A Number of States Easing Lockdowns Friday Amid Pandemic

Volunteers prepare groceries to be given out at a drive-thru Three Square Food Bank emergency food distribution site at Boulder Station Hotel & Casino in response to an increase in demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Las Vegas, Nev. on April 29, 2020. (David Becker/AFP/Getty Images)

A number of new states have started to ease some stay-at-home restrictions starting Friday.

Alabama

The state’s “safer at home” order was implemented on Thursday and replaced its “stay at home” order.

It means that all retail stores across Alabama will be able to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Elective medical procedures are now allowed. However, churches are closed, and restaurants and bars can only provide takeout.

“We know that what we are announcing today will please some and make others frustrated that we’re not going further at this time, but our job must be always to find the right balance,” Gov. Kay Ivey said this week.

North Dakota

On Monday, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said closed businesses can start to open on Friday if they follow social distancing measures. But restaurants, salons, and gyms have more guidelines that need to be followed.

Arkansas

On Friday, beauty salons and barber shops may reopen, according to Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

“Even if we do decide to lift restrictions on certain industries after May 4, I want to emphasize that they will remain under Phase One guidelines that call for masks, social distancing, and limits on the size of gatherings,” Hutchinson said in a statement.

Colorado

Starting Friday, businesses in much of Colorado can reopen. However, that does not apply to Denver, the state’s largest city.

Idaho

Idaho allows places of worship, daycare facilities, and organized youth activities to reopen or resume on Friday.

Ohio

On Friday, Gov. Mike DeWine will allow all medical procedures without an overnight stay to be allowed, including dentists and veterinarians

Illinois

All hospitals in Illinois will be allowed to resume non-life-threatening surgeries, and outdoor recreation can resume again.

Greenhouses and garden centers can reopen as essential businesses. Some nonessential retail can do pickup and deliveries.

Oregon

Gov. Kate Brown updated the stay-at-home order to allow non-urgent medical and dental procedures to resume on Friday.

Iowa

Restaurants, retail, malls, fitness centers, and other businesses can open at 50 percent capacity. Events can also be held with 10 people or less, and worship services can resume.

Some areas such as Des Moines or Cedar Rapids aren’t covered by the new order.

“I strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and purpose,” wrote Gov. Kim Reynolds in a statement.

Maine

On May 1, phase one of the state’s “Plan to Restart Maine’s Economy” goes into effect, allowing for certain businesses, religious services, and outdoor activities to resume.

Utah

Gov. Gary Herbert said that some guidelines will be relaxed Friday.

Pennsylvania

Golf courses, marinas, fishing trips, and some campgrounds can reopen Friday. Some construction projects can also resume.

Vermont

Construction, manufacturing, and distribution services may resume in Vermont on Friday. There will also be fewer restrictions on farmers’ markets and other outdoor retail spaces as well as on outdoor businesses, interior construction of uninhabited structures, and maintenance work.

Texas

Retail stores, movie theaters, and restaurants can open up at a limited capacity, said Gov. Greg Abbott. Some other businesses can also reopen, while dentists and doctors can resume. Barber shops, salons, and bars will remain closed.

Wyoming

Gyms, barbershops, hair salons, and other businesses may reopen under state guidelines on Friday.