Various social distancing orders across the U.S. helped slow the spread of the coronavirus, but states are feeling increasing pressure from protesters and the White House to relax restrictions.
Such a swift reopening runs counter to the advice of many experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top authority on infectious diseases, who warned has warned that resuming business too soon risked a fresh spike in infections.
“I think the message is that, clearly, this is something that is hurting from the standpoint of economics, from the standpoint of things that have nothing to do with the virus,” Fauci said. “But, unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery, economically, is not gonna happen.”
President Donald Trump, who announced guidelines Thursday for states to start opening their economies, cited a handful of states taking steps toward a “safe, gradual and phased opening,” including Texas, Vermont and Ohio. He is pushing to relax the U.S. lockdown by May 1, a plan that hinges partly on more coronavirus testing.
Several states announced plans to coordinate their response with neighbors: California is moving forward in coordination with Washington and Oregon; governors from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island announced plans to form a joint task force.
Here is a list of states making moves to roll back social distancing regulations. We will keep this file updated:
Colorado
One week before the state’s stay-at-home order lifts April 27, Gov. Jared Polis announced the next phase, called “safer at home”: The goal is for Coloradans to maintain 60%-65% social distancing, and vulnerable residents should continue to shelter in place.
Polis said the state will work with non-essential businesses on guidelines to phase in reopening beginning May 1.
Hair salons, dog groomers, personal training, tattoo and massage parlors can reopen with strict guidelines in place. Retail can open for curbside April 27; there will be phased-in opening for in-person operations beginning May 1.
Schools will remain closed, and bars and restaurants will not immediately reopen.
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis gave some municipalities the green light April 17 to reopen beaches with restricted hours for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing. In Jacksonville, people enthusiastically flocked to beaches when they reopened, drawing criticism on social media. DeSantis said schools would remain closed through the end of the academic year.
On April 20, he also announced a “Re-Open Florida Task Force,” whose executive committee includes 22 elected officials and corporate executives, such as president of Walt Disney World Resort Josh D’Amaro and CEO of Universal Orlando Resort John Sprouls.
The task force will hold a daily conference call until April 24, by when it expects to issue a report with recommendations.
Georgia
On April 21, Gov. Brian Kemp said he was allowing certain businesses to reopen on April 24, including gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, barbers, cosmetologists and massage therapists. Georgia’s timetable is one of the most aggressive in the nation.
“Each of these entities will subject to specific restrictions, including adherence to the basic minimum operations, social distancing and regular sanitation,” Kemp said.
Bars, nightclubs and entertainment operations will remain closed, but restaurants and theaters will be able to reopen April, 27.
Idaho
Trump said on April 18 that Idaho would be phasing in a reopening for nonessential businesses on May 1.
Minnesota
On April 17, Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order that reopened outdoor recreational businesses, including golf courses, bait shops, public and private marinas and outdoor shooting ranges. The order went into effect the following day and requires residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The order came a little more than two weeks before Walz’s stay-at-home mandate is set to expire May 4. All indoor recreational facilities must remain closed until then.
Montana
Trump said April 18 that Montana will “begin lifting restrictions” on April 24.
New York
On April 18, New York joined Connecticut and New Jersey in opening up their marinas, boatyards and boat launches for recreational use.
The state updated its guidance for golf courses, opening the door for public and private courses to open. Golfers will have to walk the course and carry their own bags without a motorized cart, according to Dani Lever, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s communication director.
North Dakota
Trump said on April 18 that North Dakota “advised nonessential businesses to prepare for a phased reopening starting May 1.”
Ohio
On May 1, the state will implement a “gradual” plan to open, Gov. Mike DeWine said April 16.
DeWine said the plan is being finalized with business leaders and advisers. It will start with businesses able to incorporate social distancing, cleaning protocols and other measures to reduce spread of the virus.
Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf, who has extended the state’s stay-at-home order until May 8, signed a bill to allow online notary services so online auto sales can resume. He also said that limited construction will be allowed at that time.
In the coming days, the governor said he will be working on guidelines for moving forward with reopening regions and businesses, starting on May 8. Wolf warned that operations will not resume as they were in February.
South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster announced a plan April 21 called “Accelerate South Carolina” to “stomp on the gas” and reopen certain sectors of the economy.
Clothing, department, furniture, jewelry and sporting goods stores, as well as florists and flea markets can reopen but will be forced to operate at reduced capacity. The closure on beaches will be lifted, though it will be up to local officials to decide on the reopening of specific beaches.
The order still encourages social distancing directives to be followed. Barber shops, beauty salons, bingo halls, gyms and nightclubs must remain closed for now.
Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee announced April 20 that his stay-at-home order will not be extended past April 30, and that some businesses around the state will begin reopening.
“For the good of our state, social distancing must continue, but our economic shutdown cannot,” Lee said.
A governor-appointed, 30-member economic recovery group is working with industry leaders to ensure that some businesses can reopen as early as April 27.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott announced executive orders April 17 that will ease some of the restrictions on retail stores and parks, but he said all schools, public and private, will remain closed for the rest of the school year.
Abbott said all stores in Texas will be able to operate retail-to-go beginning April 24. They can deliver items to customer’s cars, homes or other locations. State parks are to be reopened April 20.
Vermont
On April 17, Gov. Phil Scott announced plans to reopen some businesses – under restrictions – on April 20. Farmers markets can reopen in limited capacities, starting May 1.
Contributing: Savannah Behrmann; USA TODAY; Natalie Allison, Nashville Tennessean; Teresa Boeckel, York Daily Record; Sady Swanson, Fort Collins Coloradoan Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus US lockdown: Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina ease rules