State and local governments in the United States have responded to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic with various declarations of emergency, closure of schools and public meeting places, and other restrictions.
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On March 12, all schools closed on the 18th until April 6th.[1]
Alaska
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March 12 – A cargo pilot has the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Alaska.[2] Events of all kinds and sizes, including concerts, conventions, and sporting events, are canceled throughout the state.[3]
On March 4, Health Advisory passed that takes effect March 9. American Samoa will not be issuing any new government travel authorizations. [6][7]
On March 10, Health Advisory modified, US passport holders and the residents travelling from US states with Covid-19 cases will not have to spend 14 days in Hawai'i and obtain a health clearance three days before arrival. Flight restrictions has been canceled, though cruise ships are now banned.[8]
On March 11, governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga established government task force to provide a comprehensive action plan for American Samoa.[9]
Arizona
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On March 11, public health emergency announced by Governor Doug Ducey[10]
On March 15, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman announce statewide closure of Arizona schools through Friday, March 27. [13]
Colorado
On March 10, Governor Polis declared a state of disaster emergency. The announced emergency rules on paid sick leave for certain industries, like food handling, hospitality and child care; unemployment insurance for those who test positive for coronavirus; work from home rules for state employees; allow people over 65 years old to renew drivers licenses online; and a new drive-up lab in east Denver. There are new rules restricting visits to facilities that cater to older populations and ordering no in-person visits to correctional facilities.[14][15]
Connecticut
On March 10, Governor Ned Lamont declared a public health emergency after two residents tested positive for coronavirus.[16] On the same day, a State of Emergency was declared.[17]
On March 15, Lamont issues an order that all schools close after Monday, March 16 and remain closed through Tuesday, March 31.[18]
Delaware
On March 12, Governor John Carney declared a state of emergency following three more confirmed cases.[19]
Hawaii
On March 4, Governor David Ige declared a state of emergency until April 29.[20]
Georgia
On March 13, the state of emergency is declared.[21]
On March 14, Public health emergency declared. Public senior centers closed; gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited.[23]
On March 16, authorities of Guam shuts down for 14 days, including all schools.[24]
Idaho
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On March 13, Governor Brad Little announced a state of emergency on the state. The state of emergency triggers Idaho price gouging law that prohibits the sale of fuel, drugs, food, and water at excessive price during a state of emergency. [25]
Indiana
On March 6, Governor Eric Holcomb declared a public health emergency due to the first positive Indiana case.[26] Also on the 6, Tippecanoe County declared a public health alert as testing for the virus started,[27] which was upgraded to a public health emergency on the 9th over a positive case.[28]
On March 8, Eli Lilly and Company advised employees to work from home if at all possible, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.[29] On March 9, Hickory Elementary School in Hendricks County closed for 2 weeks after a student tested positive for the virus.[30] Avon Community School Corporation later closed all Avon schools until March 20 after a second student showed symptoms.[31]
On March 10, Indiana University announced classes at all campuses would be taught remotely for two weeks starting March 23, following spring break. In-person classes would potentially resume on April 6.[32] On the same day, Purdue University announces all classes to be held online starting March 23 and potentially through the end of the semester.[33] On March 11, the University of Notre Dame announced classes would be taught online starting March 23 through at least April 13, and classes would be cancelled the week of April 15 to allow time to transition classes to an online format.[34] That same day, Ball State University announced that, starting March 15, classes would transition to online only until April 30.[35]
Illinois
Jacqueline B. Vaughn Occupational High School, which serves students with special needs in Chicago, was closed from March 7 to March 19. All schools in Illinois will be closed for two weeks starting March 17.[36] All Chicago public schools will be provided with free meal pickup from Monday through Friday.[37]
Bars and restaurants that sell liquor in Chicago were limited to 100 patrons on March 15.[40] Governor JB Pritzker ordered all bars and restaurants in the state to close dining room service for two weeks beginning March 17. Deliveries, takeouts, and sidewalk service will still be permitted. The ruling came after Pritzker noticed that people were ignoring previous restrictions.[41]
Iowa
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March 9 – Proclamation of Disaster Emergency signed by Governor[42]
March 15 – Governor Reynolds recommends closing schools for four weeks. The state is developing legislation to provide child care during the emergency, including food for low-income students. The total number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the state increases to 22.[43]
Kansas
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March 14 – Johnson County has declared a state of emergency.[44]
March 15 - Governor Laura Kelly recommends closing schools for a week.[45] Several schools across the state (but none in Wichita) suspend classes for the rest of the month.[46]
Kentucky
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March 13 – Kentucky Power temporarily suspends disconnects for non-payments. [47]
March 14 – A 53 year old man in Nelson County who tested positive for COVID-19 becomes the first known case of a patient being forcibly quarantined after refusing to self-isolate. A law enforcement officer was placed outside his home.[48]
Maine
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On March 13, public buildings in city of Portland and various schools are closed. Maine Legislature is also adjourned.[49]
On March 15, Governor Janet Mills declared a state of emergency in Maine. [50]
Minnesota
On March 10, Minnesota approved $20.8 million from the general fund to add the public health response contingency account, making it just over $25 million to support virus investigation, outbreak monitoring, public information, statewide response coordination and lab analysis.[51] The University of Minnesota canceled in-person classes at all five of its campuses through at least April 1, moving to online learning starting next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.[52] On March 13, a Peacetime State of Emergency was declared by Governor Tim Walz.[53]
Mississippi
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March 13 – Museums, public universities, Belhaven University, Mississippi College, Millsaps College, community colleges, public schools, and private schools closed; church services and various events including the "South, North, and State Championship Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS)" cancelled[54]
Missouri
On March 13, Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency for Missouri, following the third and fourth cases of the disease manifesting in the state. The University of Missouri System schools moved to online-only classes the same day.[55]
Montana
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March 13 – Montana High School Association cancels Basketball tournaments[56]
Nebraska
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On March 5, the Clark County School District in Nevada canceled all out of state trips for all schools in the area. CCSD said that they took this action for "an abundance of caution." CCSD also reported that they will be rescheduling all the trips that were canceled.[58] Then on March 12, the CCSD canceled extra activity classes for all schools as well, however regular classes are to continue still.[59]
Governor Steve Sisolak declared a State of Emergency on March 12 to help move emergency resources and then on March 15, Sisolak announces that all schools in the area will be closed until the minimum of April 6.[60]
New Hampshire
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On March 12, hours after Governor Cooper requested that events of 100 people or more be postponed or cancelled, organizers called off the 73rd annual North Carolina Azalea Festival.[66]
On March 14, Governor Cooper issued an outright ban on all events and gatherings of 100 or more people, and ordered all of the state's public schools closed for a minimum of two weeks.[67]
On March 15, the county of Mecklenburg that included the city of Charlotte has declared a state of emergency.[68]
North Dakota
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March 13, Springbrook students self-quarantine after a Utah Jazz player gives autograph to one who tested positive;[73]
On March 16, public schools are closed onward.[74]
South Carolina
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On March 13, a state of emergency is declared on South Carolina.[75]
On March 15, schools are closed throughout the state.[76]
South Dakota
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March 13, Governor Noem declared a state of emergency; School are closed beginning 16th.[77][78]
Tennessee
On March 15, the mayor of Nashville imposes restrictions on restaurants and closes bars on Davidson County.[79]
Utah
On March 13, all schools were ordered closed and to switch to online classes by the 18th by Governor Gary Herbert.[80]
Vermont
On March 13, a COVID-19 task force was set up[81] and on the 10th, the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center was activated.[82] Governor Phil Scott issued Executive Order 01-20 which declared a State of Emergency until it expires on April 15.[83] The Executive Order limits visitors to nursing homes, assisted living residences, residential care homes, and specific care facilities. In also suspends traveling by state employees for non-essential government business, prohibits most mass gatherings including at schools and excluding transit, most offices, and grocery and commercial stores. The National Guard was also activated.[84] Additionally, the Vermont General Assembly voted to adjourn until March 24 to prepare for the virus.[85]
Virgin Islands
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Testing on the islands began March 3, with the first three tests sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.[86] On March 13, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas’ was denied entry to the islands outside of allowing an injured patient to be removed from the ship.[87]
March 13–30 "VI Montessori School and International Academy to Close"[88]
"All UVI Graduate and Undergraduate Classes to be Held Online"[89]
Wisconsin
The Osceola School District closed schools on March 10, to sanitize the buildings and buses after a person who attended a regional sports tournament was found to be infected.[90] On March 12, Governor Tony Evers declared a State of Emergency[91] and on the 13th ordered the closure of all public and private K-12 schools in the state until at least April 5.[92] Most schools in the University of Wisconsin System, including Madison[93] and Stout,[94] have cancelled all in-person classes through early April.
Wyoming
On March 12, the University of Wyoming and the Northern Wyoming Community College District both extended their spring breaks in response to the virus.[95] Also announced was a command center being established by the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and the Wyoming Department of Health.[96], while the Natrona County Health Officer issued an order to cancel the 2020 Wyoming High School Class 3A/4A Basketball Championships that were in progress.[97] Additionally, the 2020 Wyoming Democratic caucuses were modified to remove [98]
On March 13, Governor Gordon issued Executive Order 2020-2 to declared a State of Emergency in order to access funding issued by Congress.[99] The Order allows for the use of the Wyoming National Guard along with giving additional powers to the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, the the Adjutant General, and the Director of the Wyoming Department of Health.[100] Additionally, the Wyoming High School Activities Association Board of Directors postponed spring sports to at least the 28th, with the exception of the Class 4A and Class 3A Basketball Championships which would stay cancelled.[101] Spring break extensions were announced for Casper College and Laramie County Community College and classes at Eastern Wyoming College were cancelled for a week.[102]
On March 15, Governor Gordon and Wyoming State Superintendent Jillian Balow issued a joint recommendation that all Wyoming school close to reduce the spread of the virus.[103] This lead to several school districts to announce closings, including Natrona County School District, Laramie County School District, and Teton County School District.[104][105] Additionally, Sheridan Memorial Hospital issued a press release suspending elective surgeries[106], the Casper Recreation Center had its activities suspended[107], and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming cancelled club activities and sports leagues up to April 5th and closed all open locations until schools started to reopen.[108] Evansville restricted government facilities to the public, postponed all court dates, and limited Town Council meetings.[109]
Declarations of a state of emergency
As of March 13, 2020, at least 41 states, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and a number of cities have declared a state of emergency.[110][111]