Seventeen states pausing, walking back reopening
Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said hospitalizations are rising in 12 states, and 130 counties are considered “hot spots.”
A look at which states have postponed their reopening plans:
Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order for bars, gyms, theaters and water parks to shut down Monday amid ballooning COVID-19 numbers. “Arizonans have been, by and large, terrific, fantastic and responsible,” he said. “But, we have found some situations in categories where we need to take more aggressive actions, and that’s what we’re going to do today.” Arizona has confirmed more than 74,000 cases; more than 3,000 new cases have been reported on five of the past seven days.
Arkansas
Nearly two weeks after moving into Phase 2, allowing two-thirds capacity in restaurants and other businesses, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he’s not ready to ease restrictions further. As of Monday, the state has more than 20,000 cases, a quarter of which are active.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered seven counties to shut down bars, including Los Angeles and the hard-struck Imperial County, where 23% of those tested, per LAist, are positive. The ban doesn’t apply to restaurants that serve alcohol or bars that serve food. The state set its record for the most cases confirmed in a day Monday: more than 8,000, according to the Los Angeles Times. More than a third of those took place in Los Angeles County.
Delaware
Delaware did not move into Phase 3 as scheduled Monday. Gov. John Carney postponed action until this week so officials “can get a better handle on what’s going on.” The state reported 150 new cases Monday, the highest oneday total since late May. Through Sunday, Delaware remained at 507 deaths, marking four consecutive days without a new death. Hospitalizations through Sunday were at 72, the lowest since the pandemic began to hit Delaware hard.
Florida
Florida ordered bars to stop serving alcohol but can still offer to-go containers. The state cited an increase in cases and noncompliance by some businesses. But the order applies only to bars – restaurants that happen to serve alcohol will be allowed to stay open. Cases increased by another 6,093 Tuesday to a total 152,434 cases.
Idaho
Gov. Brad Little said last week that
the state will remain in Phase 4, allowing visits to senior living facilities and corrections facilities and limited opening of nightclubs and sporting venues. The state confirmed more than 200 cases a day for five out of six days last week, totaling 5,752 Monday, Boise State Public Radio reported.
Kansas
Gov. Laura Kelly plans to sign an executive order this week to require masks in public after a recommendation last week that communities remain in Phase 3, which allows for bars, clubs, salons and barber shops to remain open at reduced capacity. But the governor cannot enforce this statewide. Kansas reported 14,443 cases Monday – an increase of 905 since Friday. The state has reported 270 deaths.
Maine
Last week, Gov. Janet Mills postponed the reopening of indoor bars indefinitely after an increase of cases nationwide, reported WMTW-TV in Portland. More venues, including movie theaters and museums, could reopen Wednesday as part of Phase 3, with a 50-person cap and checklist of requirements. The state has at least 3,219 cases and 105 deaths.
Michigan
Just hours away from reopening June 25, a federal appeals court ruled that Michigan gyms may be shuttered indefinitely during the pandemic, even as bars and restaurants spring back to life. Several metro Detroit gyms opened prematurely – and illegally – early in the week in anticipation of the nowcanceled restart date, risking potential misdemeanor charges. As of Monday, statewide cases total 63,497, while deaths have risen to 5,915.
Nevada
Gov. Steve Sisolak is extending Phase 2 through July, allowing limited capacity at churches, salons, bars and gyms. Last week, he announced a mask mandate and tabled discussion of entering Phase 3. Hospital cases have reached 373.
New Mexico
The state has paused reopening. Hospitalizations have declined but not infections: 192 more were announced Sunday, bringing the total to 11,809.
North Carolina
Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is extending the current phase through July 17 and requiring masks in most public spaces. He vetoed another attempt by Republican legislators to accelerate the speed of reopening.
Louisiana
Louisiana topped 57,000 cases Monday as hospitalizations and ventilator use also continued to rise, a reversal from three weeks ago. Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a 28-day order last week to keep the state in Phase 2, allowing restaurants, malls, gyms, theaters, museums, bars and other businesses to open at 50% capacity.
Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee extended an emergency declaration Monday, along with a host of other provisions that had been set to expire. Tennessee will remain in a state of emergency until at least Aug. 29. The order expanded access to telehealth, allowed takeout and delivery alcohol services, and eased access to jobless benefits. As of Monday, Tennessee has had 14,743 cases, 592 deaths and nearly 2,600 hospitalizations.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott has closed bars and limited restaurant occupancy. Texas reported 5,913 patients in hospitals Monday, a record, and a 416-person increase from the day before.
Utah
Gov. Gary Herbert ordered masks at state facilities Thursday. In June, he announced a pause to reopening. Statewide, 564 new cases were reported Sunday.
Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee has delayed Phase 4, “which would essentially mean no restrictions, impossible at this time.” As of Thursday, 17 of 39 counties had moved to Phase 3, which allows for gatherings of no more than 50, outdoor recreation, theaters and museums. Cases surpassed 30,000 Saturday. Contributing: Joshua Bote, Grace Hauck, Jeff Neiburg, Nicole Cobler, Austen Macalus, Kitsap Sun, Joel Ebert, Greg Hilburn, Michael McDevitt, Lucas Peerman, Dave Osborn, Jane Musgrave, India Yarborough, Miriam Marini, JC Reindl, Brett McGinness, Maria Polletta, Mackenzie Wicker and The Associated Press