Loosening restrictions

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced a series of steps to ease coronavirus-prevention restrictions on people, businesses and groups. The steps, listed below by start date, are part of Phase 1 of the governor's plan toward getting Arkansans back to normal activities.

April 27

Outpatient elective procedures are allowed to resume in hospitals and clinics.

May 1

Arkansas residents are allowed to camp overnight in state parks in self-contained recreational vehicles.

May 4

Fitness clubs are allowed to reopen.

May 5

People from outside Arkansas on recreational trips allowed to stay overnight in Arkansas hotels and state parks. Does not apply to people returning from overseas or coronavirus "hot spots": New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or New Orleans.

May 6

Hair salons, barbershops, tattoo studios, nail salons, massage parlors and medical spas are allowed to reopen.

May 11

Restaurants allowed to offer dine-in service. Elective surgical procedures requiring expected hospital stays of up to 48 hours allowed to resume.

May 15

Cabins, lodges and recreational vehicles at state parks become available to rent. State park restaurants, museums, exhibits, visitor centers, golf pro shops and marinas to reopen.

May 18

Casinos allowed to reopen. Larger venues such as movie theaters, auditoriums, museums, arenas, funeral homes and bowling alleys allowed to reopen. Certain non-urgent dental procedures allowed to resume.

May 22

Swimming pools, water parks, splash pads and swim beaches allowed to reopen.