Yeah, you read that right, states are reopening during a pandemic. So here are the states that are partially reopening.
**My findings are from the NY Times.
Alabama- Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, has allowed retail stores and beaches to open at 50 percent capacity; other businesses remained closed.
Alaska- Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, eased restrictions on several kinds of businesses starting April 24. Retail stores have opened to curbside pickup; salons and personal services.
Georgia- Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, went toe-to-toe with the White House and local mayors over his decision to reopen large parts of Georgia’s economy ahead of other states, starting April 24.
Idaho- Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, outlined a four-stage plan for reopening that was expected to begin with daycares and houses of worship on May 1.
Iowa-Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, plans to loosen restrictions in 77 counties starting May 1.
Maine- While Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, told residents to stay at home under a “safer at home” order, she will allow some personal care businesses to begin reopening May 1.
Minnesota- Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, allowed employees in certain agriculture, industrial, and office settings to return to work starting April 27.
Mississippi- Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, allowed the state’s stay-at-home order to expire April 27 and lifted restrictions on retail stores, which could reopen at limited capacity.
Montana-Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, allowed reopening in phases, beginning with houses of worship on April 26 and retail stores on April 27.
North Dakota- Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, plans to allow a variety of businesses to reopen starting May 1.
Oklahoma- Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, lifted restrictions on businesses starting with salons, barbers, and pet groomers on April 24.
South Carolina- Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, was among the last to issue a stay-at-home order and was also among the first to begin opening up his state, starting April 20.
South Dakota- Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, announced a “back to normal” plan offering guidelines for businesses to reopen if the surrounding area had seen a downward trend in cases for 14 days.
Tennessee- Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, announced reopening plans for most counties in the state, starting with restaurants on April 27.
Texas- Gov. Greg Abbott said he would allow his stay-at-home order to lapse on April 30, a move that would give Texas, the nation’s second-largest state, one of the shortest such orders in the country.
Utah- Gov. Gary R. Herbert, a Republican, downgraded the state’s risk to “orange,” or moderate risk, allowing restaurant dining, gyms, and salons to reopen with precautions starting May 1.
Wyoming- Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, plans to start lifting restrictions on May 1.
If you leave in the states above or if your state is going to be opening up soon, you can still decide to stay in quarantine and protect yourself and others.