Health, through its health officer Alexia Harrist issued an order extending the temporary closure of nail salons, hair salons, barber shops, massage parlors, tattoo, body art, and piercing studios, and cosmetology, electrology, and esthetic services effectively immediately through April 17, 2020. The order allows such businesses to remain open for owners, employees, contractors, vendors, or suppliers but the establishments must follow the recommendations provided by the Department of Health and CDC. Businesses may petition their county or local health officer in writing for an exception to the ban by demonstrating that effective cleaning and safety measures are in place.

The Department of Health also issued an order extending the prohibition of gatherings of ten or more people to April 17, 2020. “Gatherings” are defined as “any planned or spontaneous event, public or private, bringing together, or likely bringing together, ten (10) people or more in a single room or a single confined space (whether indoor or outdoor) at the same time.” The definition does not include hotels, employees transported to employment, treatment centers, residential buildings, grocery stores, and gas stations, among others. Individuals wishing to organize a gathering in excess of nine people may request an exception from the county health officer if he or she demonstrates in writing the attendees will maintain a social distance of 6 feet from each other and appropriate cleaning will occur after the gathering.

Finally, the Department of Health also enacted an order governing the closure of “public spaces.” This order extended a prior closure of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and daycare centers, subject to certain exceptions, until April 17.

March 27, 2020

Arizona:

Governor Ducey announced the state’s largest electrical utilities have agreed not to shut off power during the public health emergency for customers who are unable to pay their utility bill, have agreed to waive penalties, late fees, or interest, and will work with customers to determine payment options and plan selections. Along with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Governor Ducey also announced that emissions testing requirements are waived for vehicle owners who hare 65 years old and older, for one year. Waiver applications for vehicle registration renewals may be submitted online.

Governor Ducey also issued two Executive Orders, one of which aims to increase hospital capacity to prepare for an increase in patients due to COVID-10. The Order includes requirements that licensed hospitals to activate their facility emergency plan, implement triage processes to relieve overburdened emergency departments, optimize staffing levels, and increase bed capacity. The order remains in effect for 180 days unless terminated sooner.

The second Executive Order defers licensing renewal requirements for 6 months, for licenses set to expire between March 1, 2020 and September 1, 2020, unless the requirements can be completed on line. A similar deferment applies to continuing education requirements. The Order also suspends rules that limit or prevent online or alternative learning hours permitted to issue or renew a license, and requires, if certain conditions are met, state agencies and boards to issue provisional licenses to applicants who have otherwise met licensing requirements but are unable to take a required examination due to closure of testing centers or the unavailability of remote testing options.

Colorado:

Hours after the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (“CDPHE”) issued a stay-at-home order for Colorado, it issued an Updated Public Health Order 20-24 (“Order”) on March 26. The Order is presently in effect and will remain so until April 11.

The Order is identical to the previous iteration except in three respects. First, it adds a thirteenth category to the businesses designated as Critical Business for K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions. Second, legal, title, and appraisal services are now deemed Critical Business. Lastly, the Order clarifies that it supersedes any provisions in a prior public health order allowing noncritical businesses to continue in-person operations provided they reduce their in-person workforce by fifty percent. Thus, noncritical businesses may conduct only minimum basic operations for duration of the Order.

Florida:

(Alachua County): Alachua County issued an Amendment to its emergency stay-at-home order and closed all non-essential businesses in the county. Essential businesses include healthcare providers, grocery stores, financial institutions, and telecommunications providers. The amendment takes effect immediately and remains in force upon termination of the state of local emergency, unless terminated sooner.

(Broward & Hillsborough Counties): Broward County’s Emergency Order takes effect at 12:01 am and lasts the duration of the State of Local Emergency unless terminated sooner.

Hillsborough County issued a safer-at-home Order which takes effect at 10:00 pm today, March 27th. The Order encourages citizens to stay home, and defines essential businesses that are exempted from its provisions. The order includes 42 categories of essential businesses, including all working for critical infrastructure as defined by CISA guidelines, which are incorporated into the Order.

(Orange & Osceola Counties): Orange County issued an amendment to its stay at home order, which went into effect at 11:00 pm. The amendment clarifies the scope of necessary activities and the definitions of essential and nonessential businesses. The order expires on April 9, 2020 at 11:00 pm.

Osceola County’s stay at home order goes into effect at 11:00 pm, and expires on April 9, 2020, at 11:00 pm.

(Broward County): Broward County issued an Emergency Order which urges individuals to remain at home and limits the operation of nonessential retail, nonprofit, and commercial business locations. The order takes effect March 27, 2020, and will last through the end of the emergency.

Hawaii:

Governor Ige’s Second Supplementary Proclamation ordering all travelers entering the State to self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay in Hawaii, goes into effect today at 12:01 am. Failure to comply with the quarantine rules and protocols can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to a year.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation of disaster emergency, effective until April 16, continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration, suspending elective and nonessential medical and dental procedures, suspending some regulatory provisions relating to evictions, extending and expanding retail business closures, ordering health care facilities and nursing homes to engage in advanced health care screenings, and temporarily suspending other health care related regulations.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards and Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development announced the opening of an LED help desk that provides email and hotline support for Louisiana businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Maryland:

After the Governor’s request, the state received a Major Disaster declaration from the federal government. Maryland will be eligible for reimbursement for the Emergency Protective Measures taken by state and local government agencies and certain non-profit groups under its Public Assistance program under the Robert T. Stafford Act.

Montana:

Governor Bullock issued a stay at home order. The order, which goes into effect on 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2020 and lasts through April 10, 2020, requires all persons currently living within the State of Montana to stay at home or their place of residence. The order exempts essential businesses including: healthcare operations, essential infrastructure, grocery stores and food retailers, agriculture, homeless shelters, media, gas stations and auto repair, financial institutions, hardware stores, firearms businesses, plumbers/electricians, exterminators/landscapers and other sanitation service providers, mailing and shipping services, educational institutions, laundromats, hotels/motels, carry-out or drive-through restaurants, grocery delivery services, transportation providers, home-based care, essential tribal operations, Idaho National Laboratory-related activities, professional services, childcare facilities, and businesses that supply other Essential Businesses. The order incorporates the federal CISA guidance to further define essential businesses and operations.

New Hampshire:

Governor Chris Sununu issued a stay at home order starting at 11:59 p.m. on March 27. The list of exempt “Essential Services” includes law enforcement, food and agriculture, healthcare operations, essential infrastructure (electric, petroleum, natural gas, waste and wastewater, and steam), transportation and logistics, among others. The order is in effect through May 4.

North Carolina:

(Wake County): Wake County’s Stay-At-Home Order takes effect at 5 p.m. on March 27. The order encompasses the County of Wake along with the City of Raleigh, and the towns of Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon.

(Buncombe County): Buncombe County has issued a Stay-At-Home Order.

(Gaston County): The Gaston County Public Health Director has issued a Stay-At-Home Order that also ceases non-essential business operations.

(City of Winston-Salem): Mayor J. Allen Joines announced a Stay-At-Home Order for the city of Winston-Salem.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum announced modified operating practices and an emergency grant program for child care providers to help them through the COVID-19 crisis and ensure that child care services are available for health, safety and other lifeline workers. The governor also signed an executive order giving counties the option of mail ballot-only elections to protect public health during the coronavirus emergency.

Additionally, Governor Burgum signed Executive Order 2020-12, which extends workers’ compensation coverage to first responders and health care providers who contract COVID-19 on the job. The order also provides up to 14 days of medical and wage replacement benefits if first responders and health care providers are quarantined. No benefits will be paid after the quarantine period has ended unless the employee tests positive for COVID-19. If the virus is contracted on the job, the employee becomes eligible for full workers’ compensation benefits just like any other compensable work injury claim.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved North Dakota’s request for a Section 1135 Medicaid waiver. The waiver allows North Dakota to provide flexibilities in Medicaid provider screening and enrollment, forgo certain pre-admission screening and annual resident review assessments, lift prior authorization requirements, extend fair hearing and appeals timelines, and modify time frames for tribal consultations for certain COVID-19-related Medicaid State Plan Amendments.

Oregon:

The state and Governor Brown made several announcements. First, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services announced that it would issued a temporary emergency order in response to COVID-19. Effective at least until April 23, it requires insurance companies to extend grace periods for premium payments, postpone policy cancellations and non-renewals, and extend deadlines for reporting claims.

The Governor and the Oregon Department of Revenue announced there would be an extension to July 15 for Oregon tax filing and payment deadlines for personal income taxes and some other taxes, such as corporate income and excise taxpayers.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s request for a Section 1135 Medicaid waiver. The waiver allows Oregon to provide flexibilities in Medicaid provider screening and enrollment, forgo certain pre-admission screening and annual resident review assessments, lift prior authorization requirements, allow for reimbursement facility services in alternative settings, extend fair hearing timelines, and waive public comment and tribal consultation requirements for certain changes to the Medicaid state plan.

South Carolina:

(City of Columbia): The City of Columbia announced an Emergency Stay Home Order effective 12:01 am, Sunday, March 29, 2020 calling all individuals to stay in their homes and not travel through or congregate in the streets, sidewalks, waterways, public spaces and/or businesses in the City of Columbia, except for the purposes of working at or conducting business with businesses that provide “Essential Services.” Essential Services include: health care operations, essential infrastructure, manufacturing, grocery and other essential retail operations, service operations (including sanitation, shipping, childcare, and funeral homes), media, financial institutions, construction, defense, and real estate brokerage.

Social gatherings of 10 or more people, for any reason other than working at or receiving Essential Services, are prohibited. Bars and restaurants are prohibited from allowing consumption of food or beverages in or on their premises. However, pickup, take out and other deliver services for consumption off premises are allowed for restaurants and bars.

Tennessee:

Governor Lee issued Executive Order #20 which suspended certain licensing and oversight requirements for health care facilities and providers, including rules relating to initial licensure fees and notarization requirements, continuing education requirements, inspections and investigations related to complaints and surveys, ratio of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, on-site oversight of laboratories by medical laboratory directors, and telehealth services.

Texas:

Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order mandating quarantine for anyone traveling to Texas from either New Orleans or the New York Tri-State area. During this period, the quarantined individual “should not allow visitors into or out of the designated quarantine location, other than a physician or healthcare provider, and cannot visit any public spaces.” Those found to be in violation of the order may face criminal charges, including a $1,000 fine or 180 days in jail. Gov. Abbott’s order does not apply to those traveling in connection with military service, emergency response, health response, or critical-infrastructure functions.

In addition, multiple counties and municipalities across Texas continue to issue or amend stay at home or related orders. The counties affected in the last few days include the counties of Brazoria, Chambers, Hays, Nueces, Polk, San Jacinto, and the cities of Flower Mound and New Braunfels. These orders vary in scope and duration and may have different exceptions and exemptions relevant to your business. If you have operations in these or other areas in Texas and are concerned about applicable restrictions, please contact us for more detailed information.

Utah:

Governor Herbert issued an executive order suspending sections of state statute that may make it difficult for health providers to provide telehealth care to their patients.

The order allows medical providers to offer a telehealth service that does not comply with the security and privacy standards required by Utah law, so long as the healthcare provider notifies the patient that the service they are using does not comply with those standards, allows them to decline using the service, and takes reasonable steps to ensure that the service provided is secure and private.

Vermont:

On March 26, 2020, Governor Phil Scott announced an extension to his previous order which required public and private K-12 schools to close from March 18, through April 6, 2020. This new declaration requires schools to remain closed for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. All schools must fully implement distance learning curriculum by April 13 and the Secretary of the Agency of Education will issue new guidance for end-of-year celebrations such as graduation by May 8, 2020.

The order also encourages, but not requires, schools to make their facilities and staff available to provide child care services for “essential persons.” Essential persons are employees of businesses which provide services or functions critical to public health and safety, economic and national security, and as further described in Executive Order 01-20 Addendum.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issued four proclamations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. First, Proclamation 20-34 waives certain timing requirements until April 25 for local government financial reports. Second, Proclamation 20-33 suspends certain statutes and regulations relating to foster care and group home systems until April 25. Third, Proclamation 20-32 suspends until April 25 many licensing and procedural requirements for health care professionals to ensure the demand for healthcare staffing is met. Lastly, Proclamation 20-31 waives the strict compliance with multiple subsidized child care program statutes and regulations until April 25.

March 26, 2020

Arizona:

Yesterday, March 25, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order which expands coverage of telemedicine and requires all health insurance plans regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance to provide coverage for healthcare services provided through telemedicine if the service would have been covered in an in-person visit. The order also requires Medicaid plans to cover healthcare services that are covered benefits to be accessible by telemedicine. Insurers and Medicaid plans may not discount rates or reduce reimbursement for services provided via telemedicine, as compared to contracted rates for in-person services. The order takes effect on March 25, 2020, and expires when the Public Health Emergency Declaration is terminated.

Arkansas:

(Little Rock): Mayor Scott ordered a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning March 30, 2020 and ending April 17, 2020.

California:

On March 25, Governor Newsome announced a new financial relief package for Californians struggling with the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The package contains four main components. First, financial institutions will offer mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers. Next, financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (late payments) to credit reporting agencies for those taking advantage of the relief package. Third, for at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions. Lastly, for at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund certain fees or payments, including mortgage-related late fees and fees for early CD withdrawals.

Colorado:

Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (“CDPHE”) issued stay-at-home orders for the entire state of Colorado effective as of 6:00 a.m. MT on March 26, and will remain in effect until midnight on April 11. CDPHE’s Public Health Order (“Order”) implements the directives outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order.

The Order echoes the various stay-at-home orders issued over the past week by several Colorado counties. Under the Order, all Colorado residents must stay at home unless engaging in conduct necessary to provide, support, perform, or operate Necessary Activities, Minimum Basic Operations, Critical Government Functions, and Critical Businesses. All gatherings of any number of people outside the home are similarly prohibited, except where such gatherings fall within four noted travel or activity exemptions. Lastly, the Order requires anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate until the symptoms cease or the person obtains a negative test result.

Necessary Activities refer to those activities necessary to support, perform, or operate Critical Businesses or maintain Critical Governmental Functions.

Under the Order, Critical Business comprises the following twelve subcategories of business or business activities: health care operations; critical infrastructure, such as utilities, oil and gas extraction, indigent services, food cultivation; critical manufacturing, such as food processing, medical equipment; critical retail, such as restaurants, for take-out or delivery only, liquor and cannabis stores; critical services; media; financial institutions; providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged; construction; defense; critical services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and critical operations of residences or other critical businesses; and vendors providing critical services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services. The Order does not address or incorporate the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency's critical sector plans.

Businesses that do not qualify as Critical Business may conduct minimum basic operations, including conducting minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions.

Connecticut:

On March 25, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7M. Such order authorized the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation to toll any deadlines for review and final determination of any permit applications until the date of termination of the public health emergency. The order also suspended the time requirements to file an appeal with the Freedom of Information Commission. Finally, the order granted authority to each department head, commissioner, agency head, and board and commission to extend, as they deem necessary, any statutory or regulatory time requirements, decision-making requirements, hearings or other time limitations or deadlines for a period not to exceed 90 days.

District of Columbia:

Mayor Bowser said the city is considering whether DC will follow Virginia’s lead and close schools for the remainder of the academic year. Additionally, the Metro is closing 19 stations to limit potential employee exposure to COVID-19, and to conserve cleaning and sanitation supplies.

The District of Columbia has also extended the deadline to file individual tax returns to July 15, in line with the federal tax extension. D.C. officials are also allowing businesses to wait until July 20 to pay sales and use taxes due in February and March. However, the March 31 deadline to pay property taxes has not changed.

Finally, the D.C. government has started accepting applications for grants from a new $25 million relief fund designed to help local businesses impacted by coronavirus restrictions. Eligible businesses can receive up to $25,000 from the fund.

Florida:

(Orange & Osceola Counties):

Orange County’s stay at home order goes into effect at 11:00 pm.

Osceola County’s stay at home order goes into effect at 11:00 pm, and expires on April 9, 2020, at 11:00 pm.

Hawaii:

Idaho:

Governor Little declared an emergency and issued a statewide stay-home order effective through April 15. “Essential Businesses” are exempt from the order and include: healthcare operations, essential infrastructure, grocery stores and food retailers, agriculture, homeless shelters, media, gas stations and auto repair, financial institutions, hardware stores, firearms businesses, plumbers/electricians, exterminators/landscapers and other sanitation service providers, mailing and shipping services, educational institutions, laundromats, hotels/motels, carry-out or drive-thru restaurants, grocery delivery services, transportation providers, home-based care, essential tribal operations, Idaho National Laboratory-related activities, professional services, childcare facilities, and businesses that supply other Essential Businesses. The order incorporates the federal CISA guidance to further define essential infrastructure.

Kansas:

Governor Kelly signed the state’s budget bill which approved $65 million for COVID-19 response.

Kentucky:

Governor Beshear’s Healthy at Home initiative goes into place today closing all non-essential businesses. Among businesses allowed to stay open are: grocery stores, drug stores, banks, hardware stores, agricultural operations, gas stations, media, businesses needed for transportation, logistics, shipping, delivery and pick-up, housing, building and construction, laundry, home-based care and services, professional services and hotels.

Maryland:

Governor Hogan announced that school closures will be extended another four weeks until April 24, which he attributed to the state’s recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

Minnesota:

Yesterday, March 25, Governor Walz signed Emergency Executive Order 20-20. The order, which goes into effect on Friday, March 27, 2020 and lasts through Friday, April 10, 2020, requires all persons currently living within the State of Minnesota to stay at home or their place of residence. Businesses and workers in Critical Sectors are allowed to continue operations to the extent that work cannot be performed through telework or virtual work. Critical Sectors, as defined in the order, include Healthcare and public health, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, among others. The restrictions on restaurants, bars, and other places of public accommodation adopted in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-18 remain in effect.

Nebraska:

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued its second Directed Health Measure (DHM), effective immediately through April 30 (for Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties) and May 6 (for Lancaster, Dodge, Saunders, and Washington counties). This DHM is the farthest-reaching order issued by Nebraska officials to date. It imposes a mandatory home-quarantine requirement for any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has any two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or above, cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, or having resided with individuals who have met either of these requirements. There are no exceptions to this conditional quarantine requirement, except to get medical care as provided in the incorporated quarantine directions.

New Jersey:

Yesterday, March 25, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 110, which requires all child care centers to close by April 1, 2020 unless the center is providing emergency child care services for the children of essential persons, like health care workers and law enforcement personnel. All child care centers wishing to provide these services must submit a certification form to the Commissioner of the Department of Child and Families for approval by Friday, March 27, 2020. Frequently asked questions about the order and emergency child care centers can be found here. The order will remain in effect until revoked or modified by Governor Murphy.

New Mexico:

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDH) issued a Public Health Order providing for the immediate regulation of the sale and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) on March 24.

The Order closely controls the sale and distribution of PPE. First, by March 27, all healthcare providers and wholesale medical suppliers in the State must submit an inventory of their PPE to the NMDH, which includes items such as gloves, medical masks, goggles or other eye protection equipment, respirators, and aprons used by health care providers. Next, the Order prohibits healthcare providers and wholesale medical suppliers from reducing its PPE inventory via sale or distribution in or outside the State without prior NMDH approval. Limited over-the-counter sales to individuals within the State are permitted. The Order also does not prohibit compliance with federally-required distributions of PPE.

The Order remains effective until April 11, or for as long as New Mexico remains in a state of emergency under Governor Grisham’s Executive Order 2020-004.

North Carolina:

(Orange County): Orange County and the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough have issued a Stay-at-Home order to close all “non-essential businesses.” The list of “essential businesses” includes the list issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity Infrastructure & Security Agency (CISA); businesses that sell, produce, or distribute groceries, medicine, or essential household goods; human service operations; healthcare and public health operations; media and communication services and products; gas station and businesses needed for transportation; financial and insurance institutions; hardware and supply stores; critical trades; mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; educational institutions; laundry services; restaurants for consumption off-premises; services and supplies for essential businesses, essential government services, or minimal basic operations; transportation; home-based care and services; residential facilities or shelters; professional services; childcare facilities; hotels and motels; and funeral services.

(City of Greensboro): On March 25, in conjunction with Guilford County and the City of High Point, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan issued a Stay-at-Home order for Greensboro residents, effective Friday, March 27 at 5:00 pm. The order is in effect through Thursday, April 16. Residents are allowed to go to grocery stores, pharmacies, health care appointments and outdoor exercise, while exercising proper social distancing. Restaurants are permitted to offer take-out and delivery service. All non-essential business and other operations for the City of Greensboro are required to cease in-person operations.

(Mecklenburg County): Mecklenburg County’s Stay-At-Home Order takes effect today. The order will be valid until April 16, 2020.

North Dakota:

Yesterday, March 25, Governor Burgum signed Executive Order 2020-12, which extends workers’ compensation coverage to first responders and health care providers who contract COVID-19 on the job. The order also provides up to 14 days of medical and wage replacement benefits if first responders and health care providers are quarantined. No benefits will be paid after the quarantine period has ended unless the employee tests positive for COVID-19. If the virus is contracted on the job, the employee becomes eligible for full workers’ compensation benefits just like any other compensable work injury claim.

On March 24, Governor Burgum enacted Executive Order 2020-11 to temporarily lift weight restrictions on North Dakota’s highways to ensure critical sources arrive in a timely manner.

Pennsylvania:

Yesterday, March 25, the Secretary of the Department of Health again amended the state’s stay at home order to include residents of Lehigh and Northampton counties. The order now requires residents of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia counties to stay at their places of residence except as needed to access, support, or provide emergency or government services or life sustaining business. The amended order took effect yesterday at 8:00 p.m. ET and will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.

South Carolina:

(City of Charleston): The City of Charleston announced an Emergency Ordinance on Stay At Home effective 12:01 am, Thursday, March 26, 2020 calling all individuals to stay in their homes and not travel through or congregate in the streets, sidewalks, waterways, public spaces and/or businesses in the City of Charleston, except for the purposes of working at or conducting business with businesses that provide “Essential Services.” Social gatherings of 10 or more people, for any reason other than working at or receiving Essential Services, is prohibited. Bars and restaurants are prohibited from allowing consumption of food or beverages in or on their premises. However, pickup, take out and other deliver services for consumption off premises are allowed for restaurants and bars.

Tennessee:

(City of Nasvhille): On March 22, The City of Nashville’s Chief Medical Director issued Order 3, Safer at Home, urging citizens to stay home, prohibiting gatherings of ten or more people, and directing all non-essential businesses to close their facilities. The Order is effective for 14 days, and may be extended.

The Order does not apply to activities necessary to maintain continuity of operations of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified by the Department of Homeland Security in CISA guidelines. Other essential services are also excluded, including but not limited to:

Federal and state offices and services, and private companies performing under federal, state or local government contracts
Essential government functions such as law enforcement, public transportation and government programs and services
Media, communication and telecommunication services
Grocery and beverage stores, and other businesses that support food supply
Health care services, including health information technology, staffing and supplies
Sanitation and waste removal
Banks, real property services, and legal services
Construction, product and parcel transportation, and essential building maintenance and security

Texas:

(Brazos County, City of Bryan, and City of College Station): Shelter-in-place orders have been issued for Bryan, College Station, and Brazos County, and went into effect Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m.

(Castro County): As of 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2020, Castro County is under an order to shelter-at-home, as issued by County Judge Carroll Gerber.

(City of El Paso): Dee Margo, Mayor of El Paso, issued a shelter-at-home order, effective March 24, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. All non-essential business operations are directed to cease and residents are directed to only leave their home for essential activities.

(Denton County, City of Denton): County Judge Andy Eads issued a shelter-at-home order as of March 24, 2020 ordering residents to stay at their homes unless they had a necessity that required them to leave shelter.

(Gregg County, City of Longview): Gregg County-area leaders have shifted their voluntary shelter-in-place order to a mandatory order after three cases were confirmed within the County. The Order begins Thursday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and will last through Thursday, April 9 at 11:59 p.m.

(City of Lampasas): Mayor Misti Talbert signed a March 23 Order requiring all individuals in Lampasas to stay at home unless they had a valid reason, authorized by the Order, to travel the city.

(Robertson County): Robertson County Judge Charles Ellison issued an order requiring residents to stay at home, and all non-essential businesses and operations to cease operations, subject to certain exceptions.

(Rockwall County): Rockwall County Judge David Sweet placed the County under a shelter-in-place Order until at least 11:59 p.m. on April 15. The Order is in effect with familiar exceptions, for those conducting certain essential activities or providing essential business services.

Utah:

(Summit County): The Summit County (Park City and surrounding areas) government issued a stay-at-home order for all individuals living in the county. Individuals may leave their residences for:

Essential Activities (including activities essential for health and safety, obtaining necessary supplies, or performing work providing essential products or services)
Essential Governmental Functions
Essential Travel (including travel related to any “Essential” category)
To operate Essential Businesses (including healthcare operations, essential infrastructure, grocery stores and food retailers, agriculture, homeless shelters, media, gas stations and auto repaid, financial institutions, hardware stores, essential trades, mailing/shipping services, educational institutions, laundromats, restaurants providing pick-up or drive-thru service, transportation providers, home-based care, professional services, childcare facilities, and businesses that supply other Essential Businesses)

The order is effective March 27 through May 1.

Vermont:

(Chittenden County): The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCPRC) updated its resource document which compiles information from all 17 municipalities within the county. Relevant information includes the following: all town halls, with the exception of Milton, Shelburne, and Williston, are closed to the public (Milton, Shelburne, and Williston have modified their operations); Burlington, Huntington, and Winooski suspended utility disconnection procedures. Winooski’s Public Health Department also suspended all non-essential inspections. Other general COVID-19 information is available on CCRPC’s website which is updated regularly.

Virginia:

Governor Northam issued an order on March 25 instructing all Virginia medical providers to abstain from performing any elective procedures, including surgeries, that require use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Though the Governor had previously requested medical providers to stop performing elective procedures, the order makes cessation of elective procedures mandatory.

The order applies to all free-standing endoscopy facilities; dental, orthodontic, and endodontic providers; and physician’s offices. It does not apply to outpatient visits at hospital clinics. The order prohibits any PPE-requiring procedure that would not result in harm to the patient if it is delayed. Explicitly excluded from the order are family planning procedures and procedures that, if delayed, would result in the worsening of a patient’s condition. Providers may still provide PPE-requiring treatment to patients with emergency or urgent needs. Violation of the order constitutes a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The order remains in effect until April 24, 2020.

Washington:

On March 25, Governor Inslee signed a proclamation that provides payment parity between health care providers. Telemedicine claims must now be reimbursed at the same level of care delivered face-to-face. Telemedicine claims cannot be denied by insurance carriers. SB 5385, passed by the legislature would do the same thing, although its implementation date was not set until January 2021.

Governor Inslee also signed a proclamation that waives work search requirements in order to receive unemployment insurance. This allows the state to provide immediate assistance to those who have been financial impacted by COVID-19.

On March 24, Governor Inslee announced a series of administrative measures, including:

A proclamation waiving statutory requirements in the Open Public Meetings Act to prevent gatherings of people, and waiving the requirement in the Public Records Act to respond to or acknowledge requests within five days;
A proclamation authorizing new electronic notary services by speeding up the effective date of SB 5641; and
A proclamation waiving penalties for failure to remit timely tax payments to the Liquor and Cannabis Board until April 22. The waiver is made retroactive to the date of the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency on Feb. 29.

Wyoming:

On March 25, 2020, Governor Mark Gordon announced during a press conference he is considering “relaxing the current shut-in policies that have forced many businesses to lay off workers or shut down entirely.”

March 25, 2020

Alabama:

(City of Birmingham): The City of Birmingham announced a Shelter In Place Order effecting until 12:00 am on April 3, 2020 calling all residents to stay at home and closing all non-essential businesses.

Governor Ivey announced she has no plans to issue a statewide “shelter in place” order.

Alaska:

Alaska is requiring all out-of-state travelers per a health mandate to self-isolate for 14 days. Critical Infrastructure businesses with employees traveling to Alaska must submit a plan to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic development outlining how they will maintain critical infrastructure. Quarantined travelers must remain in their hotels for 14 days or until they leave Alaska. Attachment A to the Order defines critical infrastructure as twenty four categories including healthcare, construction and public works, mining, financial services, grocery stores, agriculture and fishing, gas stations, suppliers of essential supplies to other essential businesses, professional services necessary to assist compliance with legally-mandated activities, among others.

Arizona:

As of Tuesday, March 24, no state-wide shelter in place orders have been issued. Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order which delays the enforcement of eviction actions for individuals who are quarantined or facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The order remains in effect for 120 days.

Colorado:

(Pitkin and Boulder Counties): Pitkin County and the City of Boulder joined Denver County in issuing stay-at-home orders for their residents and businesses.

On March 23rd, Pitkin County ordered that all residents shall remain in their places of residence until April 17, except to engage in certain essential activities, including working at an essential business or conducting those activities necessary to protect their health, welfare or safety (“Pitkin Order”). All events at a place of accommodation comprising 10 or more individuals are prohibited. Further, non-essential businesses must cease all activities at facilities located within the County. Those businesses, however, may continue activities necessary to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or related functions.

Places of accommodation refer to retail stores, bars, taverns, taprooms, tasting rooms, brewpubs, distillery pubs, clubs, cigar bars, coffee houses, restaurants, gymnasiums, movie and performance theaters, concert halls, museums, music halls, and similar establishments.

The Pitkin Order defines essential business to include the following: health care operations, grocery stores, licensed marijuana and liquor stores, banks and related financial institutions, hardware stores, and restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out. Residential and commercial construction do not qualify as essential business.

The City of Boulder ordered that all residents stay at home except to engage in essential activities or to operate an essential business (“Boulder Order”) as of 8:00 a.m. MST on March 26. All non-essential businesses must cease all activities at facilities located within the County, except that they may continue those activities necessary to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or related functions. The Boulder Order remain in effect until April 17.

The Boulder Order contains similar definitions of essential activities and businesses to those found in the Pitkin Order. It also expressly includes certain catch-all provisions to include those businesses supplying products needed for people to work and learn from home or providing services to other essential businesses or essential infrastructure necessary for their operation. Contrary to the Pitkin Order, residential and commercial construction are deemed essential infrastructure and permitted to continue provided the operations observe social-distancing requirements.

Delaware:

Governor Carney issued the Sixth Modification of the Declaration of a State of Emergency. The Sixth Modification placed a moratorium on certain evections and enforcement of eviction orders for residential premises “until the state of emergency is terminated and the public emergency is rescinded.” No late fee may be charged for any past due balance for a residential rental unit, and interest may not accrue on the account for residential unit. For any action commenced prior to the state of emergency, deadlines are extended until no sooner than he 31st day following the termination of the state of emergency and recession of the public health emergency. If a final judgment regarding a residential unit was issues prior to the state of emergency, no writ of possession may be expected prior to the 7th day following the termination of the state of emergency and rescission of the public health emergency.

The Sixth Modification also placed a moratorium on certain foreclosures relating to residential mortgages. No late fees may accrue for missed payment of mortgage during the state of emergency. If a foreclosure action commenced prior to the declaration of the state of emergency, the deadlines are extended to no sooner than the 31st day following the termination of the state of emergency and rescission of public health emergency. If a judgment was issued prior to the state of emergency, no action to evict may occur sooner than the 31st day following the termination of the state of emergency and rescission of public health emergency.

Utility services may not terminate if a customer is in a dwelling unit or residence. No insurer may lapse insurance coverage during the state of emergency if the policyholder does not pay premium or interest.

District of Columbia:

Mayor Bowser issued an order closing all non-essential businesses, which must shut down by 10:00 p.m. on March 25th. The order also reduced the amount of people permitted at gatherings to 10. The following types of businesses are explicitly listed as non-exempt: tour guides and touring services; gyms, health clubs, spas, and massage establishments; theaters, auditoriums, and other places of large gatherings; nightclubs; hair, nail, and tanning salons and barbershops; tattoo parlors; sales not involved in essential services; retail clothing stores; and professional services not devoted to assisting essential business operations.

The order is not a shelter-in-place order, and it appears to have a number of broad exemptions. However, essential businesses that remain open must implement a number of social distancing policies “to the greatest extent feasible.” The businesses in the following sectors are explicitly exempted from the order:

Healthcare and Public Health Operations (also includes dentists, pharmaceutical companies, medical marijuana dispensaries, assisted living services, and veterinary care)
Essential Infrastructure (includes utilities)
Food and Household Products and Services (includes alcohol, as well as laundromats, dry cleaners, marijuana cultivation centers, convenience stores, and cleaning and personal care products)
Social Services Providing the Necessities of Life
Communications and Information Technology
Energy and Automotive
Financial Services
Educational Institutions (for facilitating distance learning)
Transportation and Logistics (includes shippers and deliverers, as well as taxi and ride-shares)
Construction and Building Trades
Housing and Living Facilities (includes hotels with limitations)
Professional Services (includes law firms, tax preparation and accounting, but “only when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities, Essential Businesses or Essential Governmental Functions”)
Childcare Facilities

Florida:

(Miami-Dade County): County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez issued an Executive Order extending the declaration of a local state of emergency for an additional 7 days, from March 26.

(Orange County): Orange County issued a stay at home order on March 24 that goes into effect Thursday, March 26. The order includes 35 categories of essential businesses, including all working for critical infrastructure as defined by CISA guidelines. Categories include healthcare work, food related businesses, construction and energy related work, suppliers of essential goods, mail, and manufacturing, among others.

(Osceola County): Osceola County also issued a stay at home order that goes into effect Thursday, March 26 and ends on April 9. The order includes 36 categories of essential businesses, including all working for critical infrastructure as defined by CISA guidelines. Categories include healthcare providers, food related businesses, landscaping services, and telecommunications providers.

An order also goes into effect in Leon County today, March 25. The order includes a curfew and prohibition of gatherings of more than 10 people, but does not close businesses.

Georgia:

(Atlanta): On March 23, Mayor of Atlanta Lance Bottoms issued Executive Order Number 2020-21 for residents to stay at home until April 7, going further than Governor Kemp’s Executive orders for all of Georgia. Persons are to stay at their place of residence unless they are exercising an Essential Activity, Essential Government Function or operate an Essential Business.

Essential Activities includes engaging in activities essential to health and safety (including obtaining medical supplies or medication), to obtain necessary supplies (including food and sanitation), and to perform work providing essential products and services for Essential Business including Minimum Basic Operations. Individuals may also perform work necessary for operations or maintenance of Essential Infrastructure (including construction, utilities and telecommunication.

Essential Government Functions means all services to continue operation of government agencies and to provide for public welfare.

Essential Businesses means healthcare and essential infrastructure, grocery stores, food manufacturing, media, banks and financial institutions, mailing and shipping services, educational institutions, professional services including accounting and legal, and utility services.

Minimum Basic Operations include the minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of inventory, to process payroll and minimum activities necessary to facilitate employees to work remotely.

Hawaii:

The Hawaii State Department of Education announced school facilities will remain closed to students through April 30, 2020, with the exception of grab-and-go meal school sites.

Governor Ige’s Third Supplementary Proclamation ordering the entire state to stay at home (except for essential businesses and operations) takes effect at 12:01 am and continues until April 30, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

Kansas:

Governor Kelly issued six executive orders yesterday, March 24.

No. 20-15 provides guidance to county health officials, with the intent of bringing consistency across the state. The order states that is supersedes and overrides any local order that did not exempt the Kansas Essential Functions Framework. These include telecommunications services, distribution of electricity and transportation of passengers or cargo, certain governmental functions such as law enforcement, protecting sensitive information, preserving constitutional rights, and certain supplies including fuel, housing, food products, defense, and research and development.

Governer Kelly also replaced the executive order covering evictions, with new language making it clear that landlords also may not evict people for failure to pay rent due to COVID-19 related financial hardship. The new order went into effect yesterday, March 24. The order does state that individuals are not relieved of their obligations to pay mortgages or rent.

The Governor also issued orders requiring the continuation of waste removal and recycling, extending vehicle registration renewal deadlines and license expiration dates to 60 days past the expiration of the order, prohibiting gatherings of more than ten people, and deferring tax payments to July 15, 2020 for individual and corporate income taxes and to October 15, 2020 for property taxes.

Shelter-At-Home orders also go into effect for Doniphan, Sedgwick, Atchison, Miami, and Shawnee counties today, March 25. The orders were issued March 24.

Kentucky:

On March 22, 2020 Governor Beshear announced a Healthy at Home initiative closing all non-life-sustaining retail businesses effective March 23, 2020. Life-sustaining businesses include grocery stores, hardware stores, health-care stores. Retail businesses that are not life-sustaining may continue delivery or curbside service. The order only affects retail businesses and does not mention other types of businesses, including healthcare operations, professional services, construction operations, or infrastructure.

Maine:

Governor Mills issued an Executive Order requiring all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing. This Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than 10 workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible. Non-essential businesses and operations may continue activities that do not involve these types of in-person contact and convenings and should facilitate the maximum number of employees working remotely. This Order excludes essential services, which includes, among others agriculture, industrial manufacturing, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), food processing, home repair and hardware, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical, behavioral health and health care providers, child care, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and animal feed and supply stores, shipping stores, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging. The Order is effective March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12 a.m.

Massachusetts:

The city of Boston has released resources online dedicated to helping small businesses, including a survey and registry for small businesses deemed essential to let the public know they are open.

Mississippi:

Governor Tate Reeves signed a new Executive Order which sets new boundaries for the state to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Executive Order is set to terminate on April 17, 2020.

The Order instructs Mississippians to avoid non-essential gatherings of 10 people or more. Excepted from this order are what are defined as “normal operations” at airports, medical and healthcare facilities, retail shopping (including both grocery shopping and department stores), offices, factories, and other manufacturing facilities.

Dine-in services at restaurants and bars are prohibited (unless the facility is able to reduce capacity to allow no more than 10 people to be gathered in a single space). However, dive-thru, carryout, and delivery is not only allowed but “highly encouraged.”

Mississippians are encouraged to avoid hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities, and businesses in the state are to allow “every employee possible” to work from home.

The income tax filing deadline for Mississippi has been moved from April 15 to May 15. Mississippi public schools are closed until at least April 17, although some have started online classes.

Per the Order, “essential business or operation” include essential government (such as first responders, military, department of corrections employees, and child welfare providers,) essential health care operators, essential infrastructure (such as utilities, mass transit, rideshare providers, and hotel services); manufacturers, agricultural providers, essential retail (which includes supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and gas stations); essential services (such as trash collection, mail and shipping services, distribution and fulfillment centers, and laundromats); media providers; educators, banks, professional service providers (including accountants, attorneys, and insurers), providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations, and workers involved in construction.

Nebraska:

(Douglas County): The Douglas County (Omaha) Health Department issued an order to clarify that beauty salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, and other businesses in the beauty service industry must cease operations. The order clarifies a previous order issued on March 20th, which prohibited gatherings of more than ten people. The March 20th order provided that even for gatherings below ten people, if a minimum social distance of six feet between attendees cannot be maintained, the gathering is prohibited.

New Mexico:

On March 23rd, the New Mexico Department of Health issued a Public Health Order (“Order”) immediately prohibiting mass gatherings and requiring a 100 percent reduction in workforce for all non-essential businesses at each business or business location in the State. The Order shall remain effective until April 11, or for as long as New Mexico remains in a state of emergency under Governor Grisham’s Executive 2020-004. The Order does not mandate that all individuals shelter in place, as in some other states. Rather, the Order advises that citizens should stay at home and undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety, or welfare.

Under the Order, mass gatherings refer to any gathering outside of a person’s regular residence or place of worship consisting of five or more individuals in a room, confined space, or any outdoor space where the individuals are within six feet of each other.

The Order defines essential businesses as any business or non-profit entity falling within one or more of the twenty-two categories listed in the Order, including: certain health care organizations; indigent care services; childcare facilities; grocery and food and beverage stores; food cultivation, processing, or packaging operations; infrastructure operations (including construction); manufacturing operations; security and sanitation services; media services; gas stations and automobile repair facilities; hardware stores; laundromats and dry cleaners; utilities; funeral homes; banks and other financial service providers; real estate services; mail and shipping services; and restaurants and breweries for carry out and delivery services only.

North Carolina:

(City of Durham): North Carolina’s fourth largest city, Durham, announced a Stay-At-Home order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Durham Mayor Steve Schewel announced the order will have exceptions for those seeking medical treatment, buying food, or exercising outdoors. Essential workers, such as hospital and medical staff, law enforcement and firefighters, food service and grocery store employees, local government employees, etc., will be allowed to travel to work. The order will not prohibit restaurants from providing take-out or delivery options. It also does not prohibit day cares, homeless shelters, and government agencies from operating. The order will be in effect until April 30, 2020.

(Mecklenburg County): Mecklenburg County has issued a Stay-At-Home order for Mecklenburg County, including the City of Charlotte, which takes effect March 26, 2020, at 8 a.m. The order will be valid until April 16, 2020. All “non-essential businesses” must cease and public and private gatherings or more than 10 people are prohibited.

Those in the industries of health care and public heath operations, human services operations, essential infrastructure, and essential government functions are exempt from this order. Furthermore, “essential businesses” include stores that sell groceries and medicine; food, beverage, and agriculture; organizations that provide charitable and social services; media; gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; financial institutions; hardware and supply stores; critical trades; mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; educational institutions for distance learning; laundry services; restaurants for consumption off-premises; supplies to work from home; supplies for essential business and operations; transportation; home-based care and services; residential facilities and shelters; professional services; childcare centers; manufacture, distribution and supply chain; hotels and motels; and funeral services.

“Essential businesses” must still follow social distancing requirements at work.

All places of public amusement, such as bowling alley, movie theaters, concerts, country clubs, and more are closed.

(Wake County): Greg Ford, who chairs the Wake County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that, "due to the quickly escalating public health emergency caused by COVID-19, Wake County will share details about a Stay-At-Home Order very soon." Ford said, "County staff have been working with urgency on a draft declaration based on that input, and we will make an announcement at a press conference tomorrow. Details will be shared in an advisory later today." Commissioner Vicki Adamson said the order will only apply for unincorporated parts of the county, but that Wake is "asking for our municipalities to join up so it is consistent throughout the county."

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum enacted Executive Order 2020-11 to temporarily lift weight restrictions on North Dakota’s highways to ensure critical sources arrive in a timely manner.

Oklahoma:

Governor Stitt issued the Fourth Amended Executive Order 2020-07 which mandates the closure of all non-essential businesses in each of the 19 Oklahoma counties with confirmed COVD-19 cases for 21 days (April 16) beginning at 11:59 p.m. today. The following 19 Oklahoma counties included under the order are: Canadian; Cleveland; Custer: Garvin; Grady; Jackson; Kay; Logan; Mayes; McClain; Muskogee; Noble; Oklahoma; Pawnee; Payne; Pontotoc; Tulsa; Wagner; and Washington. The order allows only those businesses being within a critical infrastructure sections defined in the federal memorandum of "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce." At a press conference on March 24, Governor Stitt stated nonessential businesses include businesses with close contact or personal touch such as hair salons, gyms, theaters, massage parlors and tattoo parlors. Governor Stitt confirmed that he will provide further guidance on the amended order, but he has not done so thus far. At this point, no statewide postponement of evictions is in place. However, the Oklahoma Supreme Court filed an emergency order on March 16 suspending deadlines and procedures in most cases for 30 days, effectively hampering most eviction procedures.

Pennsylvania:

The Pennsylvania Department of Health amended the state’s original stay at home order to include residents of Erie County. The order now requires residents of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties to stay at their places of residence except as needed to access, support, or provide emergency or government services or life sustaining business. The amended order took effect March 24th at 8:00 p.m. ET and will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.

Governor Wolf also updated the list of life sustaining business types. The updated list provides more notes with clarifications and guidance, including that firearm dealers, which were previously prohibited from physical operations, may operate physical businesses on a limited basis to complete the portions of a sale that must be conducted in-person under the law.

Rhode Island:

Effective Tuesday, March 24, any person who returns to Rhode Island after domestic airplane travel must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The Executive Order, set to terminate on April 22, is the latest in a recent series from Governor Gina Raimondo.

A second Executive Order (20-11) issued the same day postponed the 2020 Primary to June 2, 2020 in order to conduct a predominantly mail ballot election.

On March 23, all entertainment and recreational businesses, along with barbershops, beauty salons, tattoo shops, and exercise facilities were shut down until March 30, 2020. All gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited and all dine-in services were suspended.

The same order required all business service personnel that could work from home to do so. “Business service personnel” include accountants, lawyers, human resources, and procurement professionals. Rhode Island elementary and secondary school students began remote learning on March 23, 2020.

South Carolina:

On Monday, March 23, Governor Henry McMaster issued an Executive Order directing all South Carolina law enforcement officials to prohibit or disperse any congregation or gathering of people in groups of three or more if authorities believe it poses a threat to public health. The Executive Order does not apply to persons inside a home or working at a business. Gov. McMaster reiterated that he has not, however, issued a shelter-in-place or lockdown order.

Gov. McMaster had previously ordered all bars and restaurants to end dine-in service and issued an Executive Order that permitted beer and wine curbside sales (although alcohol cannot be delivered).

All South Carolinian schools are closed through March 31, 2020, and all elections have been postponed until after May 1, 2020.

South Dakota:

On March 23rd, Governor Kristie Noem signed an Executive Order regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic. It mandated “any enclosed retail business that promotes public gatherings” to either cancel or modify its operations if such operations involve ten or more people gathering in an enclosed place without the ability to practice social distancing (i.e, six feet of separation from each other). An “enclosed retail business that promotes public gatherings” includes any business within an enclosed space which operates as a bar, restaurant, brewery, café, casino, coffee shop, recreational or athletic facility, health club, or entertainment venue. The order does not call for a complete closure of such businesses; thus, such businesses are allowed to implement alternative business models such as takeout, delivery, drive-through, curb-side services, off-site services, or other models which do not involve individuals gathering in an enclosed place.

Governor Noem’s order also includes mandates for healthcare facilities and government agencies in South Dakota. Healthcare organizations are required to post-pone all non-essential elective surgeries to reduce the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Local and municipal government agencies are prohibited from allowing ten or more individuals to gather unless necessary and are required to protect the operations for businesses within the healthcare, life sciences, and food service industry.

Tennessee:

(City of Memphis): Mayor Strickland for the City of Memphis issues a Safer at Home Executive Order through April 7 calling all residents to stay at home and closing all non-essential businesses.

The following municipalities of Memphis issued similar orders calling all residents to stay at home and closing all non-essential businesses.

Arlington order effective March 24 at 6 p.m. until March 28 unless otherwise extended.
Bartlett order effective midnight March 24 until midnight March 31 unless otherwise extended.
Collierville order effective March 24 at 6 p.m. until further notice.
Germantown order effective March 24 at 6 p.m. until further notice.
Lakeland order effective March 24 at 6 p.m. until March 28 unless otherwise extended.
Millington order effective March 24 at 6 p.m. until March 28 unless otherwise extended.

Governor Lee declined to issue a statewide shelter in place order.

Texas:

(City of Austin): The City of Austin issued a Stay Home – Work Safe Order. The Order states that it does not hinder the ability of industries identified in the CISA guidelines as Critical Infrastructure to continue operations. The Order includes twenty five categories of Essential Businesses, including healthcare operations, grocery and essential supply stores, food cultivation, social services, media, gas stations, financial institutions, hardware and supply stores, trades providing sanitation and safety services for residences and essential businesses, laundry, restaurants for off-premises consumption, transportation, businesses that provide supplies or support to other essential businesses, professional services, and hotels, among other categories.

The City of Austin issued a guidance document regarding what construction is permitted under the city’s order.

(Travis County): Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt issued an order requiring residents to stay at home, and all non-essential businesses and operations to cease operations, subject to certain exceptions.

(Harris County and City of Houston): A copy of the Stay Home, Work Safe Order has been made available online.

(Williamson County): County Judge Bill Gravell has issued a Stay Home Stay Safe Order for all individuals in Williamson County. This Order took effect at 11:59 p.m. on March 24 and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on April 13, subject to the limited exceptions. Exceptions include performing essential activities, such as purchasing food and medical needs, and performing services or work for essential businesses, essential government services, or essential critical infrastructure, including construction.

Utah:

Governor Herbert released the “Utah Leads Together,” his comprehensive task force plan to mitigate the economic consequences of Covid-19. The report and economic playbook include recommendations from dozens of state and industry leaders throughout Utah. The plan outlines three phases:

Urgent Phase: A coordinated public health response coupled with historic economic stimulus from federal, state and local governments. The estimated duration is tentatively estimated to be eight to 12 weeks with the measure of challenge being job losses.
Stabilization Phase: Public health measures and economic interventions begin to take effect. The estimated time frame is 14 weeks and the primary measure is job stabilization.
Recovery Phase: Return to stability and positive job growth. This phase relies on successes in the prior phases and is estimated at eight to ten weeks in duration.

Additionally, the Utah Department of Health issued an order restricting nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures to conserve protective equipment needed to treat patients with COVID-19.

Vermont:

Yesterday, March 24, Governor Scott issued an Executive Order directing all residents to stay at home except for essential reasons related to health, safety, and necessary supplies. All businesses that are not deemed “critical to the public health and safety, and economic and national security” must close. Critical businesses include health care operations, critical infrastructure including utilities, telecommunications, airports, transportation, construction necessary for COVID-19 response and for critical infrastructure, critical manufacturing including food, retails serving basic human needs, fuel supply, hardware stores conducted online and by phone for delivery and curb-side where possible, transportation and agricultural equipment sectors, trash collection, agriculture, lodging where required for COVID-19 response, safety and sanitation services for buildings and residences, mail, media, financial institutions, providers of necessary goods and services to economically disadvantaged, and other vendors as necessary to support the COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure, and national security. The Order remains in effect until April 15, 2020.

This order does not include a number of categories of businesses that are deemed essential and critical in other states, counties, and cities. Businesses outside these categories may request that the ACCD deem them critical and will receive notification within 24 hours. ACCD has an FAQ page addressing what qualifies as critical. The ACCD deems all businesses identified in CISA guidelines as critical as well.

Wyoming:

The Wyoming Department of Health issued its third statewide closure order, closing non-essential personal services. The order is effective March 25th through April 3rd. It is focused on business where social distancing measures are not practical and includes nail salons, hair salons, barber shops, cosmetology, electrology, and aesthetic services, massage parlors, and tattoo/piercing shops. Medically necessary services such as physical therapy providers may remain open. The order builds on two previous orders issued on March 20th, which respectively closed public spaces (including schools, theaters, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, employee cafeterias, self-serve buffets, salad bard, gyms, conference rooms, and museums) and prohibited gatherings of 10 or more people in a single room or confined space.

March 24, 2020

Arizona:

Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order which delays the enforcement of eviction actions for individuals who are quarantined or facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The order remains in effect for 120 days.

Colorado:

(City and County of Denver): Today at 5:00 PM, the stay-at-home Public Health Order announced March 22nd goes into effect through April 10th. All individuals must shelter in place (i.e., stay at home) except for certain essential activities and work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential public infrastructure construction, including housing. Businesses with facilities in Denver, except essential businesses, must cease all activities at their Denver facilities. Essential businesses are encouraged to remain open and practice physical distancing requirements. All public or private gatherings of any number occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for essential activities. All travel, except for essential activities, is prohibited.

Essential activities are defined to include activities essential to personal health or safety (for oneself or for the safety and health of family or household members), obtaining necessary services or supplies (including groceries), outdoor activity, and work at an essential business.

Essential businesses and infrastructure include healthcare operations, utilities, construction operations, skilled trades, airport operations, oil and gas operations, roads and highways maintenance, public transportation, solid waste collection, telecommunications, grocery stores, food and plant cultivation (including farming, livestock, and fishing), homeless shelters, media, fuel stations and auto-repair, banks, hardware stores, mailing and shipping services, educational institutions, laundromats, restaurants operating on a carry-out/drive-thru/delivery basis, grocery delivery services, licensed marijuana stores, transportation companies, home-based care services, hotels/motels, professional services (including legal, insurance, accounting, real estate, and tax), faith-based establishments, and childcare facilities.

District of Columbia:

In-person customer service centers at several D.C. agencies will be closed effective Wednesday, March 25. Mayor Bowser also extended deadlines for government documents, inspections, and other requirements. Most notably, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is closed in-person but remains operational online. Several deadlines have been extended for businesses. Customers filing 2020 biennial reports between April 2 and June 1 will not incur the late filing fee. The same is true for trade name renewals. Additionally, any business licenses, professional/occupational licenses, vending licenses, etc. that expire during the declared emergency will be considered valid, and people will have until 45 days after the declared emergency is over to renew their licenses. Finally, the DCRA noted that consumer protection complaints will continue to be investigated during this time.

Florida:

Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order requiring travelers who enter Florida from an area with substantial community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for 14 days from the time of entry or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. The order takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to travelers who entered Florida in the previous 14 days. Travelers are required to advise Florida individuals with whom they have had direct physical contact in the past 21 days that they have traveled from an area with substantial community spread. Violations of the order are punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 60 days. The order expires upon termination of the declaration of a state of emergency, unless terminated sooner.

Governor DeSantis also issued an Executive Order requiring the State Surgeon General and State Health Officer to issue public health advisories urging persons at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to stay home, urging those who can work remotely to do so, and urging against social gatherings of 10 or more people. The order takes immediate effect and lasts the duration of the state of emergency, unless otherwise terminated.

(City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County): The City of Miami Beach issued a “Safer At Home” Emergency Order on March 23, 2020 effective today, March 24. The Order defines essential retail and commercial businesses as declared by the Miami-Dade County Declaration of Local State Emergency, which closed all non-essential businesses on March 19, 2020. Essential Businesses under both Orders includes healthcare, grocery and food related services and corporations, media, gas stations, hardware stores, services for safety and sanitation of residences and businesses, mail services, laundry, restaurants offering off-premises dining, professional services, landscape and pool care businesses, all businesses that supply necessary products or support to other essential businesses, among others. At this time, the Miami-Dade Order does not directly require stay-at-home, though non-essential businesses are closed.

Kansas and Missouri:

(KC Metro): Shelter-At-Home Orders go into effect for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas/Wyandotte County, Johnson County, Jackson County, Clay County, Platte County, Leavenworth County, Douglas County, and the City of Belton. The orders are in effect for 30 days.

Maine:

Governor Mills issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses. requiring all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing. This Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than 10 workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible. Non-essential businesses and operations may continue activities that do not involve this type of in-person contact and should facilitate the maximum number of employees working remotely. This Order excludes essential services, which includes, by reference, all critical infrastructure as defined by CISA guidelines, among other businesses including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), food processing, home repair and hardware, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical, behavioral health and health care providers, child care, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and animal feed and supply stores, shipping stores, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging. The Order is effective March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12 a.m.

Massachusetts:

Governor Baker issued a Shelter-At-Home Emergency Order yesterday that goes into effect at 12:00 noon today, March 24 and remains in effect through 12:00 noon on April 7, 2020, unless further extended. Exhibit A to the order defines essential services to include healthcare and human services, law enforcement, food and agriculture, public works and infrastructure including water, energy, information technology, hotels, critical manufacturing, financial services, and chemical sectors, among others.

New Jersey:

Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 109 late on March 23rd. The order indefinitely suspends both medical and dental elective surgeries and invasive procedures on adults. The suspension takes effect at 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27, 2020 but requires medical facilities to notify all effected patients immediately.

The order also requires business that are in possession of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, respirators, or anesthesia machines that are not required for the provision of critical health care services to undertake an inventory of supplies and submit the information to the Office of Emergency Management no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 27, 2020.

At the state’s daily briefing on March 23rd, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal noted that violating Governor Murphy’s orders, like the order above or the executive order requiring non-essential brick-and-mortar stores to close, is a criminal offense. Attorney General Grewal vowed to hold businesses and individuals violating orders accountable.

New York:

Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.10 on March 23rd. The order suspends and modifies numerous laws by relaxing or outright removing limitations and requirements placed on hospital and health care providers. For example, the order allows physician assistants to provide medical services appropriate to their education, training and experience without oversight from a supervising physician and it relieves recordkeeping requirements to the extent necessary for health care providers to perform tasks as may be necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The order also prohibits non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason. The order took effect immediately and it remains in effect through April 22, 2020.

Oklahoma:

Governor Stitt issued the Fourth Amended Executive Order 2020-07 which, in part, includes “safer-at-home” provisions aimed at vulnerable residents. The order requests that elderly, immunocompromised, and individuals with pre-existing conditions stay in their homes for 30 days, except for essential tasks such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy. The order further prohibits gatherings of 10 or more people and restricts visitation to long-term care or retirement facilities and nursing homes. Governor Stitt also ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in 19 Oklahoma counties with confirmed COVD-19 cases. Non-essential businesses are ordered to close by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 and remain closed for 21 days. No statewide restriction on evictions has been put in place in Oklahoma. However, some counties, such as Oklahoma County, have self-instituted eviction restrictions.

Pennsylvania:

Late in the day on March 23rd, the Secretary of the Department of Health ordered individuals residing in Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties to stay at their places of residence except as needed to access, support, or provide emergency or government services or life sustaining business. The order took effect yesterday at 8:00 p.m. ET and will remain in effect until April 6, 2020.

Because it allows for the exception to access, support, or provide life sustaining businesses, the order has no effect on Governor Wolf’s indefinite Executive Order that allows only life sustaining businesses to continue in-person, physical operations. Governor Wolf issued guidance on the stay at home order that addresses many questions.

Wisconsin:

Governor Evers signed Executive Order #12 which directs all individuals present in the State of Wisconsin to stay at home or at their place of residence, except for specific outlined exceptions. All non-essential businesses and operations are required to cease, except for Minimum Basic operations, which are defined as the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, preserve the condition of the business’s physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, and other related functions.

Essential Businesses and Operations are allowed to continue operations but must observe Social Distancing Requirements and, to the maximum extent possible, use technology to avoid meeting in person. Essential Businesses and Operations are defined according to the federal CISA guidance as well as additional businesses including grocery and medicine stores, child care services, and gas stations, among others.

March 23, 2020

Arkansas:

Governor Hutchinson extended the 2019 tax deadline to July 15, 2020.

Arizona:

Without issuing a shelter in place order, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order outlining the list of “essential services.” Governor Ducey has provided a list of what types of services have been deemed essential, which includes most health care and social assistance, government functions, agriculture, food manufacturing, and repair and maintenance businesses. As of Monday, March 23, no shelter in place orders have been issued for the state, but this Executive Order requires any state-at-home order issued by a county, town, or city to be consistent with advice from the Arizona Department of Health services, and requires that restrictions be coordinated with the State before they are issued.

Governor Ducey also issued an Executive Order requiring hospitals and laboratories to report key information that will inform the Arizona Department of Health’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Absent renewal, the order terminates after 60 days.

Colorado:

(City and County of Denver): Mayor Michael B. Hancock today announced a new Public Health Order with an explicit stay at home directive for the City and County of Denver that will go into effect at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 and continue until April 10. All individuals must shelter in place (i.e., stay at home) except for certain essential activities and work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential public infrastructure construction, including housing. Businesses with facilities in Denver, except essential businesses, must cease all activities at their Denver facilities. Essential businesses are encouraged to remain open and practice physical distancing requirements. All public or private gatherings of any number occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited, except for essential activities. All travel, except for essential activities, is prohibited.

Connecticut:

On March 23, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7H, which directed all Non-Essential Functions to suspend in-person operations effective March 23 through April 22. Essential businesses include those defined in the federal CISA guidance, businesses providing essential services such as healthcare, food service, law enforcement and similar critical services, infrastructure including transportation manufacturing and corresponding supply chains, food and agriculture and other retail, professional services such as accounting, financial institutions, legal services and real estate transactions and construction. Other businesses may request the Department of Economic Community Development deem such business “essential” by completing an Essential Business Designation Form.

Indiana:

Governor Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-08 which puts in place a stay-at-home order for all individuals currently living in the state of Indiana and requires all non-essential businesses to cease operations. Essential businesses, as defined in the order, include those specified under the federal CISA guidance, as well as several other industries, such as religious groups, media, and grocery stores, among others. These essential businesses are still required to comply with Social Distancing Requirements, including maintaining six-foot social distancing for both employees and members of the public. The order goes into effect March 24, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect April 6, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Hawaii:

Governor Ige signed a Third Supplementary Proclamation ordering the entire state to stay at home, and prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. Exceptions are made for essential businesses and operations, which are defined in the order and include healthcare services, critical trades, media, and grocery stores, among others. Essential businesses must comply with the Social Distancing Requirements, which include six-foot distances, sanitization protocols, and separate operating hours for high risk populations. The order takes effect on March 25, 2020 at 12:01 am and continues until April 30, 2020 at 11:59 pm.

Governor Ige’s order that all travelers entering the State of Hawaii self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay in Hawaii goes into effect tomorrow March 26, 2020. Failure to comply with the quarantine rules and protocols can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to a year.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds announced a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses and tax deferrals to any Iowa businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest. The funds may only be used to assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations or reopening business following the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds may not be used to pay debt incurred prior to March 17, 2020. The application deadline is March 31, 2020, at noon.

In addition, Governor Reynolds announced that eligible employer first quarter unemployment tax payments, due April 30th, will be delayed until the second quarter. Eligible employers include those employers with 50 or fewer employees. Eligible employers also must be in good standing with no delinquencies in quarterly payments.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards is requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Louisiana from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the number of cases of COVID-19 grows and the state’s efforts to combat the spread of illness intensifies. The declaration would allow the federal government to provide additional support for state and local agencies in dealing with this growing public health threat.

Michigan:

Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-21, which ordered all individuals currently living within the state of Michigan to stay at home or at their place of residence. All businesses are required to stop operations unless they are deemed critical infrastructure workers. The order defines critical infrastructure workers in accordance with the CISA guidance on the same, as well as additional industries including child care workers, distribution centers, and shelters.

Minnesota:

Governor Walz signed two executive orders on March 23. Executive Order 20-14, the Housing Stability for Minnesota Families Order, suspends eviction proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency. The order clarifies that tenants should continue to pay rent if they are able, but landlords and financial institutions cannot begin eviction proceedings that would remove tenants from stable housing for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency.

Executive Order 20-15, the Small Business Emergency Loan Program Order, authorizes the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to establish an emergency loan program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance.

Missouri:

Shelter-At-Home orders went into effect for St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 120 to limit gatherings to 50 people. Governor Cooper also ordered entertainment facilities without a retail or dining component to close. These include bowling alleys, health clubs, pools, performance venues, movie theaters, spas, exercise facilities, and more. Furthermore, personal care and grooming businesses are now ordered closed. The Executive Order is effective at 5:00 p.m. March 25, 2020, and shall remain in effect for 30 days unless rescinded or superseded by another Executive Order.

The closure of K-12 schools has been extended until May 15, 2020.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine ordered an immediate hiring freeze for all agencies, boards, and commissions under the control of the Governor. The only exceptions are for positions that provide a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, safety and security, or direct care or institutional services. Governor DeWine also ordered a freeze on new contract services for the state of Ohio, except for those services that are necessary for the emergency response.

Oregon:

Governor Brown issued Executive Order No. 20-12, directing individuals to stay at home to the maximum extent possible. The order also outlined new guidance for child care facilities and expands the list of businesses that will be temporarily closed. The order is effective immediately. It remains in effect until Governor Brown terminates it.

Pennsylvania:

Governor Wolf issued an indefinite Executive Order that prohibits the operation of businesses that are not “life sustaining.” The order prohibits the operation of any place of business in the Commonwealth that is not a life sustaining business regardless of whether the business is open to members of the public.

The Commonwealth has provided a five page detailed list that tells what types of businesses have been deemed life sustaining, which includes most health care and social assistance, agriculture, food manufacturing, and repair and maintenance businesses. Businesses that have not been deemed life sustaining may seek a waiver by completing and submitting an application. Enforcement of the Order began on Monday, March 23, at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Tennessee:

Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order 18 limiting performance of non-essential medical and dental procedures, including any procedure that is not necessary to address a medical emergency or preserve a patient’s health and safety. Hospitals and free standing surgical outpatient facilities were directed to postpone at minimum the following procedures, except where postponement would significantly impact the health, safety or welfare of the patient:

Joint replacement
Bariatric surgery
Cosmetic surgery
Non-emergency dental and oral procedures

Procedures excluded from postponement include:

Surgeries related to advanced cardiovascular disease
Oncological testing and treatment
Pregnancy related care
Organ transplants
Dialysis
Emergency or trauma related procedures
Emergency dental and oral treatment

Executive Order 18 further requests non-hospital providers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that is not required for emergency care to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency by delivering it to the nearest open Tennessee National Guard Armory between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Executive Order 18 is effective March 24 through April 12.

(City of Nashville and Davidson County): Pursuant to the Declaration of Public Health Emergency adopted by the Board of Health for city of Nashville and Davidson County on March 15, 2020, the Chief Medical Director of the Metro Public Health Department issued a “Safer At Home Order.”

This Order requires all individuals living in Nashville and Davidson County to stay at home except for essential activities and essential government functions. The Order also does not apply to the 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified in the CISA Guidelines. Essential Activities include federal and state offices and services, essential Nashville government functions including law enforcement, stores that sell groceries, essential healthcare and public health operations, sanitation and waste removal services, utilities services, pharmacy and medical supply businesses, gas stations, legal and judicial services, laundromats, hardware supply, warehousing and storage, certain construction services, parcel transportation services, veterinary and pet supply business and services including agricultural services and the caring and feeding of all livestock and farm animals, home and business cleaning and maintenance services, all businesses which rely upon deliveries may continue, including florists, internet and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), print, online and broadcast media, and certain other business and services the Health Department in coordination with Metro Legal and the Office of the Mayor determines are essential for the continued safety and security of Davidson County. This Order is effective at 12:01 a.m. March 23, 2020, and shall remain in effect for 14 days, subject to extension.

Texas:

(City of Austin): Mayor Steve Adler announced that the City of Austin and Travis County are preparing shelter-in-place orders that would further restrictions on social movement to tamp down spread of the coronavirus.

(City of Austin): On March 23, Austin City Council Member Greg Casar proposed a city ordinance to require landlords in the City of Austin to provide a notice of proposed eviction that gives tenants a 60-day opportunity to respond before they could give the tenant a notice to vacate (the “Proposed Ordinance”). The relief under the Proposed Ordinance would be available to a tenant who “loses wages or income during” the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Proposed Ordinance would apply if there is a risk of eviction due to delinquent payments from the proposed effective date of the Proposed Ordinance, March 26, through March 8. The Proposed Ordinance would be effective through July 8. A violation of the Proposed Ordinance would be punishable by a $500 fine, with a separate offense for each day the violation continues. The co-sponsors of the Proposed Ordinance are Council Member Kathie Tovo, Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza, and Mayor Steve Adler. The City Council is scheduled to consider the Proposed Ordinance at its meeting on Thursday, March 26.

(Statewide): On March 23, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a news release to state that, pursuant to Executive Order GA 09 issued by Governor Greg Abbott, the requirement for healthcare providers to postpone “all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately medically necessary” extends to abortion providers.

Virginia:

Governor Northam issued an order closing all recreational facilities such as bowling alleys, racetracks, and theaters. Restaurants and similar establishments will be permitted to offer food and beverages for take-out, curbside, and delivery only. Non-essential retail establishments may only remain open if they limit the number of patrons in the store to ten or less, practice social distancing, and increase sanitization. Essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and home improvement stores will remain open. Virginia is also closing all public and private schools for the remainder of the academic year.

Governor Northam’s announcement made clear that this was not a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order, but did state that Virginia would be banning all gatherings of more than 10 people and asked all residents to practice social distancing. The new restrictions will take effect at midnight at the end of March 24, 2020.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issued a proclamation ordering individuals to stay home and stay healthy. Unless pursuing an essential activity, individuals must remain in their homes for two weeks. The order bans all gatherings for social, spiritual, and recreational purposes and closes all non-essential businesses.

West Virginia:

On March 23, Governor Justice issued Executive Order 9-20, effective indefinitely, which ordered a general stay-at-home order to all individuals in the state and ceased all non-essential business operations except for minimum basic operations necessary to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, preserve the physical business, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, and allow the business to continue to work remotely. Small businesses that do not invite the general public and have less than 5 employees in the office may continue to operate. Essential Business and Operations shall remain open. Essential Businesses and Operations include:

Critical infrastructure defined in the federal CISA guidance
Healthcare, public health operations and health insurance companies
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Food and beverage manufacturing and production (including delivery or take-out)
Essential governmental functions (including judges, court personnel and jurors) working to support Essential Business Operations
Business related to essential infrastructure (including food production, fulfilment centers, construction)
Coal mining
Manufacturing companies and supply chain companies producing essential products for health or food/beverage purposes
Travel to any essential business operations
Banks and other financial institutions
Processional services (including legal, accounting and real estate services such as appraisal and title services)

Wisconsin:

Governor Evers announced, today, that he plans on signing an executive order effective tomorrow, March 24, 2020, calling for all residents to stay at home and closing all non-essential businesses.

March 22, 2020

Alaska:

(Anchorage): Mayor Berkowitz issued a Proclamation of Emergency “Hunker Down” Order on March 20, 2020. The Order is effective from 10:00 p.m. on March 22, 2020 and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2020. Exempted from the Order are “critical businesses” and those who work in “critical jobs.” Any businesses that are defined as critical must comply with social distancing guidelines, including maintaining a six-foot social distancing for employees and the public. Any business not defined as critical must close their premises, but may utilize telecommuting or work from home procedures. If a business is not defined as critical, it may request an opinion from the Mayor that the business should be designated as a critical business.

Critical businesses include healthcare operations, businesses providing any services or performing any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Critical Infrastructure, defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. government or a contractor to the U.S. Government, grocery stores, food banks, marijuana dispensaries, convenience stores, pet food and supply stores, agriculture and fishing, media, banks and insurance companies, hardware stores, service providers that maintain safety and sanitation for residences and critical businesses, mail, educational institutions, laundry, restaurants or bars for off-premises dining, business that supply critical businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate, transportation, hotels, and professional services where necessary, among others.

Arkansas:

Governor Hutchinson stated he has no plans to create a “Shelter in Place” environment statewide.

Colorado:

Governor Polis issued an executive order directing all of Colorado’s non-critical employers to reduce their in-person workforce by 50 percent. The order takes effect Tuesday, March 24, 2020, and is applicable statewide through April 10, 2020. A related public health order from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment is forthcoming, although interim guidance accompanied the Governor’s executive order.

The order directs all employers to implement tele-work options to the greatest extent possible. If tele-work is not practical or possible, employers are encouraged to stagger work schedules to reduce the proximity of employees during work hours and to keep employees on payroll. The order does not apply to any employer that can certify that employees are no closer than six feet from one another during any part of their work hours.

Exempt critical workplaces include health care operations, critical Infrastructure (including utilities, fuel supply and transmission, public water, telecommunications, transportation, hotels, organizations that provide for disadvantaged people, and food supply chain), critical manufacturing, including food, beverages, chemicals, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, sanitary products, agriculture), critical retail (including grocery stores, liquor stores, farms, gas stations, restaurants and bars for takeout, marijuana dispensaries but only for medical or curbside delivery, hardware stores), critical services (including trash and recycling, mail, shipping, laundromats, child care, building cleaning and maintenance, auto supply and repair, warehouses/distribution, funeral homes, crematoriums, cemeteries, animal shelters and rescues), news media, financial institutions, construction, defense, public safety, critical services/products vendors (including logistics, child care, tech support, or contractors with critical government services), and critical government functions.

Delaware:

On March 22, Governor Carney issued the Fifth Modification to the Declaration of Public Health Emergency which ordered all individuals to shelter in place of residence until May 15. All travel, including travel on foot, bike or public transit, is prohibited unless it is Essential Travel or travel for Essential Activities or Minimum Basic Operations.

Essential Activities includes activities for health and safety such as obtaining medical supplies or medication, food or other products essential to operation of a residence, and to engage in outdoor activities such as walking or biking. Essential Activities also includes those permitted by the Fourth Modification to State of Emergency, which outlines Essential Businesses. Essential Businesses include those related to healthcare and public health, law enforcement, work related to food and agriculture including manufacturing and distribution, energy and natural resources including the electricity, petroleum, natural/ propane gas, and water industries, manufacturing, financial services and insurance, and construction. The Fourth Modification to State of Emergency also outlines “non-essential business” which includes recreational activities and relators of properties except that relators may do necessary showings to prospective buyers. Lessors and take actions necessary to complete any sales or rentals in progress prior to March 22.

For purposes of the Fifth Modification Minimum Basic Operations include the following operations: minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory or to preserve the physical condition of the business, and to perform the activities necessary to facilitate the business to operate remotely.

Delaware provided a list of essential and nonessential businesses.

Hawaii:

(City and County of Honolulu): Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a Stay At Home/Work From Home Order for the City and County of Honolulu. Like the state-wide order, exceptions are made for essential businesses. The order takes effect before the state-wide order which was subsequently issued by Governor Ige, and becomes effective on March 23, 2020 at 4:30 pm.

(County of Maui): Mayor Michael Victorino issued a stay-at-home order for the County of Maui. The order takes effect on March 25, 2020 at 12:01 am and continues through April 30, 2020.

Iowa:

In a press conference, Governor Reynolds announced she signed an emergency proclamation closing salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities, massage therapy establishments, and swimming pools. The proclamation suspends foreclosures on residential, commercial and agricultural properties. The proclamation also provides professional licensing relief to prevent the expiration of licenses during the disaster.

Kansas and Missouri:

Officials from CORE 4 Partners of Johnson County, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Jackson County, Missouri; and Wyandotte County/City of Kansas City, Kansas held a press conference discussing the metro area’s new stay at home orders. The officials indicated the orders are largely identical.

Clay County has also issued a similar Order, along with Platte County and the City of Belton.

Kansas:

Johnson County released its order directing individuals to stay at home other than to perform “essential activities” including tasks essential to health or safety, to obtain necessary supplies, and to perform essential business operations. Essential Businesses include twenty five categories including healthcare operations, essential infrastructure, essential government functions, grocery stores, media, gas stations, financial institutions, residential or essential business sanitation, maintenance, and safety workers, mail services, laundry, restaurants providing take-out or delivery, professional services, hotels, burial services, childcare services, and manufacturing companies, among others. The order also provides that schools may remain open and if needed can be used for housing, distribution of food, and providing medical care.

Essential businesses still must maintain social distancing requirements, including six-feet distancing. Gatherings of 10 people are prohibited. The order remains in effect for 30 days, until April 23, 2020.

Leavenworth County and Douglas County released similar orders.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards declared a statewide Stay-At-Home order for “non-essential businesses.”

An activity is “essential” if it fits into one of the following specific categories:

Obtaining food, medicine, and other similar goods for an individual or family member of the individual
Obtaining non-elective medical care and treatment and other similar vital services for an individual or a family member of the individual
Going to and from work to perform a job to provide goods and services being sought regarding food, medicine, and other similar goods, or as otherwise deemed essential. Louisiana directed workers to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on what individuals may be deemed “essential.”
Going to and from the home of a family member
Going to and from an individual’s place of worship.
Engaging in outdoor activity, provided six feet are between people and there is a ten-person limitation on gathering size limited in the proclamation.

The CISA recommendations identifies workers who conduct a range of operations and services that are essential to continued critical infrastructure viability, including staffing operations centers, maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure, operating call centers, working construction, and performing management functions, among others. The industries they support represent, but are not necessarily limited to, medical and healthcare, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.

CISA defines “critical manufacturing” as “essential.” This includes “workers necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed for medical supply chains, transportation, energy, communications, food and agriculture, chemical manufacturing, nuclear facilities, the operation of dams, water and wastewater treatment, emergency services, and the defense industrial base.”

Businesses not closed by this order, those that are not “essential”, are to reduce operations to continue with minimum contact with members of the public and only essential employees, while requiring proper social distancing. The ten-person limitation is to apply to business operations.

Furthermore, all gatherings of ten or more people shall be postponed or cancelled, but this does not apply to airports, medical facilities, office buildings, factories or manufacturing facilities, or grocery stores.

Mississippi:

(Oxford): The Mayor and Board of Aldermen ordered on March 22, 2020 that all non-essential businesses and business functions shall close to the public, including entertainment venues, salons and barbershops, spas, gyms, convention centers, shopping centers, and retail stores, among others. Essential businesses listed track what is included the Governor’s Executive Order. The Oxford Order remains in effect indefinitely.

New York:

Beginning at 8:00 pm on March 22nd, the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order requires that all non-essential businesses must close in-office personnel functions statewide. Essential businesses include twelve categories as detailed in Executive Order 202.6: (1) Essential Health Care Operations; (2) Essential Infrastructure; (3) Essential Manufacturing; (4) Essential Retail; (5) Essential Services; (6) News Media; (7) Financial Institutions; (8) Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations; (9) Construction; (10) Defense; (11) Essential Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses; and (12) Vendors that Provide Essential Services or Products, Including Logistics and Technology Support, Child Care and Services.

A business that believes it is essential but that does not fall within one of the twelve categories may request designation as an essential business by completing this form. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet.

North Carolina:

Wake County, North Carolina (Raleigh), declared issued a new State of Emergency Declaration. The declaration requires the closure of fitness clubs, gyms, hair and nail salons, spas, tanning, massage, and tattoo salons, and other professional grooming services.

The Declaration also prohibited gatherings of 50 people or more. This does not include organizations that provide critical services like hospitals, government operations and financial institutions. It also excludes retailers that provide essentials goods like grocery stores, pharmacies, pet stores and hardware stores.

(Dare County/Outer Banks): Dare County has closed to visitors and non-resident property owners. Those residents and businesses that wish to be in Dare County must apply for an entry permit.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio will be under a "Stay at Home" order. Residents may only leave their home for “essential activities” and “essential travel,” which includes work for an “essential business” and also for healthcare purposes and to obtain necessary supplies. The order will go into effect beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020, unless the order is rescinded or modified.

Essential businesses include all those deemed critical by the CISA recommendations, along with grocery stores, stores that sell medicine, food related businesses, charitable organizations, religious entities, media, gas stations, financial and insurance institutions, hardware stores, trades providing sanitation and safety services to residents and essential businesses, mail services, laundry, restaurants for to-go and delivery, businesses providing supplies for essential services, professional services including legal and accounting services, hotels, funeral services, and manufacturers for critical industry items, among others. “Essential businesses” still must maintain six feet of social distancing.

Non-essential businesses may still operate portions of the business to carry out “Minimum Basic Operations.”

Under the Order, documentation is not required for an employee to travel to or from an essential business. However, the order recommends employers consider providing employees with appropriate documentation to support their travel to and from work.

Oregon:

The Governor issued Executive Order No. 20-11, which places a 90-day hold on residential evictions for nonpayment.

Tennessee:

Governor Lee issued an Executive Order that prohibits social gatherings of 10 or more people. The Order also contains following provisions regarding restaurants, bars, and similar food and drink establishments: (1) Establishments are to exclusively offer drive-thru, take-out or delivery options to support families, businesses and the food supply chain during this emergency; and (2) Establishments may sell alcohol by take-out or delivery (with the purchase of food) in closed containers to those who are age 21 and over. This Order is effective 12:01 a.m. March 23, 2020, through 12:01 a.m. April 6, 2020.

Texas:

(Statewide): On March 22, Governor Greg Abbott signed an Executive Order to expand hospital bed capacity as the state responds to the COVID-19 virus. These actions will reinforce Texas' health care capabilities and provide additional space for hospitals to provide care to COVID-19 patients. Under this order, the Governor directed all licensed health care professionals and facilities to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician. This does not apply to any procedure that, if performed in accordance with the commonly accepted standard of clinical practice, would not deplete the hospital capacity or the personal protective equipment needed to cope with the COVID-19 disaster. The Governor’s Executive Order takes effect immediately and remains in effect and in full force until 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2020, unless it is modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by the Governor.

(Dallas County): On March 22, the Dallas County Judge issued a shelter-in-place order, effective March 24 to April 4, unless modified by subsequent order. The order requires all residents to stay home except to conduct “Essential Activities,” and requires that all businesses cease operations except for “Essential Businesses.” Under the order, essential businesses include those that are necessary to the operations and maintenance of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified in a recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”) memorandum. For the critical infrastructure exception to apply, employees must work in compliance with social distancing requirements, and all activity must be performed in compliance with the order’s social distancing guidelines.

(Tarrant County): On March 22, the Tarrant County Judge issued an executive order to clarify its declaration from the previous day. The order clarified that the declaration should not be construed to hinder the ability of the industries identified in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (“CISA”) “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce Memorandum,” dated March 19, 2020, to continue their operation appropriately modified to account for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) workforce and consumer protection guidance. In addition, the order stated that businesses that qualify as Critical Infrastructure Industry under the CISA memorandum are exempt from the declaration.

Washington:

President Trump approved Governor Inslee’s request to declare a federal major disaster in Washington and announced the activation of the federalized National Guard in Washington.

March 21, 2020

Hawaii:

Governor Ige issued a Second Supplementary Proclamation and Emergency Rules Relating to COVID-19 which requires travelers entering Hawaii to self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of the person’s stay in Hawaii, whichever is shorter. The mandate takes effect on March 26, 2020 at 12:01 am, and failure to comply with quarantine rules may be punishable by up to $5,000 and/or a 1-year imprisonment. The Proclamation further extends the disaster emergency relief period through May 20, 2020 unless terminated sooner by separate proclamation.

Iowa:

Des Moines Mayor Cownie asked residents to voluntarily stay home — only leaving for essential items like groceries, medicine and health care — for at least two weeks to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Missouri:

At the instruction of Governor Mike Parson, the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services issued an Order imposing four statewide limitations. First, the Order prohibits “social gathering” involving more than ten people. It appears that this category is intended not to cover business operations. Second, the Order prohibits dine-in food service at restaurants and bars, but permits carry-out service. Third, the Order prohibits visiting “nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance.” Fourth, the Order orders all schools closed. The Order is effective at 12.01 Monday.

(City of St. Louis): Health Commissioner’s Order directly regulates both businesses and individuals. With regard to businesses and non-profits, the Order permits all businesses to continue certain operations relating to protecting existing inventory and facilities, processing payroll and employee benefits, and facilitating remote work by employees. The Order prohibits businesses from engaging in any other operations unless the business falls within 24 enumerated categories. Exempt industries include most healthcare-related businesses, in-home care, hospice and long-term care, construction, professional services, such as accountants, lawyers, engineers, banks and financial institutions, utilities, and many food-related businesses, including grocery stores, food and beverage wholesaling, storage, warehousing, and distribution.

The Order directs residents of the City to “remain at home” except to perform essential household tasks, obtain or delver food, engage in outdoor walking or exercise, or to attend work permitted by the Order. The Order is effective at 6:00 PM Monday

(St. Louis County): Public Health Department Order also directly regulates both businesses and individuals. With regard to businesses and non-profits, the Order defines “Essential Businesses” as those businesses that fall within 40 enumerated categories. These enumerated categories encompass most healthcare-related businesses, in-home care, hospice and long-term care, construction, professional services, such as accountants, lawyers, engineers, banks and financial institutions, utilities, and many food-related businesses, including grocery stores, food and beverage wholesaling, storage, warehousing, and distribution. “Essential Businesses may continue necessary operations,” subject to maximal feasible adoption of social-distancing precautions.

Businesses that are not “Essential” must cease all operations except for work performed from employees’ homes, and certain limited operations relating to protecting existing inventory and facilities, processing payroll and employee benefits, and facilitating remote work by employees.

The Order’s limitations on individuals is substantially similar to those prescribed by the St. Louis City Order.

(Kansas City Metro): The CORE 4 partners of Jackson County, Missouri; Johnson County, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Wyandotte County/ Kansas City, Kansas; announced that effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, all residents are directed to stay at home except for essential needs. The order will remain in place for 30 days, with consideration after 30 days as to whether to prolong the order.

The City of Kansas City Order defines “Essential Businesses” as those that fall into 22 enumerated categories. These categories encompass most healthcare-related businesses, financial institutions,”most food-related businesses, construction, utilities, transportation, and professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities, among others. Essential Businesses may continue in-person operations, subject to implementing social-distancing practices. All other businesses must cease in-person operations, except for “minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory and facilities, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions,” as well as minimal activities to facilitate employees working from home.

With regard to individuals, the Order directs individuals to leave their homes only to perform essential personal or household activities, and to participate in otherwise permitted work activities.

Kansas:

Wyandotte County’s order directs individuals to stay at home other than essential activity, and the definition of essential businesses largely mirrors the order issued by the City of Kansas City, Missouri yesterday. It includes healthcare operations, operations surrounding food, media, gas stations, financial institutions, residential or essential business sanitation, maintenance, and safety workers, laundry, restaurants providing take-out or delivery, professional services, and childcare services, among others.

New Jersey:

Governor Murphy signed an indefinite Executive Order No. 107. Under the order, the brick-and-mortar premises of all non-essential retail businesses must close to the public. Essential retail businesses are excluded from this directive and may remain open during their normal business hours.

The order lists fifteen types of essential businesses, which include grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, financial institutions, liquor stores, hardware stores, and mail and delivery stores. Any essential business that remains open to the public must practice social distancing to the extent practicable while providing essential services and frequently use sanitizing products on common surfaces. Businesses that do not qualify under the Order as essential may submit a request to the State Director of Emergency Management, who is the Superintendent of State Police.

Governor Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 108. That Order invalidates any county or municipal restriction that will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107. It allows counties or municipalities to impose additional restrictions only on online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging and on municipal or county parks.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum issued Executive Order 2020-09 to allow emergency prescription refills and permit licensed pharmacists to administer COVID-19 testing.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine ordered all adult day support and vocational habilitation services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to temporarily stop providing services in settings of more than 10 people. The order will become effective on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 9:00 p.m.

The Ohio’s Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) system announced that insurance premium installment payments due for March, April, and May for the current policy year may be deferred until June 1, 2020.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) modified the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods. Haulers carrying essential goods can download and print the permit here.

Texas:

(City of Austin): On March 21, Mayor Steve Adler issued an order, effective March 21 to May 1 limiting social gatherings to no more than 10 people. The order does not apply to employment work or job duties and responsibilities, shopping for food, medicine or household supplies. The order does not apply to schools, institutes of higher education, hospitals, medical offices, or veterinarian clinics. The order further closes on-premises dining at bars and restaurants.

The order requires that “Critical Infrastructure” continue to operate and imposes on critical infrastructure additional, rigid requirements. The order defines “Critical Infrastructure” as all public and private facilities and assets, including both physical and cyber systems, and other functions and sectors vital to the security, governance, public health, safety, and economic continuity of the City of Austin. Examples of critical infrastructure include banking and financial institutions, critical or technology manufacturing, agriculture, food, and sanitation services.

The order states that employees who work in and around Critical Infrastructure should refrain from reporting to work when feeling symptoms and requires certain screening for symptoms.

(Travis County): On March 21, the Travis County Judge issued an order effective March 21 to May 1, unless modified by subsequent order. The order prohibits social gatherings of more than 10 people and prohibits non-social gatherings to 10 people unless “Social Distancing” is maintained and controlled. The order does not apply to “Critical Infrastructure,” schools, institutes of higher education, hospitals, medical offices, or veterinarian clinics. The order defines “Critical Infrastructure” as all public and private facilities and assets, including physical and cyber systems, and other functions and sectors vital to the security, governance, public health, safety, and economic continuity of Travis County.

(Tarrant County): On March 21, the Tarrant County Judge issued a declaration of local disaster, effective at 6:00 p.m. the same day, and lasting for seven days unless extended by the Commissioners Court. The declaration limits the size of gatherings to 10 people, but it does not prohibit gatherings of people in multiple, separate enclosed spaces (including separate cubicles) in a single building such as different floors of a multi-level office, residential building, or hotel, so long as not more than 10 people are present in any single space at the same time.

The declaration further requires that that restaurants, microbreweries, micro-distilleries, and wineries may only provide take out, delivery, or drive-in or drive-through services. The declaration ordered the closure of bars, theaters, gyms, event spaces, retail stores that do not sell essential household goods, and many other types of businesses. Stores selling essential goods may stay open as long as they enforce social distancing; examples of such stores include pharmacies, grocery stores, day care facilities, medical facilities, office buildings, and manufacturing and distribution facilities. The declaration does not apply to businesses that provide essential services, which means services the interruption of which would endanger life, health or personal safety of the whole or part of the population.

(City of Fort Worth): Mayor Betsy Price signed an amended order effective March 21. Per the order, all in-person worship services are no longer permitted, with the exception of worship support staff to facilitate online services. The order also closes malls, non-essential retail establishments such as barber shops, and entertainment establishes and gyms.

The order includes an exception for essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and other establishments that sell household goods, which may remain open but must enforce social separation. Examples of essential services are convenience and package stores, pharmacies and drug stores, day care facilities, medical facilities, veterinary facilities, non-profit service providers of essential services, homeless and emergency shelters, office buildings, jails, essential government buildings, airports and transit facilities, transportation systems, residential buildings and hotels, manufacturing and distribution facilities. In-house dining at restaurants remains closed, but drive-in, drive-through, takeout and delivery are still permitted. The order requires that there be no gatherings of more than 10 people.

(El Paso County): On March 21, the El Paso County Judge issued an order limiting social gatherings to 10 people. The order requires the closure of gyms, as well as bars and restaurants other than for take-out or delivery. The order does not mandate sheltering in place. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, domestic travel will remain unrestricted, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services. For offices and workplaces that remain open, employees should practice good hygiene and, where feasible, work from home.

Utah:

The Utah Department of Health revised its March 17th public health order. The original restrictions—limiting restaurant and bar operations to dine-in/carry-out/delivery operations and prohibiting gatherings of more than ten individuals (excluding grocery stores)—remain in effect. Additionally, The Department clarified that hotels may serve complimentary meals in prepackaged, take-out form in non-common areas and that convenience stores may sell hot food items and self-serve drinks, subject to heightened cleaning requirements for high-touch surfaces.

The order remains in effect through April 1, 2010, unless further extended.

Washington:

The Washington State Department of Health published guidelines on allocation of personal protective equipment (PPE). The fulfillment of PPE orders should be prioritized as follows:

First Tier Recipients: long-term care facilities, hospitals with the greatest number of confirmed cases, EMS and first responders asked to transport confirmed patients, and health-care workers supporting long-term care facilities with confirmed cases.
Second Tier Recipients: health care facilities with fewer confirmed cases, congregate locations with confirmed cases, other EMS services, and Department of Health-run isolation and quarantine facilities.
Third Tier Recipients: quarantine and isolation facilities run by other jurisdictions, skilled nursing facilities, other health care facilities, and outpatient facilities.
Fourth Tier Recipients: homeless shelters and other congregate locations, and family members of confirmed cases.

March 20, 2020

Arkansas:

Arkansas Department of Public Health issued a directive closing all schools, implementing remote work for state employees, ordering hospitals to implement screening measures for staff and visitors, closing dine-in at restaurants, and closing gyms and indoor entertainment venues.

The Department of Health issued a directive on March 19, 2020 closing dine-in activities at bars and restaurants, gyms and indoor entertainment venues, and schools until April 17, 2020, and imposing requirements on health care facilities’ staff and visitors.

Governor Hutchinson also issued an executive order authorizing $30 million in funds from the Governor’s Disaster Assistance Fund to be used to at the discretion of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. The order also suspended provisions related to election procedures.

District of Columbia:

The District extended the modified operating system for government and schools through April 17th. All D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation facilities, including playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields, were closed to the public. The Mayor also extended the Public Health Emergency declaration through April 24th. In addition, the Mayor amended the prohibition on mass gatherings to clarify that grocery stores, malls, and other retail establishments where it is unusual for people to be within arms’ length of one another for an extended period are exempt from the order. Those businesses whose operations were previously suspended remain suspended.

Kentucky:

Fayette County, Laurel County, and Jefferson County halted evictions Friday after Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Thursday press conference that all evictions should temporarily halt as people are asked to stay home and away from crowds. Beshear said Thursday he had not issued an order stopping evictions but encouraged the courts and law enforcement to halt the practice temporarily. Fayette County Sheriffs' Departments confirmed to be complying.

Louisiana:

New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell, issued a Stay-At-Home mandate for those in New Orleans not involved in an “essential” service.

“Essential” service providers, include, but are not limited to: healthcare operations; grocery stores; food cultivators; businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services; businesses necessary for required construction and/or infrastructure projects, media services; gas stations; financial institutions; hardware stores; businesses providing mailing and shipping services; laundromats; restaurants doing takeout and delivery; private transportation providers; professional services (e.g., legal, accounting, etc.); childcare facilities; facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children; service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of businesses or residences (e.g., plumbers, electricians, exterminators, security personnel); businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home; businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate; businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, or services directly to residences; and more.

“Essential” service providers are to still comply with social distancing guidelines. Businesses not considered “essential” should have the least number of staff on the premises to continue basic operations and must fully comply with social distancing requirements.

Montana:

Governor Bullock issued a Directive closing dine-in food services, alcoholic beverage businesses, health clubs, and other facilities across the state. Among others, this restriction does not apply to the following: (1) Establishments offering off-site consumption, including grocery store, markets, and convenience stores; (2) Room service in hotels; (3) Health care facilities, residential care facilities, university dining facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities; (4) Crisis shelters or similar institutions; and (5) Any facilities necessary for the response to the emergency, including schools providing necessary meal services to children. This Directive is effective at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 and expires at 11:59 p.m. However, on March 24, 2020, Governor Bullock extended the restrictions until April 10, 2020.

North Dakota:

The Office of State Tax Commissioner released guidance stating North Dakota’s tax filing deadlines are now aligned with the IRS extension date. Individuals or businesses who are unable to file an income tax return or pay the tax by the April 15th deadline, can file and make payment through July 15, 2020, without penalty and interest.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine announced that he is ordering all of Ohio's senior centers and adult day care services to stop providing care in congregate care settings. The closure begins at the end of business on Monday, March 23, 2020.

The Ohio Department of Insurance is issuing an order for insurers in Ohio to allow employers to offer employees a grace period for insurance premiums.

Tennessee:

(Williamson County): County Sheriff's Office will not serve eviction notices to residents, but will still serve civil papers.

Texas:

(Fort Bend County): On March 20, the Fort Bend County Judge issued an order effective March 21 to April 3, unless modified by subsequent order. The order prohibits visitation to nursing homes, and further requires dining services to only provide take-out and delivery.

Virginia:

Governor Northam issued an executive order waiving certain provisions of the Code of Virginia to permit hospitals and nursing homes to increase bed spaces without the need to seek further approval.

March 19, 2020

Arizona:

Governor Ducey announced the issuance of four executive orders. First, the National Guard was activated to assist grocery stores and food banks with re-stocking shelves in the face of heightened demand. Second, elective surgeries are delayed, to conserve personal protective equipment necessary to test and treat patients with COVID-19. Third, certain restaurants in counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases are required to provide dine-out options only, as well as the closure of all bars in those counties. This order allows restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with the purchase of food. Fourth, expiration dates are delayed on driver licenses ensuring residents over the age of 65 do not need to visit Motor Vehicle Division offices to renew their driver licenses during the public health emergency.

California:

(Statewide): On March 19, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 (the “Order”), which was effective immediately and until further notice. The Order requires all residents to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of “Essential Critical Infrastructure” sectors and additional sectors as the State Public Health Officer may designate. Essential Critical Infrastructure are identified in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”)’s “Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response,” dated March 19, 2020 (the “Memorandum”). The Memorandum defined Critical Infrastructure Workers as persons who conduct a range of operations and services that are essential to continued critical infrastructure viability, such as healthcare, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works. The State Public Health Officer also issued a list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” that are allowed to leave their residences to travel to and from work.

Connecticut:

On March 19, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7G, which suspended all non-critical court operations and associated requirements, deadlines and statute of limitations.

Florida:

Miami Beach Mayor Gelber announced that all hotels in the city must be closed by 11:59 PM on Monday. The city is also implementing a curfew from midnight to 5:00 AM beginning on March 24. County officials stated they are considering county-wide hotel closures.

Hawaii:

Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced school facilities will remain closed to students for three weeks, with the exception of grab-and-go meal school sites.

Illinois:

Governor Pritzker issued a Shelter-At-Home executive order requiring all individuals living in the state to stay at home except for essential activities, essential government functions, or for the operation of essential businesses and operations. Essential businesses include healthcare and public health operations, human services, stores that sell groceries, medicine, and hardware supplies, gas stations, financial institutions, mail services, laundry, manufacturers of food and beverages, professional services such as legal or insurance, and hotels, among others. Restaurants can remain open for delivery or carry-out. The order also prohibits gatherings of more than ten people and instructs enforcement authorities to cease enforcement of orders of evictions.

Iowa:

The Iowa Department of Revenue extended the filing and payment deadline for several state tax types, including income tax for Iowa residents and businesses. The order extends filing and payment deadlines with a due date on or after March 19, 2020, and before July 31, 2020, to a new deadline of July 31, 2020.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards announced that small businesses in all 64 Louisiana parishes will have access to federal Small Business Administration disaster aid in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Maryland:

Governor Hogan amends the existing order on social gatherings, moving the limit to groups of 10 people. In additional to restaurants and bars, the following remain closed: fitness centers and gyms, theaters, malls, bingo and pool halls, bowling alleys, amusement parks, and roller and ice skating rinks. The state also clarified that convenience stores need not close. The state also announced that no one should use public transportation except emergency personnel, health-care workers, or those whose jobs are essential to the supply chain. The Governor also asked the University of Maryland system to keep students off campus and finish the spring semester online. Finally, the Governor announced that Maryland has received official designation from the SBA for its Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which provides low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Massachusetts:

Governor Baker announced that Massachusetts is not planning a force shelter in place.

Nebraska:

(Omaha Metro): Governor Ricketts issued an executive order relaxing beer, wine, and liquor sale and payment requirements under the Liquor Control Act for bars and restaurants subject to the March 19th DHM. The order allows certain licensees to conduct otherwise prohibited carry-out and delivery sales, extends temporary operating permits, and extends payment deadlines for wine and spirit deliveries.

(Omaha Metro): The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued the state’s first Directed Health Measure (“DHM”). This DHM is in effect through April 30, 2020 and applies in the Omaha metropolitan area (Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, and Cass Counties). The DHM imposes an enforceable limit on public gatherings of ten (10) persons in certain areas.

Areas subject to the DHM include, but are not limited to, theaters, churches, houses of worship, gyms, social clubs, salons, and social gatherings, including weddings, funerals, concerts, and athletic events. The DHM does not apply to places such as office buildings, grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, court houses, court rooms, banks, car dealerships, auto repair shops, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, small shops, golf courses, big box stores, gas stations, convenience stores, shopping malls, manufacturing facilities, packing facilities, construction jobs, and other traditional office settings.

Additionally, it requires restaurants and bars in these areas to close their dining areas immediately and move to takeout service, delivery, and/or curbside service only. Liquor, beer, and wine sales are restricted to carry-out sales and delivery only. For bars and restaurants, the DHM applies to patrons only, not to workers.

Persons subject to the DHM may contest its application through an administrative appeal.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum signed Executive Order 2020-05 suspending certain licensure requirements for health care and behavioral health care workers to allow them to work in the state if they are appropriately licensed in another state.

In addition, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction published guidance regarding distance learning.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved their request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Loan applications can be completed online, or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-659-2955.

Governor DeWine also signed an executive order to expand and enhance telehealth options for Ohio Medicaid recipients and their providers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Texas:

(Statewide): On March 19, Texas Governor Gregg Abbot issued Executive Order No. GA-08, effective March 21 through April 3 with restrictions on certain social activities.

Also on March 19, the Texas Department of State Health Services determined that COVID-19 represents a public health disaster pursuant to the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Virginia:

Governor Northam announced increased access to healthcare for Medicaid recipients and low-income households, waiving co-pays and expanding telemedicine access. Governor Northam also expanded eligibility for Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy program and directed childcare providers to limit the number of people in each room to 10 and to prioritize care for children of essential personnel. The Governor also announced Virginia had been approved for Economic Injury Disaster Loans by the Small Business Administration, permitting Virginia businesses to seek disaster relief loans from the SBA. Tax deadlines for individuals and corporations were pushed back to June 1, 2020.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issued a proclamation to restrict non-urgent medical and dental procedures to free up health care workers and protective equipment. The restrictions will not apply to emergency and urgent needs.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Washington’s request for a Section 1135 Medicaid waiver. The approved waiver enables Washington to provide flexibilities in Medicaid provider screening, forgo certain pre-admission screening and annual resident review assessments, lift prior authorization requirements, allow for reimbursement facility services in alternative settings, extend fair hearing timelines, and waive public comment and tribal consultation requirements for certain changes to the Medicaid state plan.

March 18, 2020

Alaska:

Alaska closed all bars and restaurants for on-premises dining. Alaska’s other health mandates include closing libraries, museums, and schools, closing businesses with operations where individuals are within six feet of each other, including salons, tattoo shops, massage therapy and prohibiting gatherings of more than ten people.

Hawaii:

Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced its offices will be closed, except for essential functions, effective March 19, 2020. School facilities will close on March 30 after the extended spring break.

(City and County of Honolulu): Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a Supplemental Proclamation which, among other things, mandated the closure of all bars, nightclubs, and restaurants (with the exception of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery service) for 15 days. The order also closes City facilities to public gatherings and places other restrictions on governmental operations. The Proclamation is in effect for 60 days unless terminated sooner.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds signed SF 2357, which expands the roles of physician assistants (PA) in Iowa. The legislation aimed at combating COVID-19 makes changes related to the practice of a PA by allowing for full prescriptive rights, legal protections similar to other health care professions, the ability to be reimbursed by Medicaid and a range of other changes.

Louisiana:

State Health Officer, Jimmy Guidry, released guidelines to limit all elective health procedures.

Maine:

Governor Mills issued an executive order that closed restaurant dining rooms, bars, and banned gatherings of more than 10 people in the state. This Order is effective 6 p.m. March 18, 2020 through midnight of March 31, 2020.

Massachusetts:

Governor Baker issued an emergency order temporarily closing child care programs. Other orders issued on this same day involved sharing critical information with first responders, and the flexible reassignment of Physicians’ Assistants.

Minnesota:

Governor Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-08, which amended a previous order closing bars and restaurants to include tanning establishments, tattoo parlors, and salons and shops licensed by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners and the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. The temporary closure currently lasts until March 27, 2020 and 5:00pm.

Nevada:

Governor Steve Sisolak waived the work search requirement and the 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits.

North Carolina:

Mecklenburg County Health Director, Gibbie Harris, ordered gyms, health clubs, and theaters to close.

The ban also prohibits gatherings of 50 or more people until April 12. However, it does not include the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, bus or light rail stops, residential buildings, hotels, shelters, grocery stores and shopping malls.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum stated that he will waive all instructional hours scheduled to take place this week, meaning schools do not have to reschedule those hours. This decision will ensure state aid payments to K-12 school districts are not interrupted. The Governor’s Office will not require districts to submit the waiver form (SFN 51826 (03-2020)) for the instructional hours lost between March 16 and March 20.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine ordered temporary closure of Ohio's barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and tattoo parlors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor DeWine also ordered the temporary closure of most of Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) deputy registrar locations and BMV driver examination stations.

Oregon:

Governor Brown issued Executive Order No. 20-10 to cease all non-emergency medical procedures to conserve personal protective equipment. The order applies to all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics, and health care providers, including veterinarians and dentists. The order is effective for 90 days.

Utah:

Governor Herbert issued an executive order suspending certain Open and Public Meetings Act requirements to allow public bodies to hold electronic meetings, even if the public body has not previously adopted a rule to govern such meetings. Physical notice posting requirements are waived. Interested persons and media must be able to participate and comment electronically.

Additionally, Governor Herbert issued an executive order waiving certain requirements for the return of wine, beer, and spirits to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Subject to certain requirements, including that the products are unsealed and were purchased between March 2nd and March 18th, 2020, the restocking fee for alcoholic beverages is waived and refunds need not be processed only by check, which can take several weeks.

Washington:

Governor Inslee signed Proclamation 20-19 to place additional restrictions and bans on certain evictions until April 17, 2020. Residential landlords are prohibited from serving a notice of unlawful detainer for default payment of rent under RCW 59.12.030(3), may only issue a 20-day notice for unlawful detainer under RCW 59.12.030(2) in limited circumstances, and may not initiated a judicial action seeking a writ of restitution for failure to pay rent. In addition, local law enforcement is prohibited from acting on all eviction orders that are issued for default payment.

March 17, 2020

Arizona:

(City of Phoenix): Mayor of Phoenix declared a state of emergency and ordered restaurants to close their dining areas immediately and move to takeout service, delivery, and/or curbside service only. Additionally, bars, indoor gyms, fitness clubs, movie theaters are also closed to the public.

(City of Tucson): Mayor of Tucson issued a Proclamation declaring a local emergency and ordered restaurants to close their dining areas immediately and move to takeout service, delivery, and/or curbside service only. Bars, theaters, museums, indoor gyms, fitness centers, and bowling alleys (and other similar recreational or entertainment facilities) are also closed to the public. This Proclamation remains in effect until terminated by Mayor or other proclamation is issued determining that the emergency no longer exists.

California:

Governor Newsom announced that he has placed the California National Guard on alert. The National Guard has been directed by the Governor to be prepared to perform humanitarian missions across the state including food distribution, ensuring resiliency of supply lines, as well as supporting public safety as required.

District of Columbia:

Mayor Bowser announced that the SBA accepted the District’s declaration for assistance in the form of economic injury disaster loans following the advent of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and D.C. businesses can start applying now. The District Council also unanimously passed an emergency COVID-19 response bill, which: extends unemployment compensation to those unemployed due to COVID; prohibits evictions of residential and commercial tenants as well as late fees; prohibits utility shut-offs for non-payment; extends public benefit programs such as the Healthcare Alliance, TANF, and SNAP; creates a small business grant program to assist nonprofit organizations and small contractors who do not qualify for unemployment insurance; places limits on price gouging and stockpiling; allows for delivery and carry-out sales by restaurants of beer/wine, if sold along with prepared food; delays retail sales tax payments to the government by stores, restaurants, and other businesses; and extends deadlines/expirations of corporate tax filings, drivers licenses, and professional licenses.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds declared a state of public health disaster. The measure closed all restaurants and bars to the public until March 31, excluding take-out and drive thru options. It also closed fitness centers, theaters, casinos, senior citizen centers, adult day care facilities, and canceled or postponed mass gatherings of more than 10 people.

The Governor also signed Senate File 2408, which creates emergency measures and supplemental appropriations for key government services to combat the spread of COVID-19. Supplemental appropriations and emergency measures include:

Supplemental appropriations for Medicaid ($88.98 million).
Supplemental appropriations other health programs ($1.8 million).
Supplemental appropriations for state hygienic lab ($525,000).
Limitations to some standing appropriations (non-public school transportation, instructional support, AEA funding).
Requirement that the Department of Management and the Legislative Service Agency review FY 2020 appropriations and make appropriations for the first two months of FY 2021.
Emergency appropriations from the Economic Emergency Fund of up to 10% to the DOM for purposes approved by the Governor, through August 31.
Authorization for the Governor to waive school instructional time requirements for schools that close due to COVID-19. Recommendation that schools close for 4 weeks.

Florida:

Governor DeSantis ordered bars and nightclubs in Florida to close for 30 days and directed restaurants to operate at 50% of their maximum capacity.

Kansas:

Governor Kelly issued an executive order closing all K-12 schools until the end of the school year.

The Governor also directed all state employees in the executive branch agencies to stay home for two weeks, effective March 23, 2020, on administrative leave.

Maryland:

Governor Hogan announced that vehicle emissions testing in the state will cease, and that eventually these facilities will be turned into drive-through testing stations. Additionally, tolling stations statewide will be changed to cashless, and the Governor issued a proclamation that postpones April 28th primary elections until June 2nd, with a plan to move forward with the 7th District congressional general election by implementing a vote-by-mail system. Finally, the state issued interpretive guidance for shopping malls, food courts, food trucks, funerals, private clubs, barber shops, hair salons, and spas.

Nebraska:

Governor Ricketts issued an executive order suspending certain unemployment insurance requirements. In addition to waiving work search requirements for workers, the order directs the Department of Labor to temporarily waive charges incurred by employers whose team members are filing claims related to COVID-19.

Governor Ricketts issued an executive order suspending certain Open Meetings Act requirements to allow state, county, and local governments to conduct “virtual” meetings by video or teleconference. Virtual meetings must be accessible by members of the public and media. Meeting notice and agenda publication requirements remain in effect.

Nevada:

Governor Steve Sisolak directed all Nevadans to stay home and for all “non-essential businesses” to close to the public for 30 days.

“Essential businesses” comprise of fire, police, transit, and healthcare services, in addition to businesses that provide food, shelter, or social services for disadvantaged populations. Examples include pharmacies, grocery stores, drug and convenience stores, banks and financial institutions, hardware stores, and gas stations.

Furthermore, the Directive notes, “The construction, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure sector labor force may continue operations, but shall maintain strict social distancing practices to facilitate a minimum of six feet of separation between workers, and to adopt policies and practices that ensure minimum contact between the workforce and the general public.”

The Directive also states it will not hinder the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cyber & Infrastructure Security Agency’s “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” (CISA) memorandum, and the Directive is to account for the CISA and consumer protection guidance. The CISA memorandum identifies “essential” workers such as those essential to continued critical infrastructure viability, including staffing operations centers, maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure, operating call centers, working construction, and performing management functions, among others. The industries they support represent, but are not necessarily limited to, medical and healthcare, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and public works.

While in operation, “essential businesses” must adopt risk mitigation measures that reduce the risk of community spread. In particular, restaurants must be limited to drive-thru, take-out, or delivery.

The following were listed as “non-essential businesses”: gyms, casinos, beauty and grooming businesses, community recreation centers, clubhouses, movie theaters, malls, and more.

Businesses that do not comply with this Directive or regulations promulgated under the Directive, after receiving written notice from law enforcement, may be subject to criminal prosecution and civil penalties.

New Hampshire:

Governor Chris Sununu issued an Executive Order saying that landlords will not be allowed to start eviction proceedings for any tenant unable to pay due to the impact of the coronavirus and that foreclosures will also be frozen.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 118 which closes sit-down services at restaurants and bars. The restriction is in effect until March 31, 2020.

The order also makes state unemployment benefits more widely available.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health has issued an order declaring that elective surgeries and procedures in Ohio's hospitals be postponed in an effort to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and first responders.

Governor DeWine also signed an executive order establishing a temporary pandemic child care license that allows the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to provide child care to families where parents work in the health, safety, and essential service fields during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oregon:

Governor Brown signed Executive Order No. 20-08 to extend the statewide school closure until April 28 and issue guidance for public schools.

Tennessee:

(Davidson County): All evictions and service of civil papers suspended "until further notice" in Davidson County (serving Nashville). No clarification as to commercial, residential, or both. Exceptions include orders of protection, child custody orders, papers related to protection of elderly, vulnerable persons and healthcare workers. Court offices are still open with skeleton crews to receive civil papers/eviction filings, but they won't come before the court until April 10 in Nashville. Sheriff has halted evictions at all stages of the process for the time being, regardless if courts move forward with their procedure

Utah:

The Utah Department of Health issued a statewide public health order limiting restaurant and bar operations and prohibiting gatherings of more than ten individuals (excluding grocery stores). The order is in effect through April 1, 2010, unless further extended.

Restaurants, bars, and taverns were ordered to close their dine-in food services, whether inside or outside. Establishments could operate on a limited basis including by offering carry-out, drive-through service, and third-party delivery service. Any employee presenting COVID-19 symptoms must be not be permitted to work.

Virginia:

Governor Northam announced a number of measures to support workers and businesses disrupted by the COVID-19 epidemic as well as additional restrictions on businesses in the state. Virginia waived the waiting period to receive unemployment and waived financial penalties for employers that experienced an increase in workers requesting unemployment benefits. Virginia also authorized funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help employers remain open. Governor Northam also closed the Commonwealth’s Department of Motor Vehicles offices. Restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters were instructed restrict themselves to 10 patrons or fewer or close and Governor Northam issued a Public Health Emergency Order to allow law enforcement to enforce those directives.

Washington:

Governor Inslee signed five bills aimed at boosting the state’s response to COVID-19.

HB 2965 provides $200 million to state agencies, local governments and tribal governments who are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.
HB 1552 increases surge capacity in the state’s health care workforce by reducing credential delays for health care workers.
SB 6189 mitigates the effects of school closures for hourly employees of the state’s school districts. Hourly employees maintain health care eligibility provided by the schools.
HB 2739 expands shared leave programs for state employees. Under the changes to the shared leave program, employees who are forced to isolate or quarantine because of infection or exposure due to COVID-19 may use shared leave.
Governor Inslee signed an emergency proclamation further restricting access to long-term care facilities in the state. With some limited exceptions, no visitors are allowed into these facilities.

Wisconsin:

Governor Evers signed Emergency Order #5 which prohibits mass gatherings of 10 people or more, indefinitely, and includes gatherings at theatres, museums, health and fitness centers, places of worship, among others. Specific industries such as transportation, government, and childcare are exempt from the ban. All bars and restaurants are closed, but allowed to provide delivery and take out options. There is nothing in the order that prevents other businesses from operating as usual, although work-from-home procedures and telecommunication are encouraged.

Governor Evers spoke further about COVID-19 and community spread in a press conference on March 17, 2020.

March 16, 2020

District of Columbia:

The Mayor issued an emergency order prohibiting private and public gatherings of more than 50 people. The order exempted office spaces, hotels, and residential buildings. The order also suspended restaurant and tavern seating, but allowed for delivery and grab-and-go operations to continue. In addition, the following were closed by the order: health clubs, health spas, massage establishments, and theaters.

Florida:

Governor DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program which will provide short-term, interest-free loans up to $50,000 to small businesses experiencing economic injury. The application period runs until May 8, 2020.

Georgia:

(Atlanta): On March 16, Mayor Lance Bottoms issued Executive Order Number 2020-20. Such order placed a moratorium on residential evictions and filings for 60 days. Entities subject to the order are not permitted to issue notices of termination or initiative evictions for non-payment of rent and may not impose late fees or other charges for non-payment during the term of the order.

Hawaii:

Governor Ige issued a Supplementary Proclamation which suspended certain laws regarding salary periods, public agency meetings and records, and licensing requirements for some medical professionals, among others, to remove impediments to State and County responses to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Supplementary Proclamation also continues the disaster emergency relief period through May 15, 2020, unless terminated sooner by separate proclamation.

Illinois:

Governor Pritzker issued an executive order requiring that all businesses in the state that offer food or beverages for on-premises consumption may only operate for take-out and delivery services. The current order is in place until March 30, 2020. The order also prohibits private and public gatherings of more than 50 people.

Indiana:

Governor Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-04, which required all restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other establishments that provide in-dinning services to close to in-person patrons through March 31, 2020. Those entities are still authorized to provide drive-thru, take-out and delivery services.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds announced various existing forms of assistance to workers and employers in the face of potential COVID-19 layoffs or furloughs. The purpose of the announcement was to provide guidance on how employees may file unemployment insurance claims.

Kansas:

Governor Kelly banned all gatherings larger than 50 people.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards ordered casinos, bars, gyms and fitness centers, and movie theaters to close. He also limited restaurants to shift towards delivery, drive-through and takeout only. The Governor further limited the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people.

Maryland:

The Governor issued an emergency order which closed all of the state’s casinos, betting facilities, and racetracks. The Governor also ordered the closure of all bars and restaurants (which can still provide drive-through, take-out, and delivery services) and prohibited gatherings of more than 50 people. Examples of banned gatherings include social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings. The order also prohibits utility shutoff for electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies for any residential customer’s service, and prohibits charging any residential late fees. Maryland courts were also prohibited form ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19. Finally, the Governor issued an omnibus healthcare order which Increases hospital bed capacity, activates the state’s medical reserve corps; establishes policies and procedures for rationing, distributing and stockpiling resources received from the Strategic National Stockpile, allows interstate reciprocity of practice for any individual that holds a valid health care license, allows for inactive clinicians to practice without first reinstating their inactive license; and allows for actions to control, restrict, and regulate the use of health care facilities in responding to a catastrophic health emergency.

Massachusetts:

Governor Baker announced a $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund providing emergency funds of up to $75,000

Governor Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 people and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food until April 6. The governor also issued a 3-week suspension of school operations. The same day, the Massachusetts Department of Health issued a number of orders governing visiting restrictions at hospitals and assisted living facilities, and requiring that hospitals cancel all non-essential elective procedures.

Michigan:

Governor Whitmer closed all restaurants, bars, and other public accommodation locations offering food and beverages on premises in Executive Order 2020-9. The Governor also closed theatres, libraries, gyms, and places of public amusement. Both closures last until at least March 30, with the date likely to be extended. The restrictions do not apply to health care facilities, crisis shelters, and other public accommodation locations defined in the order. There is nothing in the order that prevents other businesses from operating as usual.

Minnesota:

Governor Walz signed Emergency Executive Order 20-04, temporarily closing bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation. These places are allowed to utilize delivery, window, and walk-up services, so long as they use precautions to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing. The order does not prohibit other employees from entering places of public accommodation in their professional capacity.

North Carolina:

North Carolina will stop eviction and foreclosure hearings for the next 30 days as part of the court system’s latest effort to reduce courthouse traffic and slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said that eviction orders already in the pipeline will be carried out unless the courts step in to stop them.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine issued an order regarding Closure of the Polling Locations in the State of Ohio on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Oregon:

Governor Brown announced an order relating to social distancing, an agreement for Portland metro hospital system to coordinate resources and increase capacity, activation of the state’s Unified Command emergency response organizational structure, and new measures to prevent price gouging. Most notably, the social distancing measures, effective for four weeks starting March 17, include canceling events with more than 25 people and restricting restaurants to carry-out only.

Rhode Island:

Effective March 16 through March 30, Executive Order 20-04 prohibits any on-site food or drink consumption at Rhode Island restaurants, bars, coffee shops and other food establishments. This Executive Order also prohibits gatherings of 25 or more people.

Texas:

(City of Houston): On March 16, the Houston Health Department issued an order, effective March 17 at 8 a.m. The order requires the closure of bars and nightclubs for 15 days. It also orders food service establishments to cease on-site dining service for 15 days. The order does not affect restaurant carry-out, delivery and drive-thru service, third-party delivery services, or grocery stores.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issued an emergency proclamation that mandates the immediate closure of all dine-in restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as additional limits on large gatherings, until March 31, 2020.

March 15, 2020

California:

Governor Newsom called for all bars, wineries, nightclubs, and brewpubs to close and urged seniors and people with chronic health conditions to isolate themselves at home in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

District of Columbia:

The District issued guidance on what government functions and entities will remain operational. The guidance indicated that schools and government would reopen on April 27th, with the public health emergency declaration extended until April 24th. Guidance was also issued for compliance with the 250-person mass gathering restriction, which included the closure of nightclubs and multi-purpose facilities, the suspension of bar seating and service to standing patrons, and limiting table seating to 6 people or less, with at least 6 feet of distance between tables.

Iowa:

Governor Reynolds recommended Iowa schools close for four weeks.

Nevada:

Governor Steve Sisolak closed all K-12 schools for the next three weeks, through April 6, with further closures possible.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to close all K-12 public schools for a minimum of two weeks in response to COVID-19. The schools are to close Monday, March 16.

The Executive Order also bans gatherings of more than 100 people in a single room or space, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or other confined indoor or outdoor space, including parades, fairs and festivals.

North Dakota:

To slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Burgum issued Executive Order 2020-04 to close all K-12 schools from March 16 to March 20.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine issued a Director’s Order to close all Ohio bars and restaurants to in-house patrons, effective at 9:00 p.m. on March 15, 2020. Restaurants with take-out and delivery options will still be able to operate those services, even as their dining rooms are temporarily closed.

Virginia:

Governor Northam announced a temporary state-wide ban on public gatherings of more than 100 people.

March 14, 2020

Alabama:

(City of Selma): Mayor Melton issued a statement "requesting all landlords to halt evictions for the next 60 days".

Washington:

The Washington State Department of Health and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner issued a news release stating that state-regulated health plans must cover testing and lab fees related to COVID-19 without copays or deductibles and must suspend prior authorization requirements for treatments.

March 13, 2020

California:

Governor Newsom announced information on how to file unemployment related to COVID-19.

District of Columbia:

The District banned “mass gatherings” of 250 or more persons at the same time in a single room through emergency rulemaking. In addition, the District closed schools effective March 16th and extending through March 31st, with the plan to implement distance learning. The announcement also indicated that D.C. government will operate under an agency-specific telework schedule, with the intent to continue to deliver essential services and to keep critical systems and services operating.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards signed an executive order postponing Louisiana’s upcoming elections including the presidential primary. The elections scheduled for April and May will take place in June and July.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation that immediately halts any gathering of more than 250 people until April 13, though airports, medical facilities, shopping centers or malls, office buildings, factories or manufacturing facilities, or grocery or departments stores are exempted. The order may be extended beyond April 13 by further order. The proclamation also closes all K-12 public schools statewide effective March 16 until April 13.

Nebraska:

Governor Ricketts declared a state of emergency. Under the Nebraska Emergency Management Act, the Governor’s declaration provided him the authority to assume control over emergency management functions within the state and to issue follow-on orders to respond to the emergency.

New Hampshire:

Governor Sununu, through Executive Order 2020-04, declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19 on March 13, 2020. Since then, he has issued multiple Emergency Orders pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04. Under Emergency Order 2, effective March 16th, Gov. Sununu prohibited gatherings of 50 people or greater for social, spiritual, and recreational activities and restricted food and beverage sales to carry-out, delivery, pick up, and drive through only.

Gov. Sununu’s Emergency Order 4 prohibits landlords from starting eviction proceedings against those unable to pay due to their financial situation. The order also places a moratorium on all judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions. Both prohibitions will remain in effect during the state of emergency. Any establishment offering groceries for sale must “transition” to exclusive use of store provided single use plastic or paper bags when bagging groceries or other products for customers.

Virginia:

Governor Northam directed all schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks.

Washington:

Governor Inslee signed a proclamation requiring that all public and private universities, colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship and similar programs are prohibited from conducting in-person classroom instruction and lectures.

March 12, 2020

Colorado:

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a public health order (# 20-20) restricting the visitation of non-essential individuals to licensed or certified skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and assisted living residences. Essential personnel are subject to strict screening requirements, which must be documented.

Florida:

The state created a survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on local business operations. The survey can be accessed here.

Louisiana:

The Louisiana Department of Health ordered healthcare facilities to restrict visitors to those deemed “essential, vital, or necessary to the care and well-being of the patients, clients, and residents.”

Maryland:

Governor Hogan announced that all public schools are closed through March 27th, and activated the National Guard. Additionally, all non-essential state employees who are approved for telework are required to telework.

Nevada:

Governor Steve Sisolak issued a Declaration of Emergency in the State of Nevada.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper provided guidance to cancel or to postpone gatherings over 100 people and to telework if possible.

North Dakota:

Governor Burgum released recommendations for events and public gatherings in light of COVID-19. The recommendations outline different strategies for events and public gatherings based on three levels of risk, or thresholds.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine announced that all K-12 grade schools close for a period of several weeks. The schools are to close on March 16 and will close to students through Friday, April 3. This order includes all public, community, and private K-12 schools in the state, but does not apply to Ohio’s childcare system such as daycare centers and home-based childcare providers.

Oregon:

Governor Brown announced statewide school closures for K-12 schools from March 16th through March 31st.

Utah:

Governor Herbert issued an executive order suspending in-person filing requirements for potential candidates for elected office.

Virginia:

Governor Northam declared a state of emergency. The declaration allows Virginia to coordinate and request emergency resources and support in response to COVID-19. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources in order to increase the Commonwealth’s response. The Governor also activated the Virginia National Guard. The emergency declaration also waived state procurement regulations.

Washington:

Governor Inslee announced closures of all public and private K-12 schools in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties for the next six weeks.

March 11, 2020

Arizona:

Governor Ducey declared a state of emergency in Arizona, effective March 11, 2020. The Emergency Declaration may be terminated when the outbreak is resolved, as determined by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Governor Ducey also issued an Executive Order instituting protective measures to be implemented by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Department of Insurance, and Attorney General.

District of Columbia:

Mayor Bowser issued an order declaring a state of emergency. The declaration allows D.C. to request federal disaster funds and stop price gouging. It also gives the authority to order quarantines without court approval for someone who has made contact with positive cases, is confirmed positive, or is deemed “high risk.” Just prior to releasing this order, D.C. recommended that all non-essential gatherings of more than 1,000 people, such as sporting events and concerts, be cancelled.

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards declared a public health emergency to allow state agencies to thoroughly prepare for any issue related to public health needs and to deploy additional resources to assist local authorities.

Maryland:

Governor Hogan enacted several additional state actions including for long term care communities, veterans’ facilities, and health insurance. The Maryland Health Benefits Exchange established a special enrollment period for COVID-19. For long term care communities, staff are prohibited from international travel, assess is limited to essential visits only, and facilities are recommended to screen all individuals entering. The state’s veterans’ facilities are required to follow the same guidelines for long-term care facilities.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issued an emergency proclamation that limits large events, those over 250 people, in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The order is effective until midnight on March, 31, 2020.

March 10, 2020

Massachusetts:

Governor Baker declared a state of emergency and imposed broad restrictions on travel for state employees. Under current procedures, the Public Health Council has authorized the Commissioner of Public Health to institute emergency orders.

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency, which actives the Emergency Operation Center, and allows for control of cost burdens, protects consumers from price gouging, and makes it easier to purchase necessary medical supplies.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine issued a recommendation that large, indoor gatherings in Ohio be canceled or postponed due to the potential for coronavirus.

Oregon:

Governor Brown issued a policy to limit transmission of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities, including limiting visitation to essential individuals.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issued new rules for nursing home and assisted living facilities. The rules center around visitors, screenings, and precautionary measures.

Governor Inslee also issued an emergency proclamation to expand state policies in support of workers and businesses financially impacted by COVID-19. The rules enhance the flexibility of the unemployment insurance program and help relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and quarantine by ensuring unemployment benefits are available to individuals whose employment has been impacted directly by COVID-19.

March 9, 2020

District of Columbia:

Mayor Bowser, in a letter to the District’s Chief Financial Officer, directed an additional $1,000,000 of the District’s Contingency Cash Reserve Fund to be used for personal protective equipment and other necessary supplies and resources for first responders and front-line staff.

Illinois:

Governor Pritzker declared all counties in Illinois as a disaster area pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Act. Pursuant to the Act, upon proclamation that a disaster exists, the Governor has widespread powers for a period of 30 days, including “the power to utilize all available resources as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster.” The Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation currently extends through April 7, 2020.

Maryland:

The Governor Hogan signed emergency legislation allowing the state to access rainy day funds, and formed a Coronavirus Response Team to advise on health and emergency management decisions.

Ohio:

Governor Mike DeWine declared a State of Emergency in Executive Order 2020-01D. Purchasing and contracting requirements are restricted for procuring necessary resources and supplies.

March 8, 2020

Oregon:

Governor Brown announced a state of emergency to provide the Oregon Health Authority and the Office of Emergency Management the state’s reserves of emergency healthcare professionals. It gives those agencies and the state public health director “broad authority” to take action when allocating state resources to contain the spread of the virus.

Washington:

Governor Inslee issues Executive Order 2020-09 to allow emergency prescription refills and permit licensed pharmacists to administer COVID-19 testing.

March 6, 2020

Indiana:

Governor Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-02, declaring a public health emergency in the State of Indiana.

Utah:

Governor Herbert declared a state of emergency.

March 5, 2020

Maryland:

Governor Hogan declared a state of emergency. The declaration allows Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support in response to COVID-19. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources in order to increase the state’s response.

Nevada:

Governor Steve Sisolak announced the adoption of an emergency regulation to ensure that Nevadans covered by health insurance policies are able to obtain medical services and prescriptions related to COVID-19 at their normal costs.

Oregon:

Governor Brown reached an agreement with health insurance companies to waive cost-sharing for individuals testing for COVID-19 at in-network providers or emergency rooms. The agreement also covers immunization for covered people, when that becomes available. The Division of Financial Regulation released guidance for health insurance companies relating to the agreement.

Washington:

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order for all state-regulated health plans to waive copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for testing. Insurers must also allow for a one-time early refill on prescription medications and suspend any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19. If an insurer does not have enough medical providers in its network to provide testing and treatment for COVID-19, it must allow enrollees to be treated by another provider within a reasonable distance at no additional cost.

addition, Governor Inslee announced that the state is taking steps to ensure workers’ compensation protections for health care workers and first responders who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. The expanded coverage takes effect immediately and covers eligible workers already under quarantine.

March 4, 2020

California:

(Statewide): On March 4, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency for California.

Hawaii:

Governor David Ige issued a Proclamation declaring an Emergency Period for the State of Hawaii. The disaster emergency relief period runs through April 29, 2020, unless terminated by proclamation.

(City and County of Honolulu): Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a Proclamation which declared a state of emergency in the City and County of Honolulu as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The proclamation is in effect for 60 days unless terminated sooner.

(County of Maui): Mayor Michael Victorino issued a Public Health Emergency Proclamation for the County of Maui. The proclamation is in effect for 60 days unless terminated sooner.

Virginia:

The Commonwealth created an Incident Management team to coordinate its response to COVID-19 across the government.

Washington:

HB 2965 passes and provides a $100 million funding package to help state and local public health organizations mobilize to stop the spread of the disease. An amendment was added that ensures individuals can access unemployment benefits without meeting the work search requirements if they are under isolation or quarantine.

March 2, 2020

Louisiana:

Governor John Bel Edwards announced the creation of a COVID-19 Task Force.

March 1, 2020

Florida:

Governor DeSantis signed an executive order directing the state health officer to declare a public health emergency and to take any actions needed to protect the public.

February 29, 2020

Washington:

Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency, issued a proclamation directing state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to do everything possible to assist affected communities, and called for a Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The Governor Inslee also mobilized the National Guard.

February 11, 2020

North Carolina:

Governor Roy Cooper formalized the state’s ongoing effort to monitor, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 with a state Novel Coronavirus Task Force.