Updated July 12, 2022
Many states and cities relaxed their Covid-19 restrictions earlier this year as cases and related deaths declined. But as new subvariants of Omicron take hold, New York City's Department of Health is again recommending that all individuals wear high-quality masks in public indoor settings. Residents are also advised to mask up in crowded outdoor areas.
In earlier news, Philadelphia lifted
its indoor mask mandate April 22, just four days after it had been reinstated. Also in April, California removed the requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result for entry
to large indoor events with 1,000 people or more. Meanwhile, Hawaii lifted its mask mandate and eased travel restrictions
in late March. Other areas that have dropped indoor face-mask requirements include Oregon, Washington state, New Mexico and Nevada.
State-by-state updates follow. See anything missing? Please email us with new information.
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Puerto Rico | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
Texas |
Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Reopening Status and Event Restrictions for Each State
The state's Safer Apart order, which curtailed certain public gatherings, expired on May 31, 2021. The state's mask mandate and all capacity
restrictions have not been reinstated.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
Alaska entered phase three of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's "Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan" on May 22, 2021, allowing most businesses to reopen at full capacity. Large gatherings are permitted in
the state, but some cities have implemented additional restrictions. In Juneau, masks are recommended in indoor public areas and at crowded outdoor events. There are no longer capacity limits
on events.
Alaska has no testing requirements for travelers. However, it is recommended that unvaccinated travelers test prior to travel or get tested at one of the primary ports of entry.
Current meeting limits: Gathering restrictions vary across the state, so research your destination before planning an event.
Vaccine passports and mask mandates are banned in Arizona. Gov. Doug Ducey lifted occupancy restrictions on restaurants, bars and theaters on March 5, 2021. On March 25, 2021, Arizona's businesses were authorized to resume normal operations. All restrictions
were transitioned to recommendations. The Arizona Department of Health Services has developed a detailed list of Covid-safety
recommendations for private events.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a bill that bans state and local mask mandates. On Feb. 26, 2021, Gov. Hutchinson lifted restrictions on restaurants, bars and large venues, allowing them to resume operations at full capacity. In addition, indoor and outdoor
venues are no longer required to submit event plans to the Arkansas Department of Health for approval. Both local and state governments are prohibited from requiring proof of vaccination, including vaccine passports.
Current meeting limits: All event restrictions have been lifted.
California has removed entry restrictions for large indoor events. As of April 1, organizers of indoor gatherings with more than 1,000 attendees are no longer required to check proof
of vaccination or recent negative Covid-19 tests, but the guidance still is strongly recommended by the California Department of Public Health. For large outdoor events with 10,000 guests or more, groups also are advised to require proof of vaccination
or a negative test results. There are no capacity restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings. The statewide mask mandate was lifted for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people on March 1, although the wearing of masks is strongly recommended indoors
for.
In the Bay Area, as of March 11 both San Francisco and Berkeley have dropped their vaccine mandates for restaurants, bars and gyms. Neither a vaccination card nor a negative Covid test will be required for entry into such establishments. Businesses can
still opt to require vaccination of customers and staff, and can continue to require masks at their discretion.
Los Angeles County lifted its indoor mask mandate for everyone on March 4. Proof of vaccination is no longer needed for entry to indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges.
Current meeting limits: The mask mandate has been lifted, and gathering restrictions have been transitioned to recommendations.
Indoor mask mandates have expired in Denver, Boulder, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield and Jefferson counties. Masks are still required on public transportation.
Current meeting limits: Gathering restrictions vary by county.
The statewide indoor mask mandate for the unvaccinated expired on Feb. 15. Reopening guidelines can be found on the state's official website.
Current meeting limits: Capacity restrictions for gatherings have been lifted.
Gov. John Carney lifted the indoor mask mandate on Feb. 11.
Current meeting limits: There are no gathering restrictions.
On Feb. 15, Mayor Muriel Bowser lifted the state's requirement to show proof of vaccination for indoor events, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and other indoor entertainment venues. The mask mandate was removed on March 1. All capacity limits for meetings,
restaurants and museums were eliminated in June 2021. Destination DC shares the latest reopening details on its website.
Current meeting limits: All meeting capacity limits have been lifted.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on May 3, 2021 that suspends all local
Covid-19 restrictions, including mask mandates. Businesses, however, still can require patrons to wear face coverings. On April 2, 2021, DeSantis signed a law that prohibits the use of vaccine passports, making Florida one of the first states to do
so.
Florida entered phase three of reopening on Sept. 25, 2020. Bars and restaurants are allowed
to operate at full capacity when following social-distancing protocols. While there are no restrictions on gathering sizes, event organizers are encouraged to follow guidelines from the state's health department.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of all sizes are allowed.
Indoor mask mandates have been lifted in areas including Atlanta, Decatur and Athens. Vaccine passports are banned in Georgia. Covid-19 restrictions have been eliminated for restaurants,
bars, conventions, live venues and most other businesses.
Current meeting limits: There are no capacity limits or restrictions for events.
Hawaii eliminated its mask mandate on March 25, the same day that the state ended its Safe Travels program for domestic tourists. U.S. citizens visiting the state are no
longer required to show proof of vaccination, take a Covid-19 test before traveling or create a Safe Travels account.
Hawaii has dropped plans to require that travelers have booster shots in order to be considered fully vaccinated
and avoid a five-day quarantine upon arrival.
Gov. Ige allowed a statewide rule governing restaurants, bars and social gatherings to expire on Nov. 30, 2021. Individual counties are now responsible for making their own rules. Details can be found on the state's safe gatherings website.
Current meeting limits: Restrictions vary by island.
Idaho is in the final stage of Gov. Brad Little's four-phase reopening plan. Gatherings of any size are permitted. Event organizers are encouraged to implement physical distancing
and safety protocols.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
The statewide indoor mask mandate was removed on Feb. 28. Face coverings will still be required on public transportation and in high-risk settings such as health-care facilities. Also on Feb. 28, Chicago lifted the requirement to show proof of vaccination
for access to indoor dining, gyms and entertainment venues.
Illinois entered the fifth and final phase of its Restore Illinois reopening plan in June 2021. All capacity limits have been lifted for bars, restaurants, venues
and other businesses.
Current meeting limits: Events of all sizes are allowed.
Indiana
As of April 6, 2021, all decisions about venue capacity and social-gathering restrictions are in the hands of local officials. Also on this date, the state's face-covering mandate became a mask advisory. Gov. Holcomb has banned vaccine passports in the
state of Indiana.
Current meeting limits: Gathering restrictions are now set by regional health officials.
Gov. Kim Reynolds lifted the state's mask mandate and other Covid-19 restrictions on Feb. 7, 2021. There are no limits on gathering sizes. In May 2021, Reynolds signed a bill banning government entities, private businesses and public venues from requiring
vaccine passports. She also signed legislation banning schools and local governments from issuing a mask mandate.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
The statewide mask mandate was revoked on March 31, 2021.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
Kentucky fully reopened on June 11, 2021, ending capacity limits and its mask mandate.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
On March 21, New Orleans ended the requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test to enter bars, restaurants, event spaces and other businesses. The city also lifted its indoor mask mandate on March 3. There are no gathering restrictions.
Gov. John Bel Edwards ended the state's indoor mask mandate on Oct. 27, and eliminated capacity restrictions for bars, live music venues, convention centers and other large venues. Local governments, however, have the power to maintain tighter restrictions.
Current meeting limits: The mask mandate has been lifted and there are no capacity limits for events.
An indoor mask mandate in Portland expired on Feb. 18. Gov. Janet Mills lifted capacity limits and physical-distancing requirements on both indoor and outdoor gatherings in May 2021 under the Moving Maine Forward Plan.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
The indoor mask mandate was lifted in Baltimore County on Feb. 1 and in Baltimore City on March 1. The statewide mask mandate ended in May 2021.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu lifted the city's mask mandate on March 5. The policy requiring people to show proof of vaccination for access to indoor dining and entertainment was eliminated on Feb. 18.
All statewide Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in the spring of 2021.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ended all Covid-19 restriction on businesses and gatherings in June 2021. In addition, face masks are no longer required.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
Minneapolis and St. Paul eliminated their mask mandates on Feb. 24. All statewide Covid restrictions were terminated in May 2021, including the statewide mask mandate, as well as capacity limits and distancing requirements for businesses.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
On March 3, 2021, Gov. Tate Reeves lifted Mississippi's mask mandate and increased capacities for all businesses to 100 percent. There are no restrictions on gatherings.
Current meeting limits: Meeting venues can operate at full capacity with no restrictions.
There are no statewide Covid-19 restrictions. St. Louis County lifted an indoor mask mandate on Feb 28.
Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill on June 15, 2021 that limits the duration
of local restrictions and bans local governments from requiring proof of vaccination to use public facilities and transportation.
Current meeting limits: The state permits gatherings of any size.
The statewide mask mandate was lifted in February 2021, along with capacity restrictions on businesses. There are no statewide limits on gatherings, although event organizers are advised to manage their gatherings in a way that accommodates the CDC's guidelines. Vaccine passports are banned in Montana.
Current meeting limits: The state permits gatherings of any size.
Nebraska has no restrictions on bars or restaurants. Indoor and outdoor gatherings are allowed at 100 percent capacity. The mask mandate in Omaha was lifted on Feb. 18.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
On Feb. 10, Gov. Steve Sisolak lifted the state's mask mandate for indoor public spaces, including casinos, restaurants and meeting spaces. Face coverings are still recommended for those who are not vaccinated.
Current meeting limits: Gathering restrictions have been lifted in the state.
In May 2021, all Covid-19 restrictions and guidance were replaced with Universal Best Practices for individuals
and businesses. The state’s mask mandate has also been lifted.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of all sizes are permitted.
Gov. Phil Murphy has lifted the state's indoor mask mandate for public spaces. Gathering limits and social distancing requirements for indoor and outdoor venues have also been eliminated.
Current meeting limits: All restrictions have been removed.
A mask mandate for all public indoor spaces was lifted on Feb. 17. All businesses across the state are able to operate at 100 percent capacity, and all limitations on gatherings have been eliminated.
Current meeting limits: Events of all sizes are allowed.
The New York City Department of Health issued an advisory on July 8, recommending that all residents wear high-quality face coverings, such as N95, KN95 or KF95 masks. According to the agency, masks should be worn in all indoor public places and in crowded outdoor settings to combat the recent rise in Covid-19 cases.
The city previously lifted the requirement to show proof of vaccination in order to access indoor dining, fitness, entertainment and meeting spaces on March 7.
Gov. Kathy Hochul removed the state's indoor mask-or-vaccine requirement on Feb. 10. The mandate required businesses to ask customers for proof of vaccination or to wear a mask indoors. It is now optional for businesses, local governments and counties
to enforce. However, face coverings are still required on public transportation.
Current meeting limits: Events of all sizes are allowed.
Gov. Roy Cooper lifted all mass-gathering and social-distancing requirements in May 2021. There is no statewide mask mandate.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
Mask mandates are banned in North Dakota. There are no statewide business or gathering restrictions.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of all sizes are permitted.
Gov. Mike DeWine ended Covid-19 health orders in June 2021, including the state's mask mandate.
Current meeting limits: There are no restrictions on gatherings.
An executive order issued by Gov. Kevin Stitt on March 12, 2021, lifted all statewide restrictions on events and residents. Major cities, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa, have ended local health orders that required face coverings in public.
Current meeting limits: There are no statewide restrictions on gatherings.
Oregon lifted the statewide indoor mask mandate on March 12. Gov. Kate Brown removed social-distancing and other Covid-19 restrictions in June 2021.
Current meeting limits: There are no statewide restrictions on gathering sizes.
An indoor mask mandate was reinstated in the city of Philadelphia on April 18. Following a decline in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations, the measure was lifted four days later on April 22. The Philadelphia Health Department strongly recommends people
wear face coverings indoors, but it is no longer required.
All other statewide coronavirus restrictions, including those on gatherings, were lifted in spring 2021.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of all sizes are allowed.
Masks are once again required at events with more than 1,000 people due to a recent surge in cases on the island. Puerto Rico had previously dropped its mask mandate, as well as capacity limits for restaurants, bars and event venues. Proof of vaccination or
a negative Covid-19 test no longer is required at private or public establishments, including restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and Airbnbs. Domestic travelers do not have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test upon arrival in Puerto
Rico. International visitors are still subject to U.S. entry requirements.
Current meeting limits: Event venues can operate at full capacity, but events with more than 1,000 attendees are subject to situation-specific guidelines provided by the Health Department.
Gov. Dan McKee eliminated the mask-or-vaccine mandate for indoor public spaces on Feb. 11.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
Columbia lifted its mandate on Nov. 9, 2021. Mass-gathering restrictions were lifted on March 1, 2021. On May 11, 2021, Gov. McMaster issued an executive order banning vaccine passports and preventing local governments from creating mask mandates.
Current meeting limits: There are no restrictions on gatherings.
The state has not issued any lockdowns or mask mandates. Businesses are encouraged to follow safety guidelines outlined in Gov. Kristi Noem's "Back to Normal" plan.
Vaccine passports are banned in South Dakota.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
There is no statewide mask mandate and Covid-19 restrictions vary by county. In Shelby County, Tennessee's most populous county and home to Memphis, an indoor mask mandate was lifted on Oct. 27, 2021. In Nashville, all capacity restrictions for events were lifted as of May 14, 2021.
Current meeting limits: Gathering restrictions vary by county.
Dallas County has dropped face-covering requirements in accordance with new masking guidelines from the CDC.
Gov. Greg Abbott lifted the state's mask mandate and allowed all businesses and facilities in Texas to resume operations at 100 percent capacity in March 2021. Businesses can implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion. If Covid-19 hospitalizations
get above 15 percent capacity for seven straight days in any of Texas's 22 hospital regions, the county judge for that region can impose new Covid-19 mitigation strategies. Per the Governor's executive order, those restrictions cannot include reducing capacity to less than 50 percent for any facility.
In October 2021, Gov. Abbott issued an executive order banning vaccine mandates in the state. The order prohibits any entity, including private businesses, from requiring employees to be vaccinated.
Current meeting limits: All facilities in the state can operate at 100 percent capacity.
There are no statewide capacity restrictions for gatherings in Utah and the mask mandate has been lifted. Vaccine passports are partially banned in Utah. Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill in April 2021, banning the state government from requiring people
to be vaccinated, but private companies are allowed to do so.
Current meeting limits: There are no limits on gathering sizes.
The indoor mask mandate for Burlington County ended on March 3. The state removed its indoor masking guidance on March 14.
Vermont fully reopened in June 2021. All Covid-19 restrictions on businesses and gatherings have ended.
Current meeting limits: There are no capacity limits for events.
Gov. Ralph Northam lifted the state's mask mandate, as well as all distancing and capacity restrictions in May 2021.
Current meeting limits: All gathering restrictions have been lifted.
The state's mask mandate for indoor public spaces expired on March 12, and vaccine verification for large events was lifted on March 1. The requirement to wear face coverings at large outdoor events ended on Feb. 18.
Current meeting limits: Capacity restrictions for events have been removed.
Gov. Jim Justice eliminated the state's mass gathering restrictions in April 2021. Capacity limits have also been lifted for bars, restaurants and businesses. The state's indoor face mask requirement was removed in June 2021.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.
Dane County, which includes the capital city of Madison, lifted its indoor mask mandate on March 1. Face coverings are also no longer required in Milwaukee. A statewide mask mandate was struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in March 2021. There are no other Covid-19 restrictions.
Current meeting limits: All gathering restrictions have been lifted.
Wyoming ended all statewide Covid restrictions in March 2021. Gov. Mark Gordon has banned vaccine passports.
Current meeting limits: Gatherings of any size are permitted.