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COVID-19 Resources for HR

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR HR

The following information provides a summary of the various state and local Executive Orders (EOs), mandates, emergency or public orders, directives, guidance, and tools to help navigate the COVID-19 requirements in each state as of April 17, 2020. This situation continues to be fluid and we will update information as needed. 

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COVID-19 State Laws

Stay-at-Home   Issued — April 30, 2020  End — July 3, 2020
Alabama

Every person is ordered to stay home except as necessary to perform “essential activities” including obtaining necessary supplies, services, attend religious services, take care of others, work, engage in outdoor activity, seek shelter, travel as required by law, and to see family members.  [Order Suspending Certain Public Gatherings and COVID-19 webpage/resources and Stay at Home FAQs]

Even though the state did not meet the requirements for Reopening Alabama Responsibility, the governor made the following changes to the order.  All retail stores may open with 50% occupancy rate and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet.  All beaches are open to gathering of fewer than 10 persons and all medical procedures including elective procedures may resume.  Non-work gatherings of 10 persons or more are prohibited.  Drive-in gatherings are acceptable including stay-in-your-car church services.  Restaurants, bars and breweries are limited to take-out, curbside or delivery. 

On 5/8/2020, the E.O. providing liability protection or immunity to businesses and health care providers was issued.  The 10-person limit for non-work gatherings is lifted but people are encouraged to maintain 6 feet distance.  Restaurants, bars and breweries can open with on-premises consumption but must limit table seating to no more than 8 persons and six feet of distance between tables, subject to additional sanitation rules.  Employees must wear a facial covering when interacting with patrons.  Prohibits self-services stations at restaurants.  Athletic facilities and close-contact service providers may open subject to social distancing and sanitation rules with employees wearing facial coverings.  Beaches may open with no limit on gatherings but people must maintain a 6 foot distance.  [guidelines for places of worship, guidelines for restaurants and bars, guidelines for athletic facilities, guidelines for close contact personal service businesses]

On 5/22/2020 entertainment venues, including bowling alleys, arcades, concert venues, tourist attractions, etc., may reopen at 50% occupancy. From 5/22/2020 through 6/14/2020 team athletic activities limited to practices may take place.  Beginning 6/15/2020, participation in team athletic activities may proceed subject to social distancing, facial covering, and sanitation guidelines.  Effective 6/1/2020 education institutions may reopen. Effective 5/23/2020 child day care facilities and day and overnight youth summer camps may resume operations. [Guidelines for entertainment venues and tourist attractions, guidelines for adult and youth athletic activities, guidance for public K-12 schools, guidelines for child day care facilities, guidelines for day and overnight youth summer camps]

Face Protection
Alabama

Citizens are encouraged to wearing face coverings while out in public. Face coverings are required for employees of restaurants, personal care services and gym and fitness center. [Safer than Home Order] Employees of entertainment venues must wear a facial covering when interacting with guests.

Health and Temperature Screening
Alabama

Recommended that employers should take temperatures onsite with a no-touch thermometer each day upon a person’s arrival at work.  Employers are recommended to screen all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 symptoms with specified questions.

Health Screening
Alaska

Businesses must conduct pre-shift symptom screening and maintain a screening log.

Face Protection April 3, 2020
Alaska

Recommended that citizens wear a cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Employees of reopening businesses must wear face coverings. [Health Alert]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — April 24, 2020
Alaska

Allow restaurants and pet-grooming services to reopen.  Retail stores; personal service providers (barbers, nail salons, hair dressers) and other non-essential businesses will be able to offer limited services and can’t exceed 25% of their normal capacity.  [Press release]

Non-Congregate   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — April 24, 2020
Alaska

All persons, except those engaged in essential health care services, public government services, and essential business services, are mandated to remain in their place of residence and practice social distancing of six feet from other individuals. [Health Mandate, Extension, List of Essential Services and Critical Infrastructure, and COVID-19 webpage]

Allow restaurants and pet-grooming services to reopen.  Retail stores; personal service providers (barbers, nail salons, hair dressers) and other non-essential businesses will be able to offer limited services and can’t exceed 25% of their normal capacity.  [Press release]

All businesses, houses of worship, libraries, museums, recreational sites, and sports activity sites may open with in-person customers effective 5/22/2020. Proposed large public gatherings such as festivals and concerts need to consult with public health before scheduling.  [Alaska’s Plan ForwardFAQs, Phase III/IV detailed guidance]

Allows for certain non-urgent health care to resume on 4/20/2020. [Health Mandate 15]  Prohibited “public and private gatherings of non-household members, regardless of the number of people involved,” including weddings, faith gatherings, graduations and funerals.  Allows for (1) live-streaming of religious services as long as there are no in-person group greater than 10 and all must wear at least cloth face masks, and (2) drive-in religious services where participants remain in their vehicles and each car is parked six feet apart. [Health Mandate 11 issued 3/27/2020]

Phase 1 starts on 4/24/2020 with limited restaurant and retail openings by reservation only with 25% capacity, universal face coverings, and sanitization and cleaning plans.  Personal services can open with a 1:1 staff to customer ratio with no waiting rooms, use of face coverings and sanitization and cleaning plans.  Non-public-facing and public facing businesses, including fishing charters, lodges and camping facilities can open with social distancing, face coverings and sanitization and cleaning plans.  Social, religious, and other gatherings are limited to 20 persons maximum with social distancing and face coverings suggested.  Gyms can operate outdoors with reservations only and must limit occupancy to 20 people. Childcare and day camps can open outdoors only, require face covering and maintain social distancing.  Graduation ceremonies must be limited to 20 people and maintain social distancing. [Reopen Alaska, Dine-In Service Phase 1 plan, Retail Businesses Phase 1 plan, Personal Care Services Phase 1 plan, Non-essential non-public facing businesses Phase 1 plan, Public Facing Business Phase 1 plan, Social, religious and other gatherings Phase 1 plan, Gyms and fitness centers Phase 1 plan]

Stay-At-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 1, 2020
Arizona

Promotes increased physical distancing and limits time away home to: (1) participate in essential activities, (2) work or volunteer in essential functions; (3) utilize any services or products provided by essential business services; (4) to work in a family owned business, sole proprietorship, or when work is conducted in a separate office space from home and the business is not open to serve the public.   [New release, E.O. 2020-18, and Press release defining essential services, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/1/2020, elective surgeries can resume.  Effective 4/22/2020 healthcare providers and dentists can seek exemptions from non-essential elective surgeries if they have implemented measures to keep employees and patients safe.

Beginning 5/4/2020 retail businesses will be allowed to sell goods through delivery, window, walk-up, drive-through, drive-up or curbside delivery services.  Started 5/8/2020 retail businesses can resume expanded in-person operations permitted they implement social distancing and sanitation measures. [Return Stronger plan, E.O. 2020-33]

Health Screening
Arizona

Recommended that retail employers implement symptom screening for employees prior to start of their shift.

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Arizona

10-40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $240. [UI webpage]

Worker's Compensation May 15, 2020
Arizona

Warns employers and their insurance carriers that COVID-19 illness claims cannot be “categorically” denied and that law requires all denials to be “well-grounded in fact” and “warranted by existing law.”

[Substantive Policy Statement: COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Claims, Adjusting COVID-19 Compensation Claims]

Face Protection
Arizona

Recommended that citizens wear a cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  Required for employees and customers of barbers and cosmetologists. [Emergency response]

Health Screening
Arkansas

Restaurants, gyms and fitness center must screen all staff for specified symptoms daily before entering the workplace.  All employees should be screened for fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.  [Guidance]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Arkansas

At least 10% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $451. [Shared Work Program webpage]

Business Operations April 27, 2020
Arkansas

On 4/27/2020 elective surgeries will be allowed

COVID-19 webpage

 Issued 3/26/2020 and prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people in confined indoor or outdoor spaces.  Does not apply to businesses or places of worship or to outdoor, unenclosed spaces in which social distancing can be followed.  [E.O. 20-10]  On 4/4/2020 businesses were required to limit occupancy to the level at which social distancing can be achieved, mark six-foot increments in waiting lines, provide contactless payment, place informational signs at their entrances.  Operations can be resumed on 5/6/2002 providing services are by appointment only; screening both clients and employees; limit occupancy to 10 persons, or 30% of capacity for facilities large enough to allow; and require face coverings for employees and clients when possible. [Directive for personal services]  Gyms can open on 5/4/2020 and limited dine-in service can resume on 5/11/2020.  State park services will open on 5/15/2020.  [Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order]

Face Protection
Arkansas

Recommended to wear a cloth mask when in public and unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others.  Required for restaurants reopening for dine-in. Staff in the back of the house are encouraged to wear a face mask.  All staff are required to wear gloves that should be changed out between each customer, customer group or task. Patrons must wear a face covering upon entrance and while in the restaurant until the food or drink is serviced, and may be refused service if not wearing a mask.  Required for employees and patrons of reopening gyms and fitness centers.  [Health recommendations]

Harrassment
California

Due to reports of violence and harassment, particularly in the Asian-American community, the CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing has released a poster, available in 10 languages, which employers may post to try to combat hate crimes. [guidance, poster]

Health and Temperature Screening
California

Employers must train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them. Hair salons and barbershops must conduct temperature and symptom screenings for all workers at the beginning of their shift.  Customers should be screened upon arrival and if they are ill or exhibit symptoms they should be rescheduled.

Agricultural Employers April 7, 2020
California

Requires employers to establish and implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to protect employees from worksite hazards, including infectious diseases.  Agricultural employers must provide training readily understandable by all employees on (1) COVID-19, (2) CA’s COVID-19 response webpage, (3) the importance of frequent hand-washing with soap and water, and (4) the employer’s plan and procedures to protect employees from COVID-19.   [Guidance for Agricultural employers]

Issued 4/7/2020

State Disability Insurance March 4, 2020
California

Authorizes the Employment Development Department (EDD) to waive the seven-day waiting period normally required before claiming SDI benefits. Provides up to 52 weeks of partially paid leave for an eligible employee’s own disability.  Eligible employees include those unable to work because of exposure to, or a diagnosis of, COVID-19 by a certified medical professional.  [E.O. N-25-20

Stay-at-Home March 19, 2020
California

Must stay home except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors.  The supply chain will continue so that citizens have access to food, prescriptions, and health care. [E.O. N-33-20 State of Emergency, Stay at Home Order FAQs; and Covid-19 webpage.

Issued 3/19/2020 and continues until further notice.

On 5/8/2020 non-essential retailers can offer curbside pick-up services.  Associated logistics, manufacturing and supply chains for the retailers will be able to reopen.  [Press release, E.O. N-60-20, Powerpoint presentation]

Roadmap to modify the stay-at-home order; Resilience roadmap; announcement on four-staged plan; updated industry guidance]

On 5/12/2020, CA OSHA issued COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Dine-In Restaurants which outlines employee training, individual control measures and screening, cleaning and disinfecting protocols and physical distancing guidelines.  [Industry specific guidance page

On 5/26/2020 barbershops and hair salons can open providing services only with both the worker and customer wearing a face covering.

WARN March 4, 2020
California

Employers are relieved of the 60-day notice requirements mandated by the CA’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act but are still required to issue a prior notice of a layoff, relation, or termination.  [E.O. N-31-20

Issued 3/4/2020 and ends when the state of emergency is over.

Workers Compensation May 6, 2020
California

Creates a workers’ compensation rebuttable presumption that employees diagnosed with COVID-19 contracted the virus at work.  Applies retroactively to employees who test positive for COVID-19 and have worked outside the home from 3/19/2020 until 7/5/2020.  Any employees who tests positive or receives a COVID-19 diagnosis “within 14 days after a day that the employee performed labor or services at the employee’s place of employment” will fall under the presumption.  An employee must use all available paid sick leave before any temporary disability payments are payable.   [E.O. N-62-20]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
California

10 – 60% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $450. [Work Share Program webpage]

Construction Sites March 31, 2020
California

Requires construction employers to develop comprehensive exposure control plans to address COVID-19. The plan must address social distancing, symptom checking, hygiene, decontamination procedures, and training. Failure to comply may mean withheld municipal inspections or shutdowns.  [L.A. Building & Safety Announcement No. 5]

Issued 3/31/2020

Face Protection April 7, 2020
California

Recommended that if available, and controls such as barriers to block or create physical distance between the employee and the customer are not feasible, employers should provide face masks to workers in the grocery industry with regular close contact with the public.  Employers should train and encourage workers to wear the face covering of their choice voluntarily at work. [Safety and Health Guidance] Hair salons and barbershop owners must provide protective equipment, including goggles, gloves and face coverings.

 

Worker Protection April 10, 2020
California - Los Angeles

Requires the foodservice, grocery stores, and pharmacies to permit employees to change their schedules if the change is: (1) to provide daycare, (2) to care for a sick family member, or (3) because the employee feels ill, suspects having been exposed to COVID-19 or exhibits a symptom of COVID-19.  Must offer available work to qualified employees if the employee will not incur overtime before hiring a new employee.  [Public Order – Grocery, Drug Retail and Food Delivery Worker Protection]

On 5/4/2020, two ordinances governing employee right of recall and worker retention were issued.  Both become effective on 6/14/2020.  COVID-19 Right of Recall ordinance No. 186602, Article 4-72J-A requires certain employers (airport, commercial property, event center and hotel) to rehire employees laid off from work on or after 3/4/2020, pursuant to specific rehire procedures.  COVID-19 Worker Retention ordinance # 186603, Article 4-72J-B applies to the same employers and requires, within 15 days of an ownership transfer, that the seller provide the buyer with a list of its workers, including name, address, date of hire and classification, in order to give them hiring priority.

Business Operations April 10, 2020
California - San Francisco

The city will provide $10 million to fund sick leave for employees who are either sick with COVID-19, self-quarantined to prevent the spread, caring for a sick family member, home because of a temporary work closure, or caring for a child who is home because of a school/daycare closure.  Program is available to employees who have exhausted their current available sick leave and are not eligible for supplemental federal or state sick leave and the employer agrees to extend sick leave beyond current benefits. [The Workers and Families First Program] [Get Reimbursed for paying your SF staff for the extra time]

Issued 3/16/2020

Business Allowances and Unemployment March 11, 2020
Colorado

Suspends regulations for businesses in the alcohol and marijuana industries to allow businesses to adapt their operations to social distancing, allowing the business to deliver alcohol and suspending physical exams for medical marijuana cards.  Allocates $1 million to improve and expedite unemployment applications  [E.O. D 2020  003]

 

Health and Temperature Screening
Colorado

Employers must conduct daily temperature checks at the worksite to the greatest extent possible, or if not practicable, through self-assessment at home prior to coming to the worksite. Employers must implement daily symptom monitoring protocols at the worksite to the greatest extent possible.  Employers may use an employee health screening form for checking symptoms.

Face Protection April 17, 2020
Colorado

Required that workers in critical businesses and government functions in which workers interact in close proximity with other employees or with the public must (1) wear medical or non-medical cloth face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while working, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health; and (2) to the extent possible, wear gloves when in contact with customers or goods if gloves are provided to workers by their employer.  [E.O. D 20202 039]

Stay-at-Home March 26, 2020
Colorado

This requires citizens to stay at home except for performing critical activities. Participating in outdoor recreation is acceptable at a distance of six feet or more.  Cannabis and liquor stores will remain open.  [E.O. 2020-24, E.O. Extension, Press release on Stay-at-Home Order, FAQs , COVID-19 webpage]

Phased openings as of 4/27/2020.  On 5/1/2020 retail shops are now allowed to reopen with strict precautions. On 5/4/2020 commercial businesses can open with up to 50% of employees working in-person.  Elective surgeries may resume.

On 4/27/2020, non-critical businesses will be allowed to provide delivery, window or curbside service.  On 4/26/2020 the New Normal Advisory Board was created.  [E.O. 2020 002, #DoingMyPark CO]

Non-discrimination and Reasonable Accomodations May 21, 2020
Colorado

Guidance to Employers and Places of Public Accommodation Regarding EEO and Reasonable Accommodations Due to the Presence of COVID-19 addresses non-discrimination and reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities, “vulnerable individuals,” those with COVID-19, those who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those with symptoms of COVID-19.

Temperature and Health Screening
Colorado

Employers must implement symptom monitoring protocols and may use a health screening form for checking symptoms.  Must conduct daily temperature checks. [Public Health Order 20-28, Employee Health Screening Form]

Modifies Order 20-28 to encourage employers to conduct daily temperature checks and monitor symptoms but employers now have the option to have employees conduct a self-assessment at home for symptoms and temperature prior to coming to work where worksite checks are “not practicable.”  Employers with over 50 employees may create a policy that requires employees to self-screen at home each day and to report the results to the employer prior to entering the worksite.  [Updated screening form]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Colorado

10 – 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $618. [Work Share Program webpage]

Temperature Screening
Connecticut

Recommended that employees take their temperature before they go to work and if they have a temperature above 100.4F stay at home. [Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Connecticut

10 – 60% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $649. [Shared Work CT webpage]

Nursing Homes March 23, 2020
Connecticut

Restricts entrance into nursing homes and other facilities to protect people who are vulnerable.

[E.O. No.7H, Business Exemptions, Stay Safe, Stay Home Order, COVID-19 webpage]

 

Health and Temperature Screening
Connecticut

It is recommended that employees check their temperature before they go to work and if above 100.4, stay at home.  Health screening is required for personal care services, retail, restaurants, and office-based businesses.  Must ask employees resuming on-premises work to confirm they have not experienced COVID-19 symptoms and to monitor their own symptoms.

Hand Sanitizer and PPE   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 20, 2020
Connecticut

Waives rule to mitigate the critical shortage of hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE).

[E.O. No.7H, Business Exemptions, Stay Safe, Stay Home Order, COVID-19 webpage]

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 20, 2020
Connecticut

All non-essential citizens must “stay safe, stay home” and work from home.  Social gatherings of more than five are prohibited.  [E.O. No.7H, Business Exemptions, Stay Safe, Stay Home Order, COVID-19 webpage]

Effective 5/20/2020, restaurants, offices, hair salons and barbershops, retail stores; and outdoor recreation activities, including museums and zoos can reopen at 50% capacity.  [Sector rules for reopening hair salons and barbershops; museums and zoos; offices; restaurants; and retail and malls]

Businesses are required to complete the self-certification on the CT Department of Economic and Community Development website to receive a Reopen CT badge prior to reopening.

Face Protection April 20, 2020
Connecticut

All residents, over age two who can’t maintain at least six feet of distance from other people, must wear a mask.  Applies to people who use public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services.  Essential workers in essential businesses must wear masks or material that covers their mouth and nose at all times when at work.  [E.O. 7BB]

Effective 4/20/2020

 

Safe Workplace April 7, 2020
Connecticut

Requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to 40 hours of paid leave per year which can be used for their own or child’s or spouse’s illness or medical care.  [FAQs – Unemployment, PSL, Wage and Hours, FMLA]

Issued 4/7/2020

Worker Protection   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Delaware

Employers must follow social distancing policies, protect high-risk workers, provide hand-washing or sanitizing stations, and follow guidelines for internal cleaning.  Visitors are not permitted at essential businesses unless they are providing an essential service. 

Effective 5/8/2020 small retailers can do curbside business. Jewelry stores may open by appointment only.  Hair services may open by appointment only and limit to two appointments at a time per location and leave 15 minutes between appointments for cleaning.  Golf carts allowed at courses for one rider at a time with cleaning between customers; drive-in movies are permitted but patrons must remain inside vehicles.  Effective 5/15/2020, farmer’s markets may reopen.  [Recovery and Reopening; FAQs for the 15th modification; announcement for June 1 target for phase 1; announcement for farmer’s markets]

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Delaware

Requires citizens to stay at home except for essential activities to get groceries or prescriptions, see a doctor, engage in other activities essential to a person’s ( family member’s or pets) health and wellbeing or engage in outdoor activity by adhering to social distancing guidelines.  [Press release, List of essential and non-essential businesses, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection October 1, 2024
Delaware

Employers must provide employees with a face covering to wear while working in areas open to the general public and areas in which coming within six feet of each other staff is likely.  All restaurants must require all employees who interact with customers, including delivery personnel, to wear a face covering while working.  Businesses must provide the face coverings and hand sanitizer to their employees.

All individuals must wear a face covering in specified public places except where doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or if the person is under two years of age.  A business may decline entry to an individual refusing to wear, unless the business is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, in which case the business policy should provide alternate methods of pickup and/or delivery of such goods, or the individual has a medical condition that would prevent them from mask use.  [13th Modification: State of Emergency Declaration]

Temperature and Health Screening
Delaware

Required for high-risk businesses and recommended for all other businesses.  Employers must screen each incoming employee with a basic questionnaire.   Each employee must be asked about and report body temperature at or above 99.5F.  If a facility has the capability to perform active temperature monitoring, they may do so.  [Essential Services Screening Policy, high-risk essential businesses]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
District of Columbia

10 – 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $440. [Shared Work]

Paid Leave July 9, 2020
District of Columbia

Adds two weeks, up to 80 hours, of emergency paid leave (EPL) to address COVID-19-related reasons.  Applies to all non-healthcare employers with between 50-499 employees and employees are eligible if they have worked for the employer for at least 15 days. Employees can be required to exhaust any available paid leave before using EPL.  [D.C. Act 23-286]

Health Screening April 8, 2020
District of Columbia

Requires retail food sellers to check employees for symptoms before their shifts and exclude employees with cold or flu-like symptoms.  If an employee shows symptoms during a shift, they must exclude that employee. [Mayor’s Order 2020-058]

Face Protection April 8, 2020
District of Columbia

Masks or mouth coverings are required for customers at retail food businesses. If feasible, retail food businesses must also procure and provide masks and gloves to their employees who come in close contact with the public.

Masks or mouth coverings are also required for the following: hotel workers, hotel guests, and hotel visitors; individuals using taxis, ride shares, private transportation providers; and workers and customers of food sellers. Food sellers, hotels, taxis, ride-sharing companies, and private transportation companies must procure and require employees and independent contractors to wear gloves and masks and instruct on proper use.

It is recommended that all other citizens wear a cloth mask if feeling ill, caring for someone who is ill, or visiting a healthcare provider’s office.  Employees of and individuals using public transportation are strongly encouraged to wear masks or mouth coverings.  [Mayor’s Order 2020-058]

Unemployment Insurance March 17, 2020
District of Columbia

Expands the DC FMLA to include a “Declaration of Emergency” leave and broadens unemployment insurance availability to affected employees.  Act creates a new category of protected unpaid leave or an employee who is unable to work as a result of COVID-19, during a period of a public health emergency. Covers all employers in DC and removes the one-year employment requirements and 1,000 hour work requirement for employees.  [COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act]

Effective 5/17/2020, employers must provide employees up to two additional weeks of paid leave.  Applies to employers with 50-499 employees, and eligible employees are those who have been employed at least 15 days. Exempts health care providers.     [DC Act 23-286 - COVID-9 Response Supplemental Emergency Act of 2020]

Stay-at-Home March 17, 2020
District of Columbia

Requires citizens to stay at home except to perform essential activities, obtain medical care that cannot be provided through telehealth, get food and essential household goods, perform or access essential governmental functions, work at essential businesses, engage in essential travel, or allowable recreational activities.  [Press release and Mayor’s Order 2020-054, Order extension, COVID-19 webpage, FAQs]

Hotels and constructions sites may open with safeguards. Restaurants may open outdoor seating with physical distancing and safeguards. Personal services may reopen by appointment with five people per 1,000 square feet.  Non-essential retailers can open for curbside and delivery.  [Mayor’s Order 2020-066, Mayor’s Order 2020-067, guidance for restaurants, guidance for retailer]

Shelter-in-Place April 30, 2020
Florida

Requires citizens to shelter-in-place, avoid social gatherings, and requires all individuals that fly or drive into FL from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in FL for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. [E.O. 20-91 Essential Services and Activities Order, E.O. 20-92 amends E.O. 20-91, COVID-19 webpage]

As of 4/17/2020 the governor gave municipalities the go-ahead to reopen while observing social distancing guidelines.  Gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited.  

As of 5/4/2020, bars and nightclubs that derive more than 50% of their income from selling alcoholic beverages are to suspend the sale of them for on-premises consumption.  Restaurants can serve food to customers provided they operate at 25% capacity, keep bar seating closed and limit seating per table to 10 or less.  Outdoor seating is allowed if tables are a minimum of six feet apart.  In-store retail businesses, museums and libraries are permitted to operate with interactive exhibits at a 25% occupancy limit.  Gyms, fitness centers, and personal services will remain closed.   Violation of the order is a second-class misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.  Citizens returning from a cruise are asked to isolate for 14 days. [E.O. 20-112, Safe. Smart. Step by Step]

Effective 5/11/2020, personal services, including hair salons and barbershop can reopen by appointment only and allow 15 minutes between appointments for cleaning.  [E.O. 20-120; guidelines for barbers and cosmetologists]

On 5/22/2020 all state restrictions on youth activities have been lifted.

Face Protection October 1, 2024
Florida

Requires employees and customers in grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and convenience stores to wear face coverings.  The City of Miami order extends the list to construction job sites. The City of Aventura encourages all essential retail and commercial establishments to implement policies on the use of face masks.  [City of Aventura Order No. 7, Miami announcement, Miami Beach order, Miramar Emergency Order 20-M-02]  

Cities: Aventura, Miami, Miami Beach and Miramar

Stay-at-Home April 3, 2020
Georgia

Requires people in GA to stay at home as much as possible except to take care of essential needs.  People are allowed to work or travel to maintain the business’s basic operational needs, including processing payroll and benefits, managing inventory, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the workplace and equipment.  Grants temporary licenses to nurses who apply for a temporary license and are currently licensed in good standing.

Gyms, tattoo shops, barbershops, hair and nail salons, massage studios and bowling alleys to re-open.  Theatres and restaurants can reopen on 4/27/2020.  Bar, nightclubs, and music venues will remain closed. All businesses must adhere to best practices, including social distancing and screening employees for illnesses.

Non-Congregate April 3, 2020
Georgia

Bans gatherings of more than 10 people unless there are at least six feet between each person; it requires citizens to shelter in place.  [All E.O.s: (1) E.O. 03.14.20.01 State of Emergency; (2) E.O. 03.23.20.02 Expending temporary licensing of certain medical professions; E.O. 03.23.20.01 Shelter-in-place order, COVID-19 webpage]

Gyms, tattoo shops, barbershops, hair and nail salons, massage studios and bowling alleys to re-open.  Theatres and restaurants can reopen on 4/27/2020.  Bar, nightclubs, and music venues will remain closed. All businesses must adhere to best practices, including social distancing and screening employees for illnesses.

Local county or municipalities are prohibited from issuing their own shelter-in-place order until at least 5/14/2020.  Businesses are prohibited from allowing gatherings of 10 or more people if doing so would require people to stand or be seated within six feet of others.   As of 5/1/2020 non-critical infrastructure businesses may open but must implement the required safety measures.  Restaurants can open on 4/27/2020 but now allow more than 10 patrons per 500 square feet of public space. Retail businesses must limit the number of patrons inside to 50% of the fire capacity or eight patrons per 1,000 square feet.  Gyms and fitness center may open but, in addition to the safety measures, must implement measures including using signage restricting entrance to patrons who have not been exposed to, diagnosed with, or showing symptoms of COVID-19, screening patrons, implementing social distancing guidelines, and limiting locker room use.     [E.O. 04.23.20.02 Reviving a Healthy Georgia]

Health Screening April 23, 2020
Georgia

Requires restaurants, food establishments, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, and personal care facilities to screen and evaluate employees who exhibit signs of illness, such as a fever over 100.4F, cough, or shortness of breath.  Employers must require employees who exhibit signs of illness to seek medical attention and not report to work.  Gyms and fitness centers are also required to screen patrons at the entrance and refuse entry to anyone displaying symptoms. [Executive Order Reviving a Healthy Georgia]

Essential Services April 3, 2020
Georgia

Expands the definition of essential services and clarifies enforcement provisions. [E.O. 04.02.20.01 and COVID-19 webpage]

Gyms, tattoo shops, barbershops, hair and nail salons, massage studios and bowling alleys to re-open.  Theatres and restaurants can reopen on 4/27/2020.  Bar, nightclubs, and music venues will remain closed. All businesses must adhere to best practices, including social distancing and screening employees for illnesses.

Face Protection March 13, 2020
Georgia

Redefines code so that it does not apply to a person wearing “a mask, hood, or device by which any portion the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer” if that person is wearing such device to comply with healthcare guidance related to COVID-19. [E.O. 04.13.20.02]

Required for businesses permitted to reopen.  Recommended for the general public to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult.

Essential Business   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 31, 2020
Hawaii

Persons may travel to/from essential businesses if the work cannot be conducted through remote technology from their place of residence.  Defines acceptable activities outside the home and essential business operations. [State of Emergency Proclamation, Press release, COVID-19 webpage]

Extended 5/31/2020

Effective 5/7/2020 the following businesses can reopen: landscapers and floral shops, car washes, astronomical observatories and support facilities, pet grooming services, non-profit organizations, retail, car dealerships, real estate services, shopping malls and wholesale and warehousing operations. Elective and non-emergent surgery services may be scheduled.  [Economic and Community Recovery & Resiliency Plan]

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 31, 2020
Hawaii

Requires mandatory self-quarantine for all persons entering the state. Mandates that all citizens stay at home or in their place of residence except as necessary to maintain continuity of operations of federal critical infrastructure sectors.  Persons engaging in shared spaces or outdoor activities must follow social distancing rules.   [State of Emergency Proclamation, Press release, COVID-19 webpage]

Extended 5/31/2020

Face Protection April 20, 2020
Hawaii

Customers at essential businesses and who interact with customers or goods are required to wear cloth face coverings in addition to keeping six feet of distance and limiting the number of customers in the establishment. Violations include fines up to $5,000 and a year in prison.  [Information  [State of Emergency Proclamation, Press release, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 4/20/2020

Stay-at-Home March 25, 2020
Idaho

Requires citizens to self-isolate at home if they are or are not sick but excludes healthcare, public safety, and other essential workers.  People can leave their homes to obtain or provide essential services.

[Press release, Stay at Home Proclamation, Stay at Home webpage, List of essential services, FAQs

Ends 4/30/2020

Health and Temperature Screening
Idaho

Restaurant employers, personal care services, and gyms and fitness centers should check temperature with non-contact thermometer and monitor employee health by screening employees for fever and symptoms before every shift.

Business Operations March 25, 2020
Idaho

Employers must take steps necessary for employees to work remotely from home.  Grocery stores, medical facilities, and other essential business will remain open.   

[Press release, Stay at Home Proclamation, Stay at Home webpage, List of essential services, FAQs

Ends  4/30/2020

Businesses can reopen if they follow social distancing and sanitization guidelines.  Bars, nightclubs, dining rooms, indoor gyms, hair and nail salons, massage parlors, movie theatres, concert and sporting venues will remained closed.  Restaurants can offer takeout and delivery services. Persons entering the state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.  Violations may constitute a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment. [Stay Healthy Order, Idaho Rebounds: Our Path to Prosperity]

Unemployment Benefits March 13, 2020
Idaho

Clarifies that if COVID-19 is the cause for an employer to temporarily or permanently shut down operations, unemployment benefits are available.  Allows for expedited renewal of licenses for nurses who have retired or left the profession.  [Emergency Declaration]

 

Face Protection
Idaho

Employers should identify how personal use items such as masks, face coverings, and gloves may be required by employees, vendors and/or patrons.  Use of face coverings by the general public is strongly recommended.

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 30, 2020
Illinois

All non-essential businesses shall be closed. All businesses that offer food and beverages for on-premises consumption must suspend service.  Businesses may offer food and beverage off-premise options, as long as they maintain adequate social distancing.  Businesses located in airports, hospitals, and dining halls in colleges and universities are exempt. Essential businesses must cap occupancy at 50% of the store capacity based on square footage set by IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  Store aisles set to be one-way identified with signage and/or floor markings.  Discontinue use of reusable bags. Manufacturing businesses must provide face coverings to all employees not able to maintain six-foot social distance, stagger shifts, reduce line speeds and operate only essential lines.   

[E.O. 2020-18, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/1/2020, golf courses and some public parks will be permitted to open under strict social-distancing requirements.

Retail stores may also reopen on 5/1/2020 for the limited purposes of fulfilling telephone and online orders through pick-up and delivery. Employees working in the store must wear a face covering and practice social distancing. 

Fishing, hiking and golfing is permitted.  Engaging in the free exercise of religion has been added as an “essential activity” but must comply with social distancing requirements and gathering must be limited to 10 or less. Elective surgeries can resume.  [E.O. 2020-32]

Phase 3 guidelines help businesses implement safety measures and bring some employee back to work.  Addresses businesses in 10 industries: manufacturing, health and fitness centers, offices, personal care services, retail, outdoor recreation, service counters, restaurants and bars, day camps and youth sports. All employees returning to work must be provided health and safety training. [Phase 3 Guidelines for Reopening Business and Returning People to Work Safely, Phase 3 Business Toolkit, updated FAQs, news/revised guidelines for indoor/outdoor tennis, golf, and boating and fishing]

Non-Congregate   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 30, 2020
Illinois

Two requirements of the Open Meetings Act are suspended: (1) that “members of a public body must be physically present” and (2) the conditions limiting when remote participation is permitted.  Public meetings should be postponed or scheduled using electronic technologies.  All citizens are required to stay in their homes except for conducting essential activities or performing essential business.  [E.O. 2020-18, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/1/2020, golf courses and some public parks will be permitted to open under strict social-distancing requirements.

Face Protection May 1, 2020
Illinois

Residents must cover their faces in public spaces where social distancing is difficult. Applies to anyone over the age of two who is “able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.”

Beginning 5/1/2020 essential businesses and manufacturers are required to provide face coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six feet of social distancing. 

Anti-Retaliation May 20, 2020
Illinois - Chicago

Protects employees from adverse employment actions taken due to COVID-19.  Also includes revisions to Chicago’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance and redefines employee coverage effective 7/1/2020.  [Substitute Ordinance 2020-2343]

Liability Immunity April 1, 2020
Illinois

Provides liability immunity to health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.  [E.O 2020-19]

Issued 4/1/2020

Unemployment Benefits March 21, 2020
Illinois

The provision of the Unemployment Insurance Act, requiring a one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance claims is suspended for claimants who are unemployed or otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits.  [E.O. 2020-18]

Issued 3/21/2020

Wage Garnishments March 14, 2020
Illinois

Service of a garnishment summons, wage deduction summons, or a citation to discover assets on a consumer debtor or consumer garnishee is suspended. [E.O. 2020-25, news alert]

Issued 4/14/2020

Health Screening October 1, 2024
Illinois

It is recommended that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately.  [Guidance] Employers must implement a wellness screening program to verify the absence of COVID-19 symptoms. 

Worker's Compensation April 13, 2020
Illinois

Makes it easier for COVID-19 “first responders” and “Front line workers” to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for an injury or period of incapacity resulting from exposure to the virus during the state of emergency. [Emergency amendment]

On 4/23/2020, the court issued temporary restraining order barring implementation of the emergency rule that presumes COVID-19 infections are work-related.

On 5/22/20202 HB2455 was approved which states that if an employee’s injury or occupational disease is a result of exposure to and contraction of COVID-19, it was presumed to have arisen out of and in the course of the employee’s first responder or front-line worker employment.  The bill revises the code to enhance sick pay and leave for workers who contract the virus and provides death benefits to police officers and firefighters who die after testing positive for the virus or its antibodies if they contract the virus between 3/9/2020 and 12/31/2020.

Health Screening
Indiana

Reopening businesses must conduct employee health screenings.

Face Protection
Indiana

Cloth face coverings recommended in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. [Guidance for Wearing Face-Covering in Public]

Face coverings are required for restaurant employees and personal care services employees. 

Business Operations March 24, 2020
Indiana

All non-essential businesses and operations must cease all activities except for minimum basic operations.  Home-based businesses may continue operations consisting of employees performing activities in their homes.  Essential businesses that remain open must follow social distancing rules of six feet or more.  [E.O. 20-08, E.O. extension, Press release, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Extended 5/1/2020

Gatherings of up to 25 persons are permitted.  “Essential travel” restrictions are lifted. All businesses are to implement measures including screening, enhanced cleaning and CDC social distancing requirements. Retail businesses must limit customers to 50% capacity.  Malls are to limit common areas around retail stores to 25% of capacity.  Restaurants will be allowed to open at 50% capacity one week after the county has been designated as being in Stage 2 (5/11/2020 for most counties).  Personal service businesses can reopen on 5/11/2020 for appointment only.  Manufacturers, hotels and motels can reopen.  Indoor religious services may resume after 5/8/2020 and are not subject to limits on the number of people who may gather.  Healthcare and public health operations are allowed. [Back on Track Indiana, E.O. 20-26]

Stay-at-Home March 24, 2020
Indiana

All citizens are ordered to stay at home, except for essential activities, essential government functions or to participate in essential businesses and operations.  Individuals using shared or outdoor spaces must maintain social distancing protocol.  All public and private gatherings of any number of people that occur outside of a single household are prohibited.  [E.O. 20-08, E.O. extension, Press release, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Extended 5/1/2020

Temperature and Health Screening April 9, 2020
Iowa

COVID-19 webpage

Recommended that employees with temperatures 100.4F be sent home. Employers should screen employees before and after each shift using the screening algorithm.  Employers should also screen employees for coughs, sore throats, difficulty breathing and any other respiratory symptoms. [Guidance for Businesses Experiencing COVID-19 Outbreaks among employees, screening algorithm]

Business Operations April 27, 2020
Iowa

On 5/1/2020 gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited. The limit does not apply to religious services, though weddings and funerals with more than 10 persons are prohibited. Retail stores may open at 50% capacity, though not in every county in the state. Malls may reopen at 50% occupancy with common seating and play areas closed. Restaurants can reopen at 50% capacity, with a limit of six persons seated together.  Self-service of food or beverages is not allowed.  Bars remain closed.  Gyms and fitness centers may reopen at 50% capacity, with social distancing in place and group classes limited to 10 or fewer people.  Salons, barbershops, theatres, casinos, racetracks, bowling alleys, arcades, museums, zoos, playgrounds, campgrounds, swimming pool, etc. remain closed.  [COVID-19 webpage, Proclamation]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Iowa

10 – 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $511. [Voluntary Shared Work FAQs]

Telework   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 3, 2020
Kansas

Permits telework, telecommunications, and other at-home work and also permits travel to/from worksites to pick up equipment or supplies needed to telework, provided that they follow social distancing protocol.

[Press release, E.O. 20-16, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Health and Temperature Screening
Kansas

Employers should monitor employees’ temperature and symptoms regularly using a template screening form.

Civil Liability   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — January 26, 2021
Kansas

Establishes protections from civil liability for the following groups: (1)  health care providers, (2) product sellers and manufactures of qualified products related to COVID-19, (3) adult care facilities in connection with COVID-19 positive residents, and (4) to any business acting in substantial compliance with a public health directive. Applies retroactively to any cause of action accruing on or after 3/12/2020.  [HB No. 2244 - COVID-19 Response and Reopening for Business Liability Protection Act]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Kansas

10 – 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $488. [Shared Work Program]

Essential Business   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 3, 2020
Kansas

Allows essential businesses to remain operational.  The E.O. identifies the businesses that may remain open.

[Press release, E.O. 20-16, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Bars, nightclubs, theatres, museums, casinos, fitness centers/gyms and personal service businesses will remain closed.  All other businesses are allowed to open if they maintain social distancing, follow industry-specific guidelines for cleaning and health practices, and do not allow groups of more than 10 persons if they cannot maintain six feet of distance between them.  [A Plan to Reopen Kansas]

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 3, 2020
Kansas

Requires citizens to remain at home except to conduct essential activities.  Acceptable to engage in outdoor activities providing a distance of six feet or more and abiding by a 10-person limitation on gathering size. [Press release, E.O. 20-16, essential functions FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection
Kansas

Citizens are recommended to cover their nose and mouth with a cloth mask when in public.  [How to Protect Yourself & Others webpage]

Essential Business March 26, 2020
Kentucky

Only life-sustaining businesses may remain open except to conduct minimum basic operations.  Businesses permitted to operate must follow social distancing and hygiene guidance.  [Press release, E.O. 2020-257, COVID-19 webpage]

Issued 3/26/2020 and lasts until the emergency concludes

 

.  All heath care practitioners may resume “non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services. On 5/6/2020, outpatient surgeries and other invasive procedures can resume under strict guidelines.  On 5/13/2020 hospitals and care facilities may complete non-emergency surgeries and procedures at 50% of their pre-COVID-19 patient volume. On 5/27/2020, more restrictions on types of procedures and volume will be left to individual facilities to determine.

On 5/11 2020 manufacturing, construction, vehicle and vessel dealerships, professional services at 50% staff level, horse racing with no fans, and pet grooming and boarding businesses may reopen. On 5/20/2020 retail businesses and houses of worship may reopen. On 5/25/2020 barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and similar services may reopen and gatherings up to 10 people may occur.  Minimum requirements for all businesses must include: (1) universal masks for employees and encouraging customers to wear masks, (2) limiting face-to-face interaction, phased return to work of employees, (3) daily health and temperature tests and plan for COVID-19 testing if needed, (4) designating a “healthy at work” officer; and conducting contact tracing. [Benchmarks for reopening economy, Ten rules to reopening, Healthy at Work]

Stay-at-Home March 26, 2020
Kentucky

Citizens should stay home, limit in-person contact, and engage in social distancing. [Press release, E.O. 2020-257, COVID-19 webpage]

Issued 3/26/2020 and lasts until the emergency concludes

Healthcare Re-opening March 27, 2020
Kentucky

On 4/27/2020, phase one of the reopening the healthcare sector will begin to include restarting diagnostic, radiology, non-urgent, in-person, office, and ambulatory visits.  Also, pre-aesthesia testing services will be allowed to prepare for surgery.  [Press release, E.O. 2020-257, COVID-19 webpage]

Health and Temperature Screening
Kentucky

Recommended that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms upon arrival to work should be separated from other employees and sent home. [Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers]

All open businesses must require employees to undergo daily temperature checks and daily health assessments by either (1) on-site temperature screenings or (2) self-screenings conducted by employees at home at least once every 24 hours, and reported to the employer prior to beginning work. 

Face Protection April 4, 2020
Kentucky

Voluntary use of masks in public settings where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain. [Guidance on Cloth Face Masks]

Businesses must provide PPE to employees and ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that their employees wear a cloth mask.  A business need not require an employee to wear a mask when masking would create a serious health or safety hazard or when the employee is working alone in an enclosed space. Businesses must ensure that employees whose job duties include touching items often touched by others wear gloves that are regularly replaced.

Worker’s Compensation April 9, 2020
Kentucky

If an employee is removed from work by a doctor due to “occupational exposure,” the employee will be entitled to temporary total disability payments during the period of the removal, assuming that there is a causal connection between the conditions under which the work is performed and COVID-19.    [E.O. 2020-277] Issued 4/9/2020

Unemployment
Louisiana

Requires employers to notify workers of the availability of unemployment insurance benefits at the time of the separation, including those forced to lay off workers or reduce hours on account of the COVID-19 economic downturn.    [Emergency Order]

Health Screening
Louisiana

Employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms upon arrival to work should be separated from other employees and sent home.

Essential Business   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Louisiana

All state office buildings are closed to the public.  Non-essential businesses will close but shall not be prohibited from conducting necessary activities such as payroll, cleaning services, maintenance, or upkeep as necessary.  Non-essential businesses are defined in the order.  All other businesses shall reduce operations to continue with minimum contact with members of the public and essential employees while following proper social distancing. [Proclamation 33 JBE 2020, Proclamation 41 JBE 2020 extension, COVID-19 webpage] Fire Marshal’s Interpretive memo on restaurant outdoor seating criteria]

Non-Congregate   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Louisiana

All gatherings of 10 or more people in a single space at the same time shall be postponed or canceled but does not apply to airports, medical facilities, office buildings, factories or manufacturing facilities or grocery stores.  All citizens must stay at home unless performing an essential activity, as defined by the order.  [Proclamation 33 JBE 2020, Proclamation 41 JBE 2020 extension, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection April 27, 2020
Louisiana

Cloth face covering required for all employees who have contact with the public.  Recommends face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  [Press release]

Face Protection
Maine

Recommended that the general public wear a cloth mask when social distancing is difficult. [Guidance]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Maine

10 – 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $445. [WorkShare]

Business Operations April 2, 2020
Maine

Essential businesses and operations that remain open must limit the number of customers at any one time, implementing curbside pickup and delivery options and enforcing social distancing rules.  Prohibits the use of public transportation unless needed when work cannot be done from home; limits the number of people traveling in private vehicles to persons within the immediate household unless transporting for essential activities.

[Press release, E.O. 28 FY 19/20, COVID-19 webpage]

On 6/1/2020, the limit on gatherings rises to 50 people.  Restaurants, fitness and exercise centers, nail salons, retail stores, lodging and campgrounds, day camps and coastal state parks can reopen.  On 7/1/2020, hotels, campgrounds, summer camps, RV parks, outreach recreation such as charter boats and excursions, bars, and personal services such as spas, tattoo, piercing and message facilities can reopen.

Stay-at-Home April 2, 2020
Maine

Requires citizens to stay at home unless for an essential job or an essential reason, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes. [Press release, E.O. 28 FY 19/20, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 4/30/2020

Face Protection April 18, 2020
Maryland

Commuters and employees must wear face coverings while using public transportation.  Employees and customers, over age nine, must wear face coverings inside essential businesses. [Order No. 20-04-15-02]

Business Operations May 6, 2020
Maryland

State parks, including all state beaches and playground are reopened.  Golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and camping are allowed. [Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery, E.O. 20-05-06-01]

Stage 2 begins 6/5/2020 with the following openings: manufacturing, construction, large and small retail shops, specialty vendors, wholesalers, warehouses, real estate offices, travel agencies, auto dealer showrooms, bank branches and other offices.  The following services may resume operations at 50% capacity: personal services, massage therapists, tanning salons and tattoo parlors.  State government will resume normal operations on 6/8/2020. On 6/10/2020, indoor dining and outdoor amusements will be allowed at 50% capacity.  Also, child care centers with a maximum number of staff and children is 15 per room may reopen. With local approval, indoor fitness facilities will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity on 6/19/2020.  [Back to business guidance]

Price Setting March 23, 2020
Maryland

Prohibits retailers from increasing the sale or rental prices to receive excess profits greater than 10%. [E.O. 20-03-23-03 Prohibiting Excess Profits on Certain Goods and Services]

Issued 3/23/2020

Health and Temperature Screening
Maryland

It is recommended the employers implement a daily screening process for workers and other personnel which includes health questions and temperature testing.

Mini-WARN October 1, 2020
Maryland

Requires that an employer implementing a “reduction in operations” must provide 60 days’ advance notice to employees and others, and also provide continuation of health, pension, severance and/or other benefits to affected employees.  Obligations are triggered by the closure of all or a portion of operations affecting as few as 15 employees, as well as by relocations of operations.  [Mini-WARN Act HB10180/SB780]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Maryland

Unspecified percent of hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $430. [Work Sharing]

Stay-at-Home March 30, 2020
Maryland

Prohibits “large gatherings and events” of more than 10 people, at all locations and venues in MD and puts in place “stay-at-home” order.  Closes senior centers and all non-essential businesses and other establishments.  [E.O. 20-03-30-01 and Office of Legal Counsel Interpretive Guidance and COVID-19 webpage]

As of 5/15/2020, the following operations will reopen: (1) art galleries, (2) all manufacturing operations, (3) churches and other religious facilities at 50% capacity, (4) all retail stores, (5) personal services by appointment at 50% capacity, (6) pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, and (7) car washes.    [Manufacturing best practices, retail best practices, personal services best practices]

Issues 3/30/2020 and lasts until emergency concludes

Temperature Screening
Maryland

Recommended when an outbreak becomes sufficiently severe or widespread. [FAQs]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 18, 2020
Massachusetts

All businesses that do not provide COVID-19 essential services must close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public. List of Essential Services, and Essential Services FAQs updated 4/14/2020, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/4/20202, non-essential retail and distribution businesses may bring in “a small number” of employees to fulfill online or phone orders, provided they comply with strict COVID-19 protocols; however, they must remain closed to the public.  In facilities under 10,000 square feet, a maximum of three employees can be onsite at a time; between 10,000 – 20,000 a maximum of five employees; and larger than 30,000 a maximum of seven employees.  Deliveries must be “no contact” and left in mailboxes, mailrooms, lobbies, etc.

On 5/18/2020 hospitals and community health centers will be allowed to provide high-priority preventative care, pediatric care, and treatment for high-risk conditions. Construction and manufacturing businesses, firearms retailers and shooting ranges, and places of worship can conduct business.

On 5/25/2020 laboratories, office spaces outside of Boston, barber shops and hair salons, car washes, drive-in movie theaters, beaches, parks, some athletic fields or courts, outdoor adventure activities, zoos, and pet grooming may open.  Retailers may engage in remote fulfillment and curbside pickup. On 6/1/2020 Boston office spaces may reopen.

To reopen, all businesses must complete a three-part mandatory self-certification process which includes: (1) developing a written COVID-19 control plan outlining how the business will prevent the spread of the virus (template), (2) sign and post a Compliance Attestation poster in an area visible to employees and visitors, and (3) post “employer” and “worker” posters describing the rules for maintaining social distancing, hygiene protocols, cleaning and disinfecting.  [Reopening MA PowerPoint presentation, guidance]

Hotels and lodging providers may open as part of Phase 2 expected to be announced on 6/6/2020.  Hotels are not permitted to host weddings, business events, or other organized gatherings. On-site restaurants (excluding buffets or self-service areas), pools, gyms, spas, golf courses and other amenities may operate.  Hotels must inform guests at the time the reservation is made and at check-in that the state urges travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days when arriving from out of state.  Upon opening, hotels must provide training to workers on precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.  They must also stagger shifts to minimize employee contact, permit outdoor breaks, stagger meal breaks and regulate the maximum number of employees in one place.

Restaurant services will only be allowed using outdoor table service at the beginning of Phase 2.  [Guidance for restaurant and lodging industry]

Phase 2: 6/8/20

E.O. 35 Phase II Reopening, safety standards and checklist for golf facilities, retail businesses, office spaces, and public health and safety standards for non-urgent medical procedures; infomatic on industries on the reopening plan]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Massachusetts

10 – 60% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $823. [WorkShare]

Non-Congregate   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 18, 2020
Massachusetts

Churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship do not have to close but must comply with limitations on gatherings to no more than 10 people.  Gathering limitations also covers conferences, fundraisers, weddings, civic, public, and other events.   [Press release, E.O. 13 Essential Services and Revised Gathering, E.O. extension, FAQs updated 4/14/2020, COVID-19 webpage]

Liability Immunity April 17, 2020
Massachusetts

Protects health care providers from civil liabilities arising out of the pandemic.  Gives health care workers and facilities immunity from many types of civil liability for services provided in response to COVID-19.  Also, immunizes volunteer organizations that make their facilities available to the state to use its facility to provide care. [S. 2640]

Face Protection
Massachusetts

Recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. 

Residents over age 2 must wear face coverings in public settings, including essential businesses and on public transportation.  Requirement applies to both customers and employees of essential businesses.  If a customer refuses to wear a face covering for non-medical reasons, the business may decline entry.  When retail reopens, all employees must wear face coverings.

Unemployment Benefits April 9, 2020
Massachusetts

Partial implementation of unemployment benefits in accordance with the CARES Act  [Guidance on MA’s implementation of the CARES Act]

New guidance addresses: (1) questions related to the effect returning to work will have on employees’ unemployment benefits and employers’ obligations, (2) effect on unemployment of an employee’s refusal to return to work, (3) recommended practices for communicating return-to-work offers to employees, (4) how to report unreasonable refusals of return-to-work offers, (5) what employees should do when they return to work, (6) potential obligations of employees who receive back pay; and (7) the effect of COVID-19 related unemployment benefits on an employer’s experience rating.

On 5/27/2020, the Act Providing Additional Support to those Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Through the Unemployment Insurance System was enacted.  Provides relief to both employers and workers who have been affected by the pandemic. Limits the impact of COVID-19 related benefits on employer’s future contribution rates and payments, providing for an increase in the number of weeks workers can receive benefits, and lifts the cap on the dependent allowance.  Provisions retroactive to 3/10/2020 and remain in place until the later of one year from the effective date of the act or 180 days from the lifting of the 3/10/2020 declaration of the state of emergency.

 

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Massachusetts - Boston

The mayor has waived the required retail food permit for the sale of uncooked foods allowing restaurants to sell grocery items, such as produce, paper products, and more, as long as they limit the number of customers to 10 at one time and maintain physical distancing.  Restaurants must submit a Health Safety and Operations Plan to the Licensing Board.

Issued 4/26/2020

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Michigan

All businesses and operations must suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life or conduct minimum basic operations. Businesses are to designate the workers that meet those criteria and adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers and patrons in the performance of necessary in-person work.   [E.O. 2020-21, E.O. extension, Press release, COVID-19 webpage]

As of 4/9/2020, businesses can perform resumed activities who: (1) process or fulfill remote orders for goods for delivery or curbside pick-up, (2) perform bicycle maintenance or repair; (3) employ workers in garden stores, nurseries, lawn care, pest control and landscaping operations, (4) employ maintenance workers and groundskeepers who are necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of places of outdoor recreation, or (5) provide moving or storage operations. 

Garden centers in “big box stores” must remain closed.  Motorized boating is allowed as well as golf.  Parks remain open.  Pharmacies and food-selling business must provide at least two hours of dedicated shopping time per week for vulnerable populations.  Effective 5/4/2020, four new types of “resumed activity” workers have been identified: (1) workers who perform work that is traditionally and primarily performed outdoors, (2) construction industry workers, including trades such as electricians and plumbers, (3) workers in the real estate industry, and (4) “workers necessary to the manufacture of goods that support workplace modification to forestall the spread of COVID-19 infections.”  [E.O. 2020-59 Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life – rescission of E.O. 2020-42, Guidance to protect consumers, E.O. 2020-70]

On 5/21/2020, E.O. 2020-96 and E.O. 2020-97 were signed to rescind previous E.O.s.  Amended versions adds provisions relating to worker safety in outpatient healthcare facilities and now permits retailers and motor vehicle dealerships throughout the lower peninsula to see customers by appointment beginning 5/26/2020. 

Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 individuals are allowed, provided that individuals remain six feet away from each other.  Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 people.  Outdoor parks and recreational facilities and offices may reopen with social distancing safeguards. On 6/4/2020, retail stores may resume operations without appointments but does not include personal services.  On 6/8/2020, public swimming pools, day camps, libraries and museums may also open.  Bars, restaurants and dine-in facilities may allow patrons to dine-in beginning 6/8/2020.

On 5/20/2020 EO 2020-95 was issued to update precautionary and notification requirements for long-term care facilities to protect residents and employees.  Rescinds EO 2020-84.

E.O. 2020-38 released on 5/29/2020 addresses employers’ questions about whether the guidelines must be followed.  On 6/1/2020 E.O. 2020-110 moved the state to Stage 4 essentially allowing most businesses to resume operations unless work is capable of being performed remotely.  

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Michigan

Citizens must stay in their homes unless they are part of the critical infrastructure workforce, engage in an outdoor activity, or perform tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family.   [E.O. 2020-21, E.O. extension, Press release, COVID-19 webpage]

E.O. 2020-91 signed 5/18/2020 requires a number of safeguards that employers must follow for all businesses and operations that are permitted to require their employees to leave their homes for work.  2020-92 signed 5/18/2020 revised the previous stay at home order and groups the state’s counties into eight regions for the purpose of gradually reopening in-person work and activities.  On 5/22/2020 in Region 6 and 8, retail stores, restaurants and bars with limited seating may reopen. 

Employee Protections April 3, 2020
Michigan

Provides protection to all employees who stay home when they are at “particular risk” of infecting others with COVID-19.  Employers may not discipline, discharge or retaliate against an employee who stays home from work after testing positive for COVID-19, after displaying one or more of the principal symptoms, or for failing to comply with a requirement to document that s/he (or the individual with whom that employee had close contact) has one or more of the symptoms.  The protection lasts until three days have passed since the employee’s symptoms resolve or until seven days have passed since their symptoms first appeared or since they were swabbed for the test that yielded the positive result.   [E.O. 2020-36]

Issued 4/3/2020

Face Protection April 27, 2020
Michigan

Requires all businesses whose workers perform in-person work must provide non-medical grade face coverings to their workers. Employees at food selling establishments and pharmacies must require checkout employees to wear face coverings. 

All citizens able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth when in an enclosed public space. [E.O. 2020-59 and E.O. 2020-60]

Paid Sick Leave and Job Protection April 3, 2020
Michigan

Requires individuals who have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or displays one or more of the symptoms of COVID-19 to remain home. Employees must be allowed to use any accrued time under the state’s paid sick leave mandate.  Prohibits retaliation against employees who miss work for certain specified periods of time because s/he tests positive for COVID-19 or is in “close contact” with either an individual who tests positive or with an individual who displays one or more of the principal symptoms.  [E.O. 2020-36]

Requires covered employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.  Amends the Paid Medical Leave Act and covers employees who test positive for COVID-19 or displays one or more principal symptoms and allows them a leave of absence until three days have passed since his or her symptoms have resolved and seven days have passed since his or her symptoms first appeared or since s/he was swabbed for the test that yielded the positive test.  [Paid Medical Leave Act effective 3/29/2019] [Paid Medical Leave Act FAQs]

Passed 4/3/2020 Until the end of the declared states of emergency and disaster

Temperature and Health Screening April 24, 2020
Michigan

Temperature and health screening is required for food selling establishments and pharmacy employees who have indicated that they have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 during the previous 14 days.  Before the start of work each day, employers should measure the employee’s temperature, ideally before they enter the facility.  Employers must ask employees symptom and contact screening questions as they report to work. [E.O. 2020-60]

Health and Temperature Screening
Michigan

Food selling establishments, pharmacies and manufacturing facilities should measure employee’s temperature and assess symptoms each day before work.  Businesses or operations whose employees are required to leave home to work must conduct daily entry self-screening protocol for all employees and contractors entering the workplace.   Construction businesses are required to conduct a daily entry screening protocol for workers and visitors entering the worksite, including a questionnaire covering symptoms and exposure, and where possible, a temperature screening. 

Unemployment
Michigan

Allows employers to reduce employee hours within a set unit of employees during tough times, but allows the affected employees to collect partial unemployment benefits at the same time.  [E.O. 2020-57]

15 - 45% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $362. [Work Share Program]

Temperature and Health Screening
Minnesota

Employers should consider regular health checks, including temperature and respiratory symptom screening, of staff and visitors entering buildings, where possible. 

 

Temperature screening required for meatpacking industry employers if it can be done with proper social distancing and hygiene.  Workers have an oral or aural temperature of above 99.5F should be further evaluated by a plant occupational health nurse, who should determine if the employee can go home to recover, or should go to a healthcare facility.  Also, employers must conduct screening each time employees or visitors enter the facility using the verbal screening questions listed in the guidance.

 

Health screening is also required for industrial, manufacturing, and office-based businesses reopening on or after 4/27/2020.  [Guidance to businesses and employers, health and safety guidelines for the meatpacking industry, E.O. 20-40]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Minnesota

20 – 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $740. [Shared Work – Alternative to Layoff]

Business Operations March 27, 2020
Minnesota

All workers who can work from home must do so.  Workers in critical sectors, who are performing work that cannot be done at their home through telework, are allowed to travel to/from their home and place of work.

COVID-19 webpage

State parks are reopened for day-use as of 4/20/2020. Outdoor businesses have also reopened on 4/18/2020; however, this does not include team events, fairs, spectator events, performances, etc.  [E.O. 20-38] Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party.  Prohibits gatherings larger than five.  [Press release]

Ends 5/3/2020

On 4/27/2020 workers in industrial and office settings can return to work if the employer has a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan addressing matters including screening for illness, social distancing and hygiene.  Employers must certify the plan, distribute it to workers and train them on its contents.   Retail businesses can engage in curbside or outside pickup and delivery.  [E.O. 20-40 issued on 4/23/2020; Emergency E.O. 20-48 issued 4/30/2020]

Two staged reopening with most non-critical businesses reopening on 5/18/2020 and bars, restaurants, and places of public accommodations likely reopening on 6/1/2020.  On 5/18/2020 all retail stores, malls and other businesses that sell, rent, maintain and repair goods can open with no more than 50% occupancy as long as they have implemented a COVID-19 preparedness plan including social distancing guidelines for workers and customers.   [E.O. 20-56 rescinds E.O. 20-48]

E.O. 20-74, effective 6/10/2020 loosens restrictions on the following businesses: (1) restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, bars, taverns, taprooms and other places offering food, beverages or tobacco products can open at 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people, (2) gyms, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor and outdoor sports facilities can open at 25% capacity, (3) indoor and outdoor entertainment venues at 25% capacity and maximum of 250 people, and (4) personal services may increase to 50% capacity but require appointments.

Stay-at-Home March 27, 2020
Minnesota

Requires citizens to stay at home except to engage in the activities of critical sector work or to perform essential activities.  [E.O. 20-20 Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home; Critical Sector Descriptions], E.O. 20-33 [Extending Stay at Home Order and Temporary Closure of Bars, Restaurants, and Other Places of Public Accommodation, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage] Refines the description of exempt critical sector workers.

State parks are reopened for day-use as of 4/20/2020. Outdoor businesses have also reopened on 4/18/2020; however, this does not include team events, fairs, spectator events, performances, etc.  [E.O. 20-38] Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party.  Prohibits gatherings larger than five.  [Press release]

Ends 5/3/2020

Face Protection
Minnesota

Cloth face coverings recommended in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. [When to wear a mask]

Face Protection
Mississippi

It is recommended that citizens wear non-medical grade masks or homemade cloth masks when they are away from home.  [Webpage]

Restaurants and bars reopening for dine-in service must provide cloth masks to employees who come into contact with customers and require those employees to wear the masks. Appropriate PPE must be work by all restaurant and bar employees based on their duties.

Stay-at-Home April 3, 2020
Mississippi

Requires all residents to remain in their homes and requires all “non-essential” businesses close.  No social non-essential gatherings in groups of more than 10 people in a single space at the same time where individuals are in close proximity of fewer than six feet can take place.  [E.O. 1466, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 4/27/2020

All businesses and nonprofits can reopen or remain open, though there are numerous exceptions to this rule.  Elective medical procedures may resume.  [Safer at Home E.O. 1477 effective 4/27/2020 – 5/11/2020]

Health Screening
Mississippi

Businesses are required to conduct daily screening of employees and volunteers before beginning shift.  Employers of restaurants and bar reopening for dine-in, personal care services, gym and fitness center and tattoo parlors must conduct daily screening of all employees at the beginning of their shifts by asking specified questions regarding symptoms.

Business Operations April 6, 2020
Missouri

Any entity that does not employ individuals to perform essential worker functions and that is engaged in retail sales to the public, shall limit the number of individuals in one location as follows: (1) 25% or less of the entity’s authorized to fire or building code occupancy for retail establishments with less than 10,000 square feet or (2) 10% or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy for retail establishments with 10,000 square feet or more.

[Press release, Health Director Order, extension, extension press release, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Phased reopening to be 5/4/2020. All businesses can open if they develop social distancing guidelines.  Businesses are encouraged to modify physical workspaces to maximize social distancing, minimize business travel, develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, schedule work in phases and/or split shifts, and ensure sick leave policies are flexible.

Ends 5/3/2020

Businesses engaged in retail sales must maintain 25% or less of building code occupancy limits if under 10,000 square feet and 10% or less if over 10,000 square feet. Events in large venues, stadiums and movie theaters if they follow social distancing practices. Dine-in restaurant service is allowed if tables are set six feet apart, have no more than 10 people at a table and do not seat parties that are “not connected” at the same table. Gyms and hotel swimming pools can open “if they adhere to strict social distancing and sanitation protocols.”  In-person religious services are allowed, though hand shaking and sharing communion cups are discouraged. Business owners are asked to implement practices including temperature checks, contact tracing, sanitation and disinfection, modifying workspaces to maximize distancing, telework when possible and bringing employees back in phases or split shifts.   [Show Me Strong Recovery Plan]

Stay-at-Home April 6, 2020
Missouri

Citizens should avoid leaving their homes unless for accessing essential services and avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.   [Press release, Health Director Order, extension, extension press release, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 5/3/2020

Face Protection
Missouri

It is recommended that citizens wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  [Interim guidance on homemade and alternative face coverings]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Missouri

20 – 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $320. [Shared Work]

Stay-at-Home March 28, 2020
Montana

All citizens are directed to stay at home except to operate essential businesses and for essential services.  All non-essential social and recreational gatherings outside of the home are prohibited, regardless of size if at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained.  [Directive Implementing E.O.s 2-2020 and 2-2020 , an extension of Directives, Press release extension, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Effective 4/26/2020, the stay-at-home order will be lifted. Places of worship can reopen as long as physical distancing is possible.  On 4/27/2020, retail stores can open but they must set out limitations to accommodate distancing.  On 5/4/2020, restaurants, bars, etc. can start providing some in-establishment services and can operate at half the regular capacity.  No more than six people can sit together and you can’t sit at the bar.  On 4/7/2002, the statewide school closure will be lifted and reopening will be decided by the local school districts. Movie theaters, gyms, and other spots where large numbers of people can gather will remain closed for now.

Ends 4/24/2020

Business Operations March 28, 2020
Montana

All businesses and operations, except essential businesses, are required to cease all activities except minimum basic operations.  Business may continue with employees working from home.  Essential businesses and operations shall comply with the social distancing requirements. Travel is limited to essential activities. 

[Directive Implementing E.O.s 2-2020 and 2-2020, an extension of Directives, Press release extension, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Effective 4/26/2020, the stay-at-home order will be lifted. Places of worship can reopen as long as physical distancing is possible.  On 4/27/2020, retail stores can open but they must set out limitations to accommodate distancing.  On 5/4/2020, restaurants, bars, etc. can start providing some in-establishment services and can operate at half the regular capacity.  No more than six people can sit together and you can’t sit at the bar.  On 4/7/2002, the statewide school closure will be lifted and reopening will be decided by the local school districts. Movie theaters, gyms, and other spots where large numbers of people can gather will remain closed for now.

On 6/1/2020 restaurants, bars, casinos, breweries, gyms, indoor fitness classes, pools and hot tubs can operate at 75% capacity.  Gathering limits increased to 50 people unless social distancing can be maintained.  Concert halls, bowling alleys can operate with reduced capacity and strict physical distancing. Lifts restrictions on out-of-state visitors.  National Guard continues to be authorized to conduct temperature checks, assess symptoms and inquire about exposure to all individuals arriving in the state via air or rail service.

Lay Offs March 12, 2020
Montana

Employees are deemed to be laid off if they are: (1) directed by their employer to leave work or not report for work due to COVID-19, and (2) subjected to COVID-19 quarantine.   A person who is a caregiver of a family member subjected to quarantine must also be quarantined.   Further defines essential businesses. [E.O. 2-2020 Emergency Order]

Issued 03/12/2020

Health Screening April 22, 2020
Montana

Employers must conduct health assessment on employees at the beginning of each shift.  Customers must also be screened for symptoms prior to appointments for personal care services. [Directive implementing E.O. 2-2020 and 3-2020]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 31, 2020
Nebraska

Closes all hair salons, tattoo parlors, and strip clubs.  Cancels all organized group sports until 5/31/2020.  [New brief on “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Health”]

Each county will issue its own Directed Health Measures (DHMs).  The updated DHMs will include: (1) relaxed requirements for places of worship, (2) personal services businesses will be allowed to open, subject to a limit of 10 persons and workers and patrons wear masks, (3) restaurants can open at 50% capacity, (4) bars, movie theaters and playhouses  will remain closed through 5/31/2020.

Face Protection April 8, 2020
Nebraska

Recommended for citizens to wear a cloth face covering in public places where they cannot stay six feet away from others.  [News release]

Unemployment Benefits March 13, 2020
Nebraska

Waives employer contribution requirements to unemployment benefits for claims related to COVID-19 through May 2, 2020.  [E.O. 20-01 Emergency Relief Due to COVID-19; COVID-19 webpage]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Nebraska

10 – 60%% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $440. [Short-Time Compensation]

Length and Weight Hauling Requirements March 13, 2020
Nebraska

Provides emergency relief for length and weigh hauling through May 1, 2020. Allows drivers hauling food, supplies and equipment to operate additional hours.   [E.O. 20-01 Emergency Relief Due to COVID-19; COVID-19 webpage]

Health and Temperature Screening
Nebraska

Restaurants reopening for dine-in and meat processing facilities are recommended to complete employee pre-screening, including temperature check and symptom assessments, prior to starting work.

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Nevada

Establishes a curfew allowing only authorized persons in public places, forbids or limits the number of person who may gather, prohibits or restricts traffic on public streets and roads; prohibits the sale or distribution of gasoline, except in vehicle gas tanks or other proper containers.  All non-essential businesses shall close.  Directive 003 provides information on the food industry, healthcare providers, veterinary services, grocery stores, financial institutions, hardware stores, security services, convenience stores and gas stations. [Directive 010 Stay at Home, Directive 003 Business Closures, Press release, Implementing Regulations, COVID-19 webpage]

Requires all citizens to stay in their residences, except to provide essential services, perform work necessary or to obtain services from essential healthcare operations.  May engage in outdoor activity if follow social distancing rules.  [Directive 010 Stay at Home, Directive 003 Business Closures, Press release, Implementing Regulations, COVID-19 webpage]

Effective 5/9/2020 all retail businesses may allow customer access with a maximum of 50% occupancy.  Drive-in theaters and drive-in religious services may open with strict social distancing.  Automobile, off-highway vehicle and recreational vehicle sales showrooms may reopen but may not exceed 50% occupancy.  Personal care services may reopen by appointment with either walls or chairs between stations or no more than one customer at each station.  Restaurants and bars licensed to serve food may provide onsite dining with a maximum occupancy of 50% and social distancing. Bar tops/areas will remain closed. Breweries, distilleries and wineries not offering food may offer curbside delivery.  [Framework for reopening plan, Phase 1 guidelines and protocols for reopening, Phase 1 Reopening plan; industry-specific phase 1 guidance, Nevada United – roadmap to recovery]

Face Protection April 3, 2020
Nevada

Required for grocery workers to wear face coverings.  Citizens should use improvised face covering whenever they leave their home. [Guidance on improvised facial coverings]

Health Screening
Nevada

Recommended for grocery workers. Employers should monitor employees for signs of illness and require sick workers to stay home. [Protecting Grocery Store Workers]

Agriculture, appliance and furniture showrooms, auto dealerships, banks and financial services, personal care services, restaurants and food and drink establishments, general office operations, retail and consumer services, and transportation, couriers, and warehousing employers must perform daily system assessments. 

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 4, 2020
New Hampshire

All non-essential businesses must close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the pubic and cease all in-person operations. All essential businesses shall develop strategies, procedures, and practices to allow for social distancing protocols. [Emergency Order No. 17, List of essential businesses, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/4/2020 some time-sensitive healthcare services can resume.  Retail stores, drive-in-movie theaters, golf courses and hair salons can resume operations on 5/11/2020. On 5/18/2020 restaurants will be able to provide outdoor service to groups no larger than six, with tables more than six feet apart and employees about to stand six feet from adjacent tables.  [Modified order, Stay at Home 2.0 issued 5/1/2020, Guiding Principles for Responsibly Resuming Health Care Services, Reopening guidance]

Face Protection
New Hampshire

Retail, restaurant, golf course and personal care services employees must wear cloth face coverings at all times when in the retail facility and in public locations or shared staff areas such as break rooms, even if other individuals are not immediately present.  Employees of other essential businesses and those that are reopening all or a portion of their operations are strongly recommended to wear a cloth face covering while at work and in potential close contact with others. 

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
New Hampshire

10 – 50%% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $427. [Stay at Work: Workshare]

Health and Temperature Screening
New Hampshire

Essential businesses and those that are re-opening all or a portion of their operations must take and document the temperature of all employees daily before their shift using a non-touch thermometer and develop a process for screening all employees reporting to work for COVID-19 related symptoms.  The person conducting the screening should wear a cloth face covering.

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 4, 2020
New Hampshire

All citizens shall stay at home except for the list of 11 activities acceptable in the Order.  [Emergency Order No. 17, List of essential businesses, COVID-19 webpage]

Stay-at-Home March 21, 2020
New Jersey

Mandates all residents remain home unless performing certain delineated activities.

[E.O. 107 and 108, FAQs for businesses, COVID-19 webpage, E.O. 103 State of Emergency]

Issued 3/21/2020 and remains until revoked or modified

Expands the list of industries to the restaurant and transportation industry subject to additional mitigation requirements.  Must limit occupancy to 10% of the maximum occupancy, ensure six feet of distance between workers and customers except when exchanging payment or goods; require infection control practices, provide breaks for handwashing throughout the day, arrange for contactless pay, and pickup/delivery options, etc. Limits occupancy on trains, buses, and light rails to 50% occupancy.  [E.O. 125 issued 4/11/2020]

Business Operations March 21, 2020
New Jersey

Orders the closure of brick-and-mortal retail locations of all non-essential businesses; and instructs all businesses and nonprofits – even those deemed essential – to implement telework and work-from-home options for employees, to the extent practicable. [E.O. 107 and 108, FAQs for businesses, COVID-19 webpage, E.O. 103 State of Emergency]

Expands the list of industries to the restaurant and transportation industry subject to additional mitigation requirements.  Must limit occupancy to 10% of the maximum occupancy, ensure six feet of distance between workers and customers except when exchanging payment or goods; require infection control practices, provide breaks for handwashing throughout the day, arrange for contactless pay and pickup/delivery options, etc. Limits occupancy on trains, buses and light rails to 50% occupancy.  [E.O. 125 issued 4/11/2020]

Lessons the restrictions on non-essential construction projects and retail businesses.  Allows: (1) residents to hold gatherings where attendees arrive and remain in separate vehicles (E.O. 142), (2) residents to visit public and private beaches, boardwalks, lakes, and lakeshores (E.O. 143), (3) elective surgeries and invasive procedures to resume (E.O. 145), and (4) the reopening of charter fishing and watercraft rental businesses (E.O. 146). [E.O. 142, E.O. 143, E.O. 145, E.O. 146]

In Phase 2 the following facilities may reopen: (1) most retail establishments at 50% capacity on 6/15/2020, (2) child daycare centers on 6/15/2020, (3) public and private community pools on 6/22/2020, and (4) hair salons and barbershop on 6/22/2020. Indoor gatherings are capped at 25% of the building’s capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower.  Outdoor gatherings are capped at 100 with social distancing and face masks where social distancing cannot be maintained.  Outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses can reopen except for amusement and water parks and arcades.  Outdoor gatherings expected to increase to 250 people cap by 6/22/2020 and 500 people by 7/3/2020.  [E.O.s 152 and 153]

Worker Protection April 8, 2020
New Jersey

Requires all essential retail, manufacturing, and warehousing businesses and businesses engaged in essential construction projects to adopt policies to limit the spread of COVID-19.  Requires all businesses authorized to maintain some degree of in-person operations implement cleaning protocols, and directs that all non-essential construction projects cease. 

Essential retail businesses must adopt policies to limit occupancy at 50%; establish hours of operation for high-risk individuals; install a physical barrier between customers and cashiers or ensure six feet of distance except at the moment of payment and/or exchange of goods; require infection control practices; provide employees break time for repeated handwashing; arrange for contactless pay options, pickup and/or delivery of goods, etc.

Requires workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings while on the premises, except where doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or it is a child under two years of age.  [E.O. 122, FAQs on Worker Benefits, Protections and COVID-19]

Effective 4/10/2020

 

Job Protection April 8, 2020
New Jersey

Prohibits an employer from terminating or refusing to reinstate an employee who has or is likely to have an infectious disease that requires the employee to miss work.  Employees are also protected from retaliation or penalty for requesting or taking “protected leave.”  When the leave expires, employers must restore the employee to the position (or equivalent position) they held immediately prior to the commencement of the protected leave. [AB 3848]

Issued 4/8/2020

 

Face Protection April 10, 2020
New Jersey

Requires that customers and employees wear face coverings at essential businesses and construction sites. Businesses must provide masks to employees and deny entry to any customers who refuse to wear them.  Employees and commuters must wear face coverings while on trains, buses and light rails.  [E.O. 122]

Issued 4/10/2020

Employers must also wear gloves when in contact with customers or goods. NJ Transit and private transit companies must require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings while on trains, buses and light rail vehicles.  Passengers may be declined entry if not wearing a face covering. [E.O. 122]

Required for agricultural workers. [E.O. 122, protocols for operating businesses, E.O. 125

Anyone present at an indoor gathering of 10 or more people must wear a face mask.

Liability Immunity April 1, 2020
New Jersey

Provides civil liability protections to health care providers.  [E.O. 112

Issued 4/1/2020

 

Health and Temperature Screening
New Jersey

Agriculture employers must screen workers for symptoms, including temperature, prior to work shifts.

Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance March 25, 2020
New Jersey

A serious health condition includes an illness caused by an epidemic of a communicable disease.  Extends to known or suspected exposure to, or efforts to prevent spread of the diseases, and applies to any provider or government authority recommendation, direction or order that the individual be isolated or quarantined.  [Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance webpage]

Effective and retroactive to 3/25/2020 with no expiration date

 

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
New Jersey

20 – 60%% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $713. [Shared Work Program]

Time Off March 16, 2020
New Jersey

A serious health condition includes an illness caused by an epidemic of a communicable disease.  Extends to known or suspected exposure to, or efforts to prevent spread of the diseases, and applies to any provider or government authority recommendation, direction or order that the individual is isolated or quarantined.  [Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance webpage]

Passed 3/16/2020 and is for the duration of the state of emergency

 

WARN July 19, 2020
New Jersey

Layoffs associated with COVID-19 do not trigger NJ mini-Warn Act.  Employers that have 100 or more employees must provide at last 90 days’ notice before the first employee is discharged as part of a mass layoff, transfer, or termination of operations.

Effective  7/19/2020

Amendments include: (1) no longer site-specific, (2) WARN notice now required upon termination of 50 or more employees “at or reporting to the establishment,” (3) disasters and national emergencies excluded, (4) requires employers to provide at least 90 days of advance notice to affected employees, (5) employers must now pay affected employees one week’s severance pay for each full year of employment by the next regular payday, and (6) employers cannot obtain a waiver of any severance payments without approval by the Commissioner of the DOL or court. [SB 3170]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
New Mexico

Prohibits all mass gatherings except those necessary operations of essential business.  All businesses, public and private except essential, are directed to reduce the in-person workforce at each business location by 100%. All essential businesses shall adhere to social distancing protocol and ensure all surfaces are cleaned routinely.  Requires closure of physical office spaces, retail spaces, or other public spaces of a business but does not restrict the conducting of business operations through telecommuting.  For retail businesses, the maximum number of customers allowed at any given time shall be equal to 20% of the maximum capacity. For customers remaining outside, social distancing rules must apply.  The order does not limit animal shelters, zoos, and other facilities with animal care operations that ensure the health and welfare of animals.  Essential businesses may remain open but must minimize operations and staff.   [Press release, Stay at home FAQs, List of essential businesses, Public Health Order, COVID-19 webpage]

Extended to “at least” 5/15/2020

On 5/1/2020 non-essential retailers are allowed to provide curbside pickup and delivery services and child care is extended to owners of such businesses.  Parks can open on a daily-use basis; licensed firearm sellers may open on an appointment basis with additional restrictions; golf courses and pet services can also reopen.  [Public Health Order extension 4/30/2020, press release on safe re-opening]

On 5/15/2020, the following can open: (1) retailers at 25% capacity, (2) houses of worship at 10% capacity, (3) big-box stores at 20% level, industries at 25% capacity. 

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
New Mexico

Requires citizens to stay at home and undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety, or welfare.  Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips and cruise ships.   [Press release, Stay at home FAQs, List of essential businesses, Public Health Order, COVID-19 webpage]

Extended to “at least” 5/15/2020

Multiple Topics March 11, 2020
New Mexico

Benefits must be provided to employees regardless of FT or PT status if hours are reduced due to lack of business-related to COVID-19 as long as the employee’s earnings are under the weekly benefit amount.  Allows Canadian nursing professionals who are licensed and in good standing to work in any state healthcare facility during the pandemic.  Directs the NM Department of Transportation to create a streamlined process for Emergency Expedited Special Permits that allow overweight vehicles and loads that can be easily dismantled or divided to travel in NM between 3/31/2020 and 7/1/2020.  [E.O. 2020-004 – State of Emergency through April 30, 2020]

Issued 3/11/2020

All employers must provide all employees with face coverings and require they be used in the workplace.  All essential businesses operating as retail space with a building footprint of more than 50,000 sq. ft., and all restaurants, must ensure that all employees wear face coverings or medical grade masks.  As of 5/11/2020, all smaller, essential retailers must all require employees to wear face coverings or medical grade masks.

Health and Temperature Screening
New Mexico

It is recommended that retail employers screen employees and customers with a non-contact thermometer and not permit entry to those with a temperature greater than 100.4.  All employers are required to screen employees for symptoms before they enter the workplace each day, verbally or with a written or text/app-based questionnaire.

Temperature and Health Screening
New Mexico

Recommended for restaurants, retail food stores and food delivery services. [Best practices for retail food stores, restaurants and food pick-up/delivery services]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
New York

NY will be going under PAUSE (Policies that Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone).  Requires 100% closure of non-essential businesses, except for essential services such as groceries and healthcare.    Bans non-essential gatherings of individuals for any size for any reason but allows outdoor solitary exercise.  Visitors must be pre-screened by taking their temperature and vulnerable persons should wear masks in the company of others. [Press release and extension, E.O. 202.8, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/15/2020 certain low-risk businesses and recreational activities, including landscaping, gardening, tennis & drive-in movie theaters can reopen statewide.    [regional approach announcement, Regional map and metrics for reopening, industries reopening by phase, NY Forward webpage]

On 5/15/2020, non-essential businesses in central NY, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North County and the Southern Tier can reopen. On 5/19/2020, western NY can reopen but businesses are required to prepare a safety plan to protect employees and customers.  Religious gatherings limited to 10 people will resume 5/21/2020. 

On 5/29/2020 the North Country, Finger Lakes, Central NY, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier regions may enter Phase 2.  [E.O. 202.34]  To reopen businesses are required to submit an affirmation to the state confirming that they have read and agree to operate in compliance with the detailed guidance.  They are also required to have a written “safety business plan” outlining how they will prevent the spread of the virus.  Phase 2 includes office-based businesses, in-store retail, retail rental, repair, and cleaning activities, administrative support, real estate, commercial building management, vehicle sales, rental and leasing and hair salons and barbershops.  All dentists must implement the standards upon reopening and submit an affirmative to the Department of Health. 

[Interim guidance for outdoor and takeout/delivery food services Long Island entered Phase Two on 6/10/2020.  When Phase Three occurs, the personal care industry will reopen. 

Matilda’s Law   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
New York

Implements of “Matilda’s Law” to protect the most vulnerable populations, age 70 and older, people with compromised immune systems, and those with underlying illnesses.    [Press release and extension, E.O. 202.8, COVID-19 webpage]

Health Screening
New York

Phase 1 reopening employers must implement mandatory health screening assessment, including a temperature check, before employees begin work each day and for essential visitors.  Assessment responses must be reviewed every day and the review documented.

Retailers open in Phase 2 must conduct daily health screenings of employees.  At a minimum, retailers must question employees about whether in the past 14 days they have had COVID-19 symptoms, tested positive to COVID-19 or been in close contact with those showing symptoms or testing positive.  Phase 2 requirements for offices are required daily health screenings for employees.  [Phase 2 requirements for offices]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
New York

20 – 60% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $504. [The Shared Work Program]

Construction Sites   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
New York

Halts all non-essential construction, except for emergency construction such as work on facilities necessary to protect the health and safety of occupants, infrastructure projects, or unfinished sites that cannot safely shut down.  Employers should ensure: (1) social distancing, including for purposes of elevators/meals/entry and exists; (2) sufficient handwashing stations near commodes and break areas; and (3) shared equipment and tools are sanitized.  Fines can be given up to $10,000 per violation. [Guidance on E.O. 202.6, Memo to Owners and Contractors]

Discrimination
New York

Individuals may file a discrimination complaint because of a “perceived connection between the person’s race, national origin, or disability and the novel Coronavirus.”    [Guidance]

Face Protection April 17, 2020
New York

Requires all essential businesses to provide employees, free of charge, with face coverings that must be worn by employees when they are in direct contact with customers or the public.  [E.O. 202.16]

Effective 4/17/2020

Any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering is required to cover their nose and mouth when in a public place and unable to maintain social distancing measures. [E.O. 202.16]

Allows businesses to require that customers wear masks.  All businesses and building owners may deny entrance to anyone who refuses to wear a face covering and who is medically able to do so.  Businesses that prohibit individuals from entering without a face covering must still comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local discrimination laws.   

WARN April 17, 2020
New York

Relaxes the WARN requirements of 90 day’s advance notice prior to conducting mass layoffs for employers that  previously laid off employees and then rehired them after receiving federal Paycheck Protection Program funding.  If employees are laid off for a second time after receiving the funding, employer may provide less than the full 90 days’ notice.  [E.O. 202.19]

Insurance Policies April 18, 2020
New York

All insurance carriers for workers’ compensation, disability, and paid family leave policies are directed to cease canceling, non-renewing, or conditionally renewing a policy issued to an individual or small business, or in the case of group insurance policies, group policyholder or certificate holder where such policyholder and or certificate holder is facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  [E.O. 202.13]

Effective  1/1/2020

Worker Protections March 30, 2020
New York

Requires employers to provide essential workers with face coverings (cloth or surgical facemasks) to work when in direct contact with customers or the public.  [E.O. 202.16]

Effective  3/30/2020

Health Screening
North Carolina

Businesses open to the public must conduct daily symptom screening of workers, using a standard interview questionnaire of symptoms, before workers enter the workplace.

Face Protection April 9, 2020
North Carolina

Recommends that retail establishments supply, encourage the use of, and educate on proper use of, cloth face coverings for employees in close contact with patrons and other employees. [E.O. 131]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 8, 2020
North Carolina

All non-essential business and operations must cease unless consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences.  All businesses are directed to have employees work from home or telework.  Businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or educational institutions can conduct operations while maintaining social distancing requirements.  E.O. defines healthcare, public health operations, human services operations, essential infrastructure operations as well as other types of businesses.

[E.O. 121, E.O. 135 extension, press release extension, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/8/2020, retail businesses can open at 50% capacity of the building’s total fire capacity with frequent cleaning and social distancing.  Encourages parks and trails to reopen.  Restaurants for takeout and delivery only.  Gatherings outdoors is allowed but is limited to 10 people.  Childcare centers and day camps can open. Worship services can be held outdoors with more than 10 people if socially distanced.  Personal care services will remain closed. [E.O.138, FAQs]

Phase 2 openings: (1) restaurants, indoor and outdoor seating limited 50% capacity, tables of no more than 10 people seated together, tables are six feet apart, conduct daily symptom screening of workers, encouraged to wear masks, (2) personal care, grooming and tattoo businesses limited to 50% occupancy, daily symptom screening of workers, employees must wear masks, (3) indoor and outdoor pools and spas with 50% capacity and no more than 10 people in the water at the same time, (4) child care facilities, (5) day and overnight camps, (6) parts, trails and beaches, (7) drive-in movie theatres and (8) large venue settings including fitness facilities, entertainment and sporting venues only if they have at least two entrances and exits and a fire capacity of at least 500.  Indoor gatherings limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings limited to 10 people.

   [E.O. 141, E.O. 141 FAQs, What Phase 2 means to NC, sample screening checklist questionnaire, interim guidance for places of worship and religious services, interim guidance for retail businesses]

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 8, 2020
North Carolina

All non-essential business and operations must cease unless consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences.  All businesses are directed to have employees work from home or telework.  Businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or educational institutions can conduct operations while maintaining social distancing requirements.  E.O. defines healthcare, public health operations, human services operations, essential infrastructure operations as well as other types of businesses.

All citizens are ordered to stay at home or place of residence, except for essential activities, essential government operations or to participate in or access essential businesses and operations. Individuals using shared or outdoor spaces must use social distancing protocol.  Travel into, within, or out of the State is allowed to maintain essential businesses and operations and minimum basic operations.  [E.O. 121, E.O. 135 extension, press release extension, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

 

Face Protection
North Dakota

Recommends that employees and the public wear face coverings especially in settings where social distancing may be difficult to maintain. [COVID-19 business and employer workers safety]

Temperature and Health Screening
North Dakota

If an employee calls in sick an employer may ask the employee if they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19.  Employers may also check employees’ temperature when they arrive at work. [Business and employer workers safety]

Business Operations March 30, 2020
North Dakota

Schools, restaurants, fitness centers, movie theaters, and salons are shut down.  COVID-19 webpage

On 5/1/2020, businesses can reopen if they follow the rules and procedures of the state’s Smart Restart plan. Restaurants, bars, breweries, food trucks and cafes, are limited to 50% capacity and 10 persons per table.  Salad bars and buffets may operate if “pre-portioned servings are prepared by staff.  Personal care businesses can open but employees must wear masks.  Health clubs and athletic facilities, under conditions including 1 person per 100 square feet for fitness classes, saunas, steam rooms, groups sports with more than 10 persons playing at the same time and staff training regarding cleaning and PPE.  Movie theaters, at 20% of normal capacity, including two empty seats between parties and other protocols for reducing crowding.  Self-service drinks and condiments are not allowed.   [E.O. 2020-6.4]

Business Operations March 23, 2020
Ohio

All non-essential businesses and operations are required to cease all activities.  Home-based businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences.  All essential businesses will remain open and shall comply with social distancing protocol. Press release, FAQs, Business assistance, COVID-19 webpage]

Operations can resume: (1) 5/1/2020 for elective medical procedures not requiring an overnight hospital stay, (2) 5/4/2020 for manufacturing, distribution and construction and office businesses, and (3) 5/12/2020 for consumer, retail and service industries.  Sector-specific requirements: (1) manufacturing, distribution and construction, (2) general office environments, and (3) consumer, retail and services. [Amended Stay at Home Order]

On 5/21/2020, campgrounds may reopen.  On 5/22/2020, horse racing with no spectators can begin operations. On 5/26/2020 the following can reopen and/or operate: (1) Bureau of Motor Vehicles, (2) gyms and fitness center, (3) sport leagues, and (4) pools. On 5/31/2020 child care providers and day camps may reopen.  On 5/14/2020, Dine Safe Ohio Order formalized the rules for restaurants and bar reopenings.  [Restart Ohio opening dates]

On 5/29/2020 the Director’s Updated and Revised Order for Business Guidance and Social Distancing was issued extending the Stay Safe Ohio order, including requiring employees to wear face coverings until 7/1/2020.  Extends ban on all public and private gatherings of more than 10 people, except for weddings (limited to 300 people), funerals and religious services.  Identifies the following new recommendations for manufacturing, distribution and construction industries: (1) provide stipends to employees for transportation, (2) split into sub-teams to avoid contact, (3) reduce pace to allow less FTEs per line, (4) close cafeteria and gathering spaces or conduct regular cleanings, and (5) perform daily deep disinfection of entire facility.

Stay-at-Home March 23, 2020
Ohio

All citizens are ordered to stay at home except to participate in essential activities, essential governmental functions, or essential businesses and operations.   All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household are prohibited.   [Stay Home Order, Amended Stay Home Order, Press release, FAQs, Business assistance, COVID-19 webpage

Ends 5/1/2020

Face Protection
Ohio

Requires employees and clients or customers to wear face coverings at all times. [Responsible protocols for getting Ohio back to work]

Guidance provided 4/29/2020 changed saying that customers “should, but are not required," to wear” face covering. [Responsible protocols for getting Ohio back to work, Sector specific operating requirements, FAQs]

Business Operations March 23, 2020
Oklahoma

Closes all non-essential businesses for which close personal contact is difficult to avoid (list in E.O.).  On-premise consumption of food and beverages is prohibited but allows for take-out or delivery service.  Social distancing is requiring other retail businesses.  Work in the office is prohibited whenever telework and work-at-home options are available, in light of position duties, availability of teleworking equipment, and network adequacy.  State government buildings will be closed to the public.  [E.O. 20-12, Press release, COVID-19 webpage]

Issued 3/23/2020 until terminated

Temperature and Health Screening April 28, 2020
Ohio

Employers are required to conduct daily health assessments on employees.  It is also recommended that employers conduct temperature screenings each day before work if the employee cannot work from home.  An employee with a temperature of 100.4F must be sent home.  If an employer is unable to take temperatures they should ask the employee to take their temperature at home and stay home if they have a fever. [Information for businesses and employers screening employees, responsible protocols for getting Ohio back to work]

Unemployment Benefits March 23, 2020
Ohio

Unemployment compensation benefits are available to employees whose hours have been reduced and are considered “partially unemployed.”  Eligible employees’ weekly pay must drop below the weekly benefit amount they would be entitled to receive if they were totally unemployed.  They are able to receive unemployment benefits equal to the difference between the weekly benefit amount they would receive if they were totally unemployed and the pay they are receiving while partially unemployed.  [Office of UI Operations webpage]

10 – 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $480. [SharedWork Ohio]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Oregon

20 – 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $668. [Work Share]

Health and Temperature Screening
Oregon

Employers should consider regular health checks, including temperature checks, or symptom self-report of employees.  Personal care services employers must contact clients prior to appointments to screen them for symptoms.

Face Protection April 7, 2020
Oregon

Citizens are encouraged to wear cloth masks or face coverings in public places. [Guidance on homemade masks in public]

Construction businesses must require face shields or masks to be worn when workers cannot consistently maintain six feet of separation from other workers, and must encourage or require the use of work gloves, as appropriate.

 

Stay-at-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 6, 2020
Oklahoma

Requires vulnerable individuals, over the age of 65 who have serious underlying medical conditions, to stay at home except when conducting essential activities.  Social gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.  Visitors are prohibited from entering or visiting patients and residents at nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes.    [E.O. 2020-07, extension press release, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection April 7, 2020
Oregon

Citizens are encouraged to wear cloth masks or face coverings in public places. [Guidance on homemade masks in publicRetail employers and restaurant, bar, and other food and beverage establishments must require all employees to wear employer-provided cloth or disposable face coverings.  Personal care services employees must wear face coverings when providing client services, and are recommended to provide face coverings for clients.

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 6, 2020
Oregon

All non-essential businesses are required to close, except for restaurants and bars that can provide curbside, takeout or delivery.  Put a temporary suspension on the cost and fees of oversize/overweight permits required of carriers who sole purpose is to transport items used for recovery/relief efforts.

[E.O. 2020-07, extension press release, COVID-19 webpage]

As of 4/9/2020, businesses can perform resumed activities who: (1) process or fulfill remote orders for goods for delivery or curbside pick-up, (2) perform bicycle maintenance or repair; (3) employ workers in garden stores, nurseries, lawn care, pest control and landscaping operations, (4) employ maintenance workers and groundskeepers who are necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of places of outdoor recreation, or (5) provide moving or storage operations. 

Garden centers in “big box stores” must remain closed.  Motorized boating is allowed as well as golf.  Parks remain open.  Pharmacies and food-selling business must provide at least two hours of dedicated shopping time per week for vulnerable populations.  Effective 5/4/2020, four new types of “resumed activity” workers have been identified: (1) workers who perform work that is traditionally and primarily performed outdoors, (2) construction industry workers, including trades such as electricians and plumbers, (3) workers in the real estate industry, and (4) “workers necessary to the manufacture of goods that support workplace modification to forestall the spread of COVID-19 infections.”  [E.O. 2020-59 Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life – rescission of E.O. 2020-42, Guidance to protect consumers, E.O. 2020-70]

Permits manufacturing workers, including workers in the automotive industry, to resume work on 5/11/2020 as part of the MI Safe Start Plan.  The requirements include: (1) daily entry screening protocols, (2) dedicated entry points, (3) suspension of non-essential in-person visits, such as tours, (4) reduction of congestion at common spaces, (5) rotational shift schedules, (6) training on avoiding transmission of the virus, (7) staggered start and meal times, (8) installation of temporary physical barriers, and (9) limitation of tool and equipment sharing.   [E.O. 2020-77 rescinds E.O. 2020-70, MI Safe Start]

Effective 5/1/2020 non-urgent medical procedures are allowable.  Effective 5/5/2020 some outdoor parks and recreation areas reopened.  On 5/15/2020, if protocols are met, counties can begin limited reopening restaurants and bars for sit-down service, personal care and services businesses, and in-person gatherings of up to 25 people.  [Reopening Oregon, Plan announcement, prerequisites for phase reopening; Phase one reopening guidance for industries and individuals]

WARN April 20, 2020
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia

Officially lists COVID-19 as a “natural disaster” and a “national emergency” so that the Act will not apply to any closure caused by COVID-19.  [Temporary Emergency Regulations under Chapter 19-1500]

Business Operations April 1, 2020
Pennsylvania

Mandates that large building owners clean high-touch areas as of 4/5/2020. Covers buildings of at least 50,000 square feet and is authorized to maintain in-person operations.

Press release, Industry Operation guidance, Life-Sustaining Business FAQs, mandatory cleaning protocols for large buildings, COVID-19 webpage]

The construction industry can resume operations on 5/1/2020. Issued safety guidance to all construction businesses and their employees to follow to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  The guidance identifies 16 safety measures, including but not limited to: (1) provide handwashing stations, (2) implement cleaning or sanitizing protocols, (3) stagger shifts, breaks, work areas, (4) limit tool sharing, (5) employ jobsite screening, and prohibit unnecessary visitors.

Ends 4/30/2020

On 5/8/2020 24 largely rural counties in northwest and north central PA will open up under the first stage of the reopening plan.  In the yellow phase, public gatherings of more than 25 are prohibited.  In-person retail businesses will be allow to reopen, and are encouraged to provide curbside pickup and delivery services or limit occupancy to 50% capacity, encouraging online ordering, requiring customers to wear masks, hourly handwashing breaks, and taking employee temperatures before they enter the business.  [Press release, Plan to Reopen PA, Guidance for businesses permitted to operate, Order directing building safety measures, COVID-19 safety procedures and notice for businesses]

On 5/19/2020, the real estate industry, including appraisers, notaries, title companies, settlement service providers, escrow officers, home inspectors, mortgage loan originators, processors, and underwriters, may begin conducting certain business transactions statewide.  Limit-in person activities to no more than the real estate person and two people. Prohibits providing food and providing in-person group showings. [Guidance for real estate industry]

On 5/29/2020 18 counties moved into the “green” phase.  Opening businesses must comply with the Business Safety Order.  Most businesses serving the public can operate at up to 75% of the maximum capacity and must enforce social distancing and include: (1) personal services by appointment only, (2) gyms and spas preferably by appointment or reservations, (3) religious institutions with no limitations, and (4) professional sports teams without spectators. Gathering greater than 250 is prohibited. Visitation to prisons and hospitals may resume.  As of 6/5/2020, restaurants are permitted to have dine-service service or outdoor seating.   [Amended EO]

Worker Protection   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — April 30, 2020
Pennsylvania

Requires the implementation of additional protective measures for critical workers of businesses that are authorized to maintain in-person operations, including the work of PA public utilities.  Suggests staggering work start and stop times to prevent large gatherings, provide sufficient space for employee breaks and meals while maintaining social distancing, etc. [Press release; guidance from PA Health Department]

Updated 4/15/2020  Effective 4/19/2020

Stay-at-Home April 1, 2020
Pennsylvania

All citizens must stay at home except for allowable activities and essential travel to maintain the health and safety of oneself, family, or household members including pets.  Can engage in an outdoor activity if social distancing rules are followed.  Only essential travel is acceptable.  [E.O. For Individuals to Stay at Home, Press release, Industry Operation guidance, Life-Sustaining Business FAQs, mandatory cleaning protocols for large buildings, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 4/30/2020

Unemployment Benefits April 3, 2020
Pennsylvania

Employers must provide notice to employees about unemployment compensation benefits at the time of separation or when an employee’s work hours are reduced.  If the reason for the wage loss is on account of the pandemic, it is important for the applicant to indicate so to receive the increased benefits. [Act 9 of 2020 and PA Office of Unemployment Compensation]

20 – 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $572. [Shared Work Program]

Temperature and Health Screening
Pennsylvania

Employers may take employees’ temperatures before they begin work and send employees home if they have a fever of 100.4F or higher. If a business has been exposed to a person who is a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19, employers shall implement the above temperature screening protocol.  Health screenings based on CDC guidance are required for construction employers. [Safety measures for businesses permitted to maintain in-person operations, Guidance for businesses in the construction industry]

Face Protection April 3, 2020
Pennsylvania

Recommends that citizens wear face masks and coverings when in public.  [Press release; guidance from PA Health Department]

Updated 4/15/2020  Effective 4/19/2020

Employers permitted to maintain in-person operations must provide masks for employees to wear during their time at work and make it a mandatory requirement to wear masks while on the work site, except when using break time to eat or drink. Employers may approve face coverings obtained or made by employees.  Businesses, other than health care providers, that service the public within a building or a defined area must require that all customers wear masks while on premises, and deny entry to people not wearing masks, unless the business is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, in which the business must provide alternative methods of pick-up or delivery of such goods.   [Press release; guidance from PA Health Department, Order of the Secretary of PA Department of Health Directing Public Health safety measures for businesses permitted to maintain –in-person operations]

Face Protection
Puerto Rico

Requires all people to wear face coverings when in public spaces.

Health Screening
Puerto Rico

Employees are required to implement a protocol to monitor and screen personnel prior to entering the workplace. They must also set up procedures to follow if symptoms are detected. [Guidance in Spanish]

Disability Accommodations
Puerto Rico

Updates the Law Prohibiting Discrimination Against Disabled Persons by expanding its protection and offers certain types of employees the right of a reasonable accommodation in the workplace during the COVID-10 pandemic.   Gives employees the right to request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disease or health condition identified by the CDC as one that increases the individual’s risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if they contract COVID-19.  Approved by the Senate and being considered by the House of Representatives.     [SB 1577]

Workers' Compensation June 1, 2020
Puerto Rico

Extends workers’ compensation insurance coverage to certain employees who get infected with COVID-19 while performing their duties.   [Act No. 56-2020]

Layoffs April 16, 2020
Puerto Rico

Employers must provide a model notice to employees in the event of a layoff or reduction in hours and to employees who have already been laid off. The notice can be provided by mail, email, or text message.   [Circular letter 2020-02]

Unemployment Benefits
Puerto Rico

Any private employer that lays off or reduces employees’ regular working hours is required to notify them in writing of the benefits available under the UI program.  Notice must reference the Puerto Rico Employment Security law and include a statement that the claimant may file in the first week in which they have ceased work or in which their working hours have been reduced.

Business Operations March 15, 2020
Puerto Rico

All non-essential businesses are to be closed except those exempt (identified in the Order).  All businesses that operate under this Order must offer preferential service to people working at hospitals, laboratories, and law enforcement agencies.  Religious leaders that can provide evidence of their status and who do not show flu-like symptoms or those associated with COVID-19 may leave their residence exclusively in emergency or crisis situations in order to carry out their ministerial duties if they cannot be fulfilled by phone or other communication methods.  Religious organizations can hold services electronically with a maximum of 10 people necessary to perform the operation.

Ends 5/3/2020

Obligated employers to certify the existence of a plan to limit employee’s exposure prior to opening.  The Exposure Control Plan and certification must be submitted to the PR DOL.  The circular letter from the DOL establishes the essential elements of the plan. Construction and manufacturing operations may take place on 5/11/2020 as long as strict measures are implemented to prevent employee contagion, including orientation and training.  Companies that supply materials to the construction industry may also open.  On 5/4/2020, non-exempt businesses can have up to five employees go the workplace to process payroll.   On 5/5/2020 up to five employees may also go to the workplace to pick up equipment to facilitate remote work. Elective surgeries are permitted in hospitals subject to the adoption of health and safety protocols which must be certified by the institution.  [E.O. 2020-038, Circular letter]

E.O. 2020-041 takes effect on 5/26/2020 and expands the list of businesses and commercial activities that are allowed to reopen.  Extends the lockdown and curfew measures until 6/15/2020.  Reopened businesses shall not exceed 50% of the maximum capacity.  Shopping centers in open format may open on 5/26/2020 to receive and train employees and can open to the public on 6/8/2020.  Car dealerships, travel agencies and armory shops can open by appointment only.  Restaurants may not exceed 25% of the maximum capacity and provide service by reservation only.  The E.O. also identifies restrictions for other businesses.

Stay-At-Home March 15, 2020
Puerto Rico

All citizens are instructed to remain in their place of residence 24/7 except for essential activities.  Allowed to use a vehicle only when acquiring food, pharmaceutical products, and essential supplies, visiting financial institutions, or receiving any exempt services.  All citizens who are reasonably suspected to have been exposed to COVID-19 regardless of whether they show signs of being infected are ordered in quarantine for a period of 14 days. [Lockdown and Closures Order, Extension, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 5/3/2020

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 8, 2020
Rhode Island

All non-critical retail businesses must shut down (list identified in the E.O.).

All businesses must develop a written control plan, in place by 5/18/2020, on how it intends to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  The plans must address: (1) social distancing protocols, (2) procedures for ensuring the wearing of face coverings, (3) procedures for cleaning and decontaminating surfaces, (4) procedures for responding to positive cases; and (5) procedures for minimizing access to the workplace by COVID-19 positive individuals.  Non-critical retailers must complete and sign a “reopening checklist” by 5/11/2020. All businesses must post notices educating employees, customers, and visitors how to protect themselves. [Reopening resources, Phase 1 general business guidelines, ReopenRI website, sample control plan]

Stay-At-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 8, 2020
Rhode Island

All citizens may stay home unless getting food, medicine, gas or going to work.  Anyone coming to RI from any other state by any mode of transportation must quarantine for 14 days.  Realtors and hotel operators must follow quarantine requirements for any out-of-state renters in their rental agreements.  Those who cannot work from home and must commute in and out of the state should remain in their home when not at work.  All gathering of more than five people are banned.     [E.O. 20-13, extension, Press release, Press release extension, List of critical businesses, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 18, 2020
Rhode Island

Requires cloth face coverings for any employee working at a customer/client-facing business, non-profit organization, and office-based businesses.   Employees must wear face coverings in any entry, exit and common areas of the business. Requires businesses to provide, at their expense, face coverings or materials to make face coverings to all employees.     [E.O. 20-24  Requiring Cloth Face Masks at Work]

As of 5/8/2020 any person in a public space, indoors or outdoors, must cover their mouth or nose with a mask or cloth face covering.  People are required to wear masks in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail, as well as taxis, ride-share services, or public transportation.  [E.O. 20-30]

Health Screening
Rhode Island

Recommended to have employees complete a verbal health screening and ask them if they are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms. [Business checklist]

Businesses must implement and ensure compliance with screening all individuals entering the establishment at any time for any reason including, at a minimum: (1) visual assessment, self-screening or a written questionnaire or a combination of these methods, (2) at all entrances to an establishment, notice that all individuals entering must be screening or self-screening and not to enter if the individual has any symptoms or has had close contact with a COVID-19 individual.

Temporary Disability October 1, 2024
Rhode Island

Reminds workers that they may be eligible for temporary disability or family caregiver insurance benefits if they or a family member have been impacted by COVID-19.  Waived the seven-day minimum claim period for COVID-19 related claims and the need for a medical certification if a worker is under quarantine. [Workplace Fact Sheet]

Workshare Programs / Unemployment Benefits
Rhode Island

10 – 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $586. [WorkShare – An Alternative to Layoffs]

Business Operations April 7, 2020
South Carolina

All non-essential businesses are directed too close and not to open for access or use by the public.  Essential businesses shall limit the number of customers allowed to enter so as not to exceed five customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% of the occupancy limit and now allow customers to congregate within six feet of one another. 

On 4/20/2020 some retail stores, including those that sell furniture, books, music, flowers, clothing and accessories, as well as department stores, sporting goods stores and flea markets are allowed to reopen at 20% capacity or five people per 1,000 square feet. As of 4/21/2020, the public beaches are open, allowing locals to use their discretion.  Some local beaches (Hilton Head Island, Folly Beach) are remaining closed or are keeping the parking lots closed.  

On 5/4/2020, restaurants may provide outdoor customer dining services in addition to existing take out, curbside and delivery services.  Tables must be spaced a minimum of 8 feet apart; limit tables to 8 people; eliminate gatherings in the building when entering or exiting outdoor seating area; maintain strict social/physical distancing guidelines, and tables, chairs and seats must be sanitized after every customer.  [E.O. 2020-31 Lifting, Press release – lifting work or home order]

Press release – lifting work or home order;  accelerateSC; restaurant reopening guidelines – phase 1 and 2, temporary outdoor seating guidelines]

On 5/18/2020, gyms, pools, personal care services, body-art facilities and tattoo services, massage therapy establishments can reopen.  [Guidelines for close contact providers]

Face Protection
South Carolina

Recommends that citizens wear masks in situations where social distancing may be difficult to maintain. [Guidance]

Stay-At-Home April 7, 2020
South Carolina

Requires all residents and visitors to limit social interaction, practice “social distancing,” limit movements outside of their home, except for engaging in essential business or activities or critical infrastructure operations.  Definitions and enforcement information is included in the E.O.  [E.O. 2020-21, COVID-19 webpage]

Health and Temperature Screening
South Carolina

Recommended for restaurant employees.

Face Protection
South Dakota

Citizens are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. [Precautions to avoid illness]

Business Operations
South Dakota

Although there were no formal orders to stay in place or for businesses to close, the governor released her Back to Normal Plan on 4/28/2020. Enclosed retail businesses that promote public gatherings including restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms and entertainment venues are advised to resume operations in a manner that allows for distancing and to consider restricting occupancy.      [COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection
Tennessee

Employees are encouraged to wear a face covering at work and citizens are encouraged to wear a face covering in public places.  [General guidelines for Employers]

Business Operations April 30, 2020
Tennessee

E.O. 27 extends E.O. 17, 21, 22, and 23 until 4/30/2020. E.O. 21 closes certain businesses to the public; restricts visitation to nursing and retirement homes and long-term care facilities; closed food service establishment to on-site service, closes fitness centers.   E.O. 22 closes non-essential businesses to public use; requires citizens to avoid social gatherings of 10 or more people, discourages discretionary travel and is a statewide safer at home directive.  E.O. 23 amends E.O. 22 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

On 4/29/2020 retail stores will open. On 5/1/2020 gyms and fitness centers will reopen.  Reopening at 50% capacity with communal areas closed.   Restaurants in 89 of the state’s 95 counties can open at 50% occupancy on 4/27/2020.    [Tennessee Pledge]

Temperature and Health Screening
Tennessee

Recommended that employers take temperatures on site with a no-touch thermometer each day as employees arrive at work.  Employees can take temperatures before arriving at work and should be informed that normal temperature should not exceed 100.4F.  Employers can also screen employees with questions about symptoms. [Chamber of Commerce resources]

Work Sharing Programs / Unemployment Insurance April 30, 2020
Texas

Sidelines workers can refuse to return to work for various COVID-19 related reasons and still retain unemployment benefits.  The rules do not require employers to keep those jobs open or reinstate workers when unemployment benefits run out.  Employees who choose to return to work may be entitled to paid sick or family leave (including job-protected leave) for COVID-19 reasons.  [Guidance, UI webpage including FAQs]

 

10 - 40% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $521. [Shared Work]

Business Operations April 2, 2020
Texas

All services should be provided through remote telework from home unless they are essential services that cannot be provided in that manner.

On 4/17/2020 the governor signed two executive orders to the “strategic reopening of select services.”  E.O. GA-17 allows businesses that provide non-essential retail services to reopen, with a “retail-to-go” model that allows the businesses to reopen starting 4/24/2020 provided the establishments deliver the items to the customer’s vehicle, home or other location.  E.O. GA-16 remains in effect until 4/30/2020 unless rescinded or modified.

Effective 4/23/2020 E.O. GA-15 requires licensed dental professionals to “postpone procedures that are not medical necessary to diagnose or correct a serious medical condition of, or to reserve the life of, a patient who without timely performance would be at risk for serious medical consequences or death.”

Effective through 5/8/2020 E.O. GA-15 permits hospitals and doctors to resume certain services.  Allows for procedures performed in accordance with the commonly accepted standard of clinical practice and surgeries performed in a licensed health care facility, reserving at least 25% of its hospital capacity for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.  

Effective 5/1/2020, some nonessential services may reopen, including in-store retail, movie theaters, dine-in restaurants, shopping malls, museums and libraries that operate at up to 25% of the total listed occupancy of the establishment.  [E.O. GA 18]

Phase 2, effective 5/8/2020 personal care services may reopen with only one customer per stylist; recommended use of masks for stylists and customers; appointments instead of walk-ins and customers waiting outside for their appointment.  Starting 5/18/2020 businesses within office buildings may operate at up to the greater of five individuals or 25% of the total office workforce using social distancing.  Non-essential manufacturers may open on 5/18/2020 but cannot exceed 25% of the total occupancy; must stagger work segments and maintain social distancing.  Gyms and other exercise facilities may open but may not exceed 25% of occupancy. Showers/lockers rooms remain closed and customers should wear gloves and maintain social distancing.  [E.O. GA-21; Strike Force to Open Texas]

On 5/29/2020 zoos may reopen with 25% capacity limitation and on 5/31/2020, youth camps and youth sports can begin to operate.  On June 1, schools have the option to provide in-person summer school programs, as long as they follow social distancing.   Between 5/29/2020 and 6/15/2020, water parks, adult recreational sports programs, driver education programs, and food-court dining areas within shopping malls can resume operations.  Prohibits door-to-door solicitation.

On 6/3/2020 E.O. GA-26 was issued representing Phase 3 allowing virtually all businesses to resume operations subject to occupancy limitations.  Businesses operating at 25% capacity can increase to 50%.  

 The following businesses may operate without occupancy restrictions: (1) essential critical infrastructure workforce, (2) religious services; (3) local government operations, (4) childcare services, (5) summer, day or overnight youth camps, and (6) recreational sports programs for youths and adults.  The following businesses may operate at full capacity as long as they operate with at least six feet between work stations: (1) cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, (2) message establishments, and (3) other person care and beauty services.  The following may operate at up to 50% of their normal operating limits: (1) professional, collegiate or similar sporting events, (2) swimming pools, (3) water parks, (4) museums and libraries, (5) zoos, aquariums, and similar facilities, and (6) rodeos and equestrian events.  All businesses previously authorized to operate at 25% capacity can go up to 50% capacity until 6/12/2020 when they can begin operating at 75% capacity.  Bars and similar establishments may operate at 50% capacity as long as patrons are seated.

Face Protection
Texas

All employees of reopened retail businesses must wear face coverings. Recommends that citizens wear face masks in public.  [E.O. GA18]

Stay-At-Home April 2, 2020
Texas

Citizens shall avoid using non-essential businesses and shall not visit nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.  [E.O. GA-14 relating to statewide continuity of essential services and activities, Press release, List of essential services, COVID-19 webpage]

Ends 4/30/2020

Business Operations March 23, 2020
Utah

Closed dine-in services and allows takeout service if purchased remotely by electronic means.  Requires that employees who handle cash or credit card have cleansing measures between transactions and the same employees cannot participate in food preparation, handling or delivery.  Individuals presenting symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19 should be excluded from the physical premise of the business.   Stay at home order except to engage in essential activities or to work in essential business, infrastructure or government services.  [H.J.R. 24 State of Emergency extended to 6/30/2020]

Employers and the public are encouraged to wear masks in public and limiting social activities to groups of 20 or fewer.  Limit occupancy to one person per 10 square feet and have customers and employees wear masks. Social distancing enforced via signage and markings. Dine-in service is allowed in restaurants, with a limit of 10 persons per table. Staff must wear masks and gloves when handling read-to-eat foods and to perform hand hygiene after every operation at each table.  Gyms and fitness center can open if they follow the guidelines in the plan.    [E.O. Moving the Health Risk Status From Red to Orange, Utah Leads Together Plan]

Stay-At-Home October 1, 2024
Utah

All individuals are to stay at home and work from home as much as possible.  Encourage socializing by phone and video chats.  Self-quarantine for 14 days after traveling or being exposed to an individual presenting symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19.  Engage in social distancing. Limit interactions with high-risk individuals and visits to hospitals, nursing homes and residential care facilities. [Stay-at-home Directive, FAQs, extension, COVID-19 webpage

Ends 5/1/2020

Face Protection April 10, 2020
Utah

Requires citizens to wear a cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth in any place of public accommodation, including retail establishments and grocery stores, and whenever social distancing is difficult to maintain. [Updated Stay Safe, Stay Home Directive]

Health and Temperature Screening
Utah

Employers should screen employees on a daily basis and at the beginning of each shift for COVID-19 symptoms. When symptoms are present, employees should not be permitted to work on the physical premises of the business.  Also, customers who present symptoms should not be allowed on the physical premise of the business. [Public health order]

Gyms and fitness centers and personal care services are required to check symptoms, including temperature, before every shift.

Civil Immunity May 4, 2020
Utah

S.B. 3007 was enacted to grant civil immunity to persons (including private employers, businesses, and government) related to exposure to COVID-19. A person is immune from civil liability for damages or an injury resulting from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 on the premises owned or operated by the person, or during an activity managed by the person.

Business Operations June 1, 2020
U.S. Virgin Islands

On 6/1/2020 guidance for restaurants, bars and nightclubs was issued.  Customers should be limited to 50% of seating capacity or 50 customers, whichever is less.  Businesses must limit the maximum number of employees in breakrooms, stagger shifts, configure workstations to avoid employees standing adjacent to one another when possible, conduct virtual business if possible, and notify third-party delivery drivers and suppliers about distancing requirements.  Employees must be trained on sanitation procedures.  There are 4 levels of violations for non-compliance.

Face Protection
U.S. Virgin Islands

Requires all employees to have or be provided with their own dedicated face coverings and gloves to be worn at all times.  Requires patrons to wear face coverings or masks when entering a business. 

Health and Temperature Screening October 1, 2024
U.S. Virgin Island

Requires employers to obtain from employees a completed questionnaire for COVID-19 symptoms on a weekly basis.  Must conduct daily on-site screening of employees as they report to work and sent home if their temperatures exceed 100.3.  If not feasible, employees may take their temperature before reporting to work but it must be “verified” by management onsite. 

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Vermont

All businesses and not-for-profit entities shall suspend in-person business operations and are encouraged to develop strategies, procedures and practices such as using an on-line presence, telephone and web-based services delivery and phone or on-line ordering for curbside pick-up and delivery.  Essential state and local government functions will remain open.

On 4/20/2020, certain businesses such as construction, home appraisers, property management and municipal clerks may return to work with social distancing measures in place.  Those businesses will be allowed a maximum of two workers.  On 5/1/2020 farmers markets will be able to operate with strict social distancing guidelines in place.

Crews of no more than five persons are allowed to perform outdoor work and construction in structures that are not occupied.  Manufacturing and distribution companies may reopen, with a limit of five employees per locations and employees can remain six feet apart.  In-person shopping is allowed at outdoor garden centers with maximum of 10 persons is performing, including staff and customers.  Libraries may provide curbside pick-up.    [Addendum to E.O. 01-20 Work Smart & Stay Safe: Phase II]

Stay-At-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 15, 2020
Vermont

Citizens are ordered to restrict and minimize all unnecessary activities outside of the home leaving only for essential reasons.  [E.O. 01-20, E.O. extension, Press release, Press release extension, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection
Vermont

Requires all businesses operating during the state of emergency to wear non-medical cloth face coverings over their nose and mouth when around other people.  For retail settings, a translucent shield or “sneeze guard” is acceptable in lieu of a mask. [Addendum 10 to E.O. 01-20]

Temperature and Health Screening
Vermont

At the beginning of each work shift, pre-screening, including temperature checks, is required to verify that each employee has no symptoms of respiratory illness.  [New work safe additions to the Stay Home, Stay Safe order]

Face Protection
Virginia

Citizens are encouraged to wear a cloth face covering in public places. [Guidance]

Employees in public-facing areas must wear face coverings at all times.  Vendors and employees at farmers markets must wear face coverings at all times.   Beginning 5/29/2020, employees of essential retail establishments will be required to wear face coverings when working in customer-facing areas.  Requires children over age 10 and adults to wear face coverings while indoors at: (1) brick and mortar retail businesses, (2) personal care and grooming businesses, (3) food and beverage establishments, (4) public transportation, (5) entertainment or recreation businesses, (6) government buildings, and (7) other indoor places shared by groups of people who are in close proximity to each other.  [Guidance, E.O. 63]

Stay-At-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — June 10, 2020
Virginia

Requires all individuals to remain in their place of residence, except for essential activities.  Use of shared or outdoor space, whether on land or on water, must follow social distancing protocol.  Prohibits all public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 individuals which they occur indoor or outdoor.  [E.O. No. 55, Press release, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

Delays the implementation of Phase one for the northern Virginia region and the City of Richmond and Accomack County until 5/29/2020.    [E.O. 62 and Order of Public Health Emergency Four]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — June 10, 2020
Virginia

Institutions of higher education shall cease all in-person classes and instruction and cancel all gatherings of more than 10 people.  Institutions may continue to operate by using remote learning, performing critical research or performing essential functions.

Effective 6/12/2020 all counties, cities and towns in the state have entered Phase Two.

Business Restrictions   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 8, 2020
Virginia

Imposes restrictions on nonessential retail businesses for an additional two weeks.  Must limit all in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons or close. Dining areas in restaurants, food courts, breweries, wineries and similar businesses will remain closed.    [E.O. 53]

E.O. 53’s closure of recreational businesses, entertainment businesses, and certain brick-and-mortal retailers, is extended until 5/15/2020.  On 5/9/2020, E.O. 61 was issued and goes into effect on 5/15/2020.  Non-essential brick and mortar retail businesses may expand from a 10-person maximum to permit customers at up to 50% of the establishment’s capacity.  Restaurants, breweries and beverage services with outdoor seating permits can open outdoor areas at 50% capacity and no more than 10 people can be seated together. Farmers markets and private campgrounds can open.  Gyms and fitness centers can hold outdoor classes of up to 10 people. Lap swimming in outdoor pools is allowed. Personal care and grooming services may reopen on an appointment-only basis at up to 50% capacity. Places of worship may hold outdoor services at 50% capacity.  [Guidelines for all business sectors; Forward Virginia; announcement for Forward Virginia; Forward Virginia  - Phases 1 and 11 outline

On 5/27/2020, Northern Virginia region, the City of Richmond and Accomack County will move into Phase 1 on 5/29/2020

On 6/2/2020 E.O. 65 takes effect and towns will enter Phase 2 on 6/5/2020.  Eases restrictions on businesses and faith-based services to up to 50% occupancy. These include: (1) restaurants, breweries, and beverage services may expand to both indoor and outdoor service, (2) gyms and fitness centers may expand to both indoor and outdoor activities with specific guidelines, (3) personal care and personal grooming services, (4) places of worship, (5) private campgrounds, (6) indoor shooting ranges, (7) outdoor racetracks, and (8) recreational and entertainment businesses. Public and private social clubs, public beach, and institutions of higher education may open but hold gatherings of no more than 50 people. [Phase 2 guidelines for all business sectors]

Work Sharing April 22, 2020
Virginia

Allows employers that are experiencing a slowdown in business to save jobs by reducing the number of hours their employees work instead of laying off a portion of those employees. In exchange, employees whose hours have been reduced can recover prorated unemployment benefits tied to the amount of their reduced hours.  [Work share program, SB 548]

Effective 1/1/2021

Temperature and Health Screening April 13, 2020
Virginia

All critical infrastructure/essential personnel, regardless of known exposure, should self-monitor for symptoms under the supervision of their employer’s occupational health program, which includes taking their own temperature before each work shift to check for fever.  All businesses should consider requiring their staff to self-monitor for symptoms even in the absence of a formal, onsite occupational health program. [Interim guidance for implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers]

Health and Temperature Screening
Washington

All employers are encouraged to screen everyone who enters their facility, including all employees before the start of each work shift.  [Recommended guidance for daily screening of employees and visitors]

Reopening non-essential retail establishments and low-risk construction sites must ask employees to take their temperature at home prior to arriving at work or take their temperatures, using a no touch thermometer, when they arrive.  Restaurants, low-risk construction sites, landscaping, and reopening non-essential retail establishments must screen employees for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 at the start of the shift.

Face Protection
Washington

Citizens are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings when they are in public settings where they cannot maintain six feet of distance from others. [Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings]

All employers must identify PPE and cloth face coverings in accordance on facial coverings and industry specific COVID-19 standards and provide the necessary PPE and supplies to employees.  For low risk construction, masks must be worn at all times by every employee on the work site. [Safe Start Washington]

Wage Garnishments April 14, 2020
Washington

Temporarily suspends all new garnishments of consumer debt judgements, including enforcement of any garnishment order already issued. [Proclamation 20-49]

Work Share Program / Unemployment Benefits
Washington

10 - 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $790. [SharedWork]

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 4, 2020
Washington

All non-essential businesses must cease operations except for performing basic minimum operations.  Essential businesses must establish and implement social distancing and sanitation measures.  Does not prohibit working from home, operating a single owner business with no in-person, on-site public interaction, or restaurants and food services providing delivery or take-away.

On 5/5/2020 Phase 1 begins.  The state will remain in each stage for a minimum of three weeks.  Some outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, and hiking) may open.  In addition to essential services, landscaping, auto/RV/boat/ORV sales, car washes, pet walkers may open.  Retail can open if for curb-side pick-up orders only. [Safe Start Washington, Proclamation 20-25.3 Adjusting and extending stay home-stay healthy order]

On 5/11/2020 traditional dine-restaurants, quick-serve food operations, fixed and mobile food trucks and other prepared food operations, hotel kitchens, workplace cafeterias, cafes, juice bars, breweries, public houses serving open containers of alcohol can reopen. [Phased approach – reopening and modifying distancing measures; What’s open and closed; guidance for vehicle and vessel sales; guidance for car wash industry, guidance for retail, pet walking and landscaping, memo re: dine-in restaurant service and opening requirements]

By 5/28/2020, farms in the state must comply with five general requirements if they provide temporary farmworker housing.  [New emergency COVID-19 related safety rules]

By 5/28/2020, farms in the state must comply with five general requirements if they provide temporary farmworker housing.  [New emergency COVID-19 related safety rules]

On 5/27/2020 E.O. 2020-67 was signed moving the city to the first phase of reopening effective 5/29/2020 and lifting the stay at home order. 

High Risk Employees   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 4, 2020
Washington

Provides protection for “high risk employees” who are over 65 years of age and people of any age who have certain chronic underlying health conditions.  Requires all WA employers to explore, upon request from a high-risk employee, “any and all options” for alternative work arrangements to protect these employees from displacement, loss of employment benefits, and any requirement that they use personal accrued leave before applying for any available unemployment benefits. [E.O. 20-05]

Stay-At-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 4, 2020
Washington

Prohibits all people from leaving their homes or participating in social, spiritual and recreational gatherings of any kind regardless of the number of participants, except to conduct or participate in essential activities and/or employment in providing essential business services.  [Proclamation 20-25, extension, List of essential critical infrastructure workers, COVID-19 webpage]

Job Protections   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — August 1, 2020
Washington

Proclamation 20.46.1 High-Risk Employees – Worker Rights extends under 8/1/2020 the job protections for “high-risk” employees.  High-risk employees are: (1) any individual 65 years or older, (2) anyone living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and (3) those with “certain chronic underlying health conditions.”

Temperature and Health Screening
West Virginia

Restaurant and bar employers “are being requested” to monitor their employees daily for COVID-19 symptoms, including checking employees’ temperature upon arrival at work.  [Guidance for restaurants, bars and casinos]

Restaurant and bar employers and lodging and retail establishments must monitor their employees daily by asking screening questions about COVID-19 symptoms.

Business Operations March 24, 2020
West Virginia

Non-essential businesses and operations must cease operations except for minimum basic operations as necessary to maintain the business’s inventory, preserve the condition of a business’s physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits and the minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.  Small businesses that do not invite in the general public with five or less employees in the office may continue to operate practicing social distancing.

Remains until terminated.

Outdoor essential activities and gatherings up to 25 people are allowed provided social distancing is practiced.  Small businesses with 10 or fewer employees and a history of 50 or fewer customers per day can resume operations with a limited occupancy of two customers per 1,000 square feet of interior space.  Restaurants are allowed to provide outdoor food service.  Barber shops and hair and nail salons can reopen but customers must wait in their vehicles until it is time to receive services.  Dog groomers may reopen.   [E.O. No. 32-20 Safer at Home]

On 5/21/2020, the following business may reopen: indoor dining at restaurants; large/specialty retail stores; state park campgrounds for in-state residents only; Hatfield McCoy trail system; outdoor recreation rentals; and outdoor motorsport and powersport racing with no spectators.  [WV Strong – The Comeback; guidance for businesses]

Face Protection
West Virginia

Reopening personal care services must ensure all employees wear masks. Restaurants open for takeout, or that will reopen for dining when the state permits, must require all employees to wear face coverings at all times. Small businesses of 10 or fewer employees are recommended to require their employees who have contact with customers to wear a mask and gloves.  [WV Strong – The Comeback]

Stay-At-Home March 24, 2020
West Virginia

Citizens are directed to stay at home unless performing essential activities.  Limits gatherings for outside activity to 10 people and requires social distancing protocol.  [E.O. 9-20, Stay at Home webpage, COVID-19 webpage]

Face Protection
Wisconsin

Citizens are encouraged to wear a cloth face cover when outside the home conducting essential activities. [Guidance]

Stay-At-Home   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 26, 2020
Wisconsin

All citizens are ordered to stay at home except for essential activities, essential governmental functions, to operate essential businesses and operations, to perform non-essential minimum basic operations, essential travel and special situations.  Prohibits all public and private gatherings of any number of people.  [E.O. #12, Emergency Order #28 extension, Press release extension, essential business declaration webpage, FAQs, COVID-19 webpage]

On 5/13/2020, the WI Supreme Court struck down most of the safer at home order.

Business Operations   Issued — October 1, 2024  End — May 26, 2020
Wisconsin

All for-profit and non-profit businesses with a facility in the State, except essential businesses and operations, are required to cease all activities except for minimum basic operations and any operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own home.  All businesses shall use technology to avoid meeting in person. Businesses may not engage in door-to-door solicitation.

On 4/16/2020, golf courses can reopen.  Public libraries and arts and crafts stores may offer curbside pickup.

All businesses are allowed to offer curbside pickup of orders placed online or on the phone.  Landscaping and construction businesses can do aesthetic or optional work if it is done by a single employee.  Non-essential businesses can resume under “minimum basic operations” guidelines, free of contact with customers.  This includes dog groomers, upholstery businesses and small engine repair shops.  Operations must be performed by one staff member.  Customers are not allowed to enter the business, and must order services lone or by phone, with pick-up and delivery times scheduled in advance.  Rental of outdoor recreational vehicles are allowed under the same guidelines.  Golf course can reopen. [E.O. #34 Turn the Dial, Badger Bounce Plan, press release]

Work Share Program
Wisconsin

Employers who implement uniform work-hour reductions across employee groups permit those participants to receive partial UI benefits while their hours and wages are reduced.  Changes to the Act, which continue through the end of 2020, (1) do not need to be limited to a particular work unit and can consider any combination of groupings of employees, (2) only need to cover two positions, (3) may reduce participant’s working hours by 10-60% of normal hours, and (4) need not apportion the reduction of work hours equally among the employees in the program.  [2019 Wisconsin Act 185]

10 - 50% hours reduced allowable under the program with a maximum unemployment benefit of $370. [Work-Share Fact Sheet]

Unemployment Benefits October 1, 2024
Wisconsin

Suspend the one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance that begin after 3/12/2020 and before 2/7/2021.  UI benefits paid for weeks occurring after 3/12/2020 and before 12/31/2020 will not be charged to an employer’s account but instead to the state are balancing account if the state determines the claim is related to COVID-19.   Participants in an approved Work Share plan will be eligible for partial UI benefits.  First responders who contract COVID-19 will be presumed to have become infected while at work for purposes of workers’ compensation.  (COVID-19 relief package to Wisconsin Act 185]

Face Protection April 7, 2020
Wyoming

Recommends that grocery stores and retail personnel follow CDC guidance regarding wearing face coverings at work.  Customers are encouraged to wear face coverings in a retail establishment.  [Guidance for Grocery and Retail Stores]

Business Operations
Wyoming

 Gyms can open if they abide by guidelines including face coverings for staff, limiting patrons and closing locker rooms. One-on-one personal training is allowed.  Personal care businesses can reopen but must limit the number of people in a confined space to less than 10 and providing service only on the basis of appointments.  [COVID-19 webpage, New public health orders]

Health Screening
Wyoming

Restaurant and bar, movie theater and live performance venue, gym, and personal care services employees must be screened for symptoms of illness before each shift.

 

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On November 20, 2024, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) published its FY 2025 Corporate...

 

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We understand that dealing with HR compliance and regulations can be an overwhelming experience. At OutSolve, we’re here to make that experience positive and productive. With a commitment to customer services that is unrivaled, you can depend on us for affirmative action planning, OFCCP audit support, pay equity, EEO-1 & VETs, training, and more.  For over 20 years our experts have helped companies take care of their compliance needs. Contact us today to find out more. 

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