U.S. Health Alert – COVID-19 Update
Updated on 1 July 2020
Updates in red
States are lifting restrictions and re-opening in phases with adjustments expected for the foreseeable future. Changes to guidelines and protocols are occurring frequently and restrictions vary greatly by state and locality (changes included). We strongly recommend continuing to apply best practices at the individual and organizational level and brace for tightening restrictions in locations experiencing significant spikes in cases. The US surpassed 2.7 million cases while the mortality rate is approximately 4.8% of all known cases. Over 530,000 cases were reported in the last 14 days.
We are continuing to monitor spikes in COVID-19 cases that may be attributed to increases in testing and large scale gatherings. We continue to recommend telework for employees wherever possible, adhering to social distancing and applying aggressive preventive measures (i.e. ensuring anyone with symptoms or who feels ill does not join gatherings or come to work). Eliminate non-essential travel and encourage employees and visitors to apply social distancing. We strongly encourage all leaders and individuals to comprehensively plan for return to work with integrated risk management protocols and practices and avoid rushing to failure.
Please note:
• 34.2 million COVID-19 tests conducted in the US – 10.3% of the total population
• 2,740,803 confirmed cases in the US – up from on 2,208,486 on 17 June
• 15,935 cases are currently considered critical – down from 16,695 on 17 June
• 130,134 deaths in the US – up from 119,133 on 17 June
• 1,143,688 recoveries in the US –240,552 new reports since 17 June
• NY accounts for 3.9% of cases worldwide (trending downward)
• NY, CA & NJ account for 30.3% of US cases
Even where shelter in place is not directed, we strongly recommend social distancing, along with aggressive hygiene and eliminate all unnecessary interactions with others to reduce the spread, including wearing a mask where social distancing cannot be maintained
The Situation:
Currently, the U.S. has at least 2,740,803 confirmed cases – the highest in the world – with 417,836 of those located in New York - accounting for 3.9% of cases worldwide. Additionally, California has 232,273 cases and New Jersey has 176,953 cases. Together, the top three states, NY, CA and NJ, account for 30.3% of all cases in the U.S – totaling 827,062.
There are 1,143,688 recorded recoveries and 130,134 recorded deaths. On 30 June, new COVID-19 cases totaled over 47,000 - the highest daily total since the start of the pandemic.
Over the last two weeks, 35 states are showing increasing trends of daily cases (this could be partially attributed to increased testing), while 18 states and territories are holding steady or decreasing. States with increasing trends include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Many states’ stay-at-home/shelter-in-place orders have expired; safer-at-home orders and phased reopening plans have taken their place. Expiration dates and guidelines are subject to change (See below for updated State-by-State measures for lifting restrictions).
Travel Restrictions and Recommendations:
• U.S. DoS Global Level 4 Health Advisory (31 March) – Do Not Travel
• The US-Canada border remains closed to non-essential travel until 21 July
• The US-Mexico border remains closed to non-essential travel until 21 July
• Current CDC Travel Alerts for Covid-19 by country
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Officials say the respiratory disease, is capable of spreading through human-to-human contact, droplets carried through sneezing and coughing, and germs left on inanimate objects. The virus might spread during the incubation period – which is believed to be from 1 to 14 days. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
• High fever
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Cough (usually dry)
• Sore throat
• Chills, sometimes with repeated shaking
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or pain
• Diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting
• Loss of smell and/or taste (uncommon)
• Confusion, stroke-like symptoms, and/or seizures (rare)
• Pneumonia (secondary infection)
Status of Lifting Restrictions by State (current as of 30 June):
Alabama- As of 23 May, Alabama is currently in an ‘Amended Safer at Home’ phase. This phase is due to expire on 3 July.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Entertainment Venues, Athletic activities, competitions and facilities, educational institutions, day care facilities, summer camp, retail stores, medical procedures, restaurants, bars, and breweries
Alaska- As of 22 May, Alaska is currently in Phase 3 of their Reopen Responsibly plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: All other businesses, places of worship, libraries, museums, recreational and sports activities. It is the responsibility of individuals, businesses, and organizations to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Local jurisdictions may choose to keep restrictions in place.
o All senior centers, prisons, and institutions will continue to have restricted access
Arizona- As of 29 June, Arizona has paused “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger,” until at least 17 July
o Organized public events of more than 50 people are prohibited
o Ceased operations: Bars, indoor gyms and fitness centers, indoor movies theaters, water parks and tubing operators.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail businesses, restaurants, Pools and spas, casinos.
o Places of Worship are considered essential in Arizona and remain open
Arkansas- As of 4 May, Arkansas is in Phase 1 of their Economic Recovery Plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Gyms and fitness centers, restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, stadiums, state parks and facilities, lodging facilities, pools, and beaches.
California- As of 8 May, California is in Phase 2 of their Resilience Roadmap
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, manufacturing, entertainment services, offices (where telework is not possible), bars, outdoor recreation, museums and zoos, campgrounds, lodging, cardrooms and racetracks, fitness centers, personal services, childcare, restaurants, and places of worship.
o Re-openings vary between counties.
o CA Public Health has announced the mandatory closure of bars for counties who have been on the County Monitoring List for more than 14 days.
Colorado- Colorado is currently at ‘Level 3: Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.’
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, retail, personal services, offices, campgrounds, pools, parks, and gyms
o On 19 June, the Gov. Polis will be finalizing new guidelines for ‘Protect Our Neighbors’ that would allow eligible communities to permit all activities at 50% capacity
o Re-openings may vary between localities
Connecticut- As of 20 May, Connecticut is in Phase 1 of their Reopening Plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: offices, restaurants, retail, museums and zoos (outdoor), outdoor recreation, personal services, summer camps and school, Indoor facilities including gyms, hotels
o Self-quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
Delaware- As of 15 June, Delaware began Phase 2 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Arts, culture, and history exhibits, Retail including malls, restaurants, breweries, and bars, beaches and parks, casinos, personal services, childcare, summer camps, places of worship, baseball and softball
o All opened businesses may operate at 60% customer capacity.
o Gathering limit- Indoor: 50, Outdoor 250 without a permit
District of Columbia- As of 22 June, D.C entered phase 2 for reopening.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, personal services, restaurants, doctors’ offices, parks and tennis courts, tracks, and fields, gyms, museums, libraries,
Florida- As of 5 June, Florida began phase 2 of their Plan for Recovery or all Florida counties except Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, bars, retail, gyms and fitness centers, personal services, entertainment services, Childcare and summer camps, museums, libraries, elective medical procedures, parks and beaches
o Re-openings may vary between localities
Georgia-Georgia is lifting restrictions, but, older persons and the chronically ill, must remain sheltered-in-place through June 12.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Gyms, entertainment services, amusement parks, personal services, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pools, childcare, and some elective medical procedures, In-person performance venues
Hawaii- Hawaii’s is currently in Phase 2 of their plan; ‘Act with Care.’
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Beaches, piers, docks, state parks, pools and waterparks in some areas, campgrounds in some areas, gyms in some areas, retail, personal services and pet services, construction and offices, places of worship, and restaurants.
o Re-openings may vary between localities
Idaho- As of 13 June, Idaho entered Stage 4 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: All businesses and services
o No limit on gatherings- as long as social distancing is followed
Illinois- Illinois is currently in Phase 4 of its reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Manufacturing, offices, retail, restaurants, parks, fitness clubs, personal and pet services, museums, zoos, places of worship Indiana- As of 13 June, Indiana entered Stage 4 of their reopening plan
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Places of worship, retail, restaurants, bars, personal services, libraries, theaters, offices, gyms, pools, sport courts, campgrounds, entertainment and tourism services, raceways, amusement parks, playgrounds, government services, community contact sports
o Gathering limit: 250 people
Iowa- Iowa has reopened.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Places of worship, entertainment services, personal services, restaurants and bars retail, camps, gyms, pools, parks, casinos, senior centers, racetracks, malls
o Re-openings may vary between counties
Kansas- As of 8 June, Kansas entered Phase 3 of their reopening plan. Further reopening to a ‘Phase Out’ has been delayed
o Opened, subject to restrictions: All education, activities, venues and establishments
o Reopening is at the discretion of the counties.
o Gatherings are recommended to remain below 45
Kentucky- As of 29 June, Kentucky is currently in Phase 3 of its reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Places of worship, retail, restaurants, distilleries, theaters, fitness centers, pet and personal services, museums, libraries, bowling alleys, campgrounds and childcare, pools
o Gatherings up to 50 people
Louisiana- As of 25 June, Louisiana remains in Phase 2- based on the White House Plan for Reopening.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, bars, breweries, shopping malls, gyms and fitness centers, personal services, entertainment services, racetracks, and museums
Maine- As of 1 June, Maine has entered Phase 2 of their reopening plan. Re-openings may vary by locality- as they are following strict checklists.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Museums, religious gatherings, outdoor fitness, restaurants, lodging, campgrounds, day camps, State parks and beaches, community sports, pet and personal services, all retail, some education programs, constructions, and drive-in theaters.
o Gatherings up to 50 people.
Maryland- As of 5 June, Maryland entered Stage 2 of their Roadmap to Recovery.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: non-essential businesses, personal services, construction and manufacturing, offices, outdoor recreation, religious gatherings, outdoor restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries, gyms, casinos, arcades, and malls.
o Several jurisdictions may keep restrictions in place.
Massachusetts- As of 22 June, Massachusetts entered Phase 2, Step 2 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Childcare, retail, limited to no-contact sports programs, restaurants, pet and personal services, manufacturing and construction, offices, parks, beaches, and outdoor recreation, lodging.
Michigan- As of 1 June, Michigan entered Phase 4 of their Safe Start program. Risk classification varies region to region.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, manufacturing and construction, offices, summer school programs and overnight summer camps, entertainment, personal services, restaurants, bars, places of worship
o Re-openings may vary by county/region.
Minnesota- As of 10 June, Minnesota entered Phase 3 of their Stay Safe plan for reopening.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Drive-in gatherings, offices, retail, outdoor restaurants, personal services, childcare, some summer education programs, organized youth sports, outdoor recreation, places of worship, campgrounds, and pools for youth programs.
o Gathering limit: Indoor: 10, Outdoor: 25
Mississippi- As of 1 June, Mississippi entered a ‘Safe Return’ model for recovery.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: all businesses and non-profits, all schools and reception halls, all medical facilities, all outdoor recreation.
o Bars in several counties were ordered to close
o Gathering limits: Indoor: 50, Outdoor: 100
Missouri- As of 1 June, Missouri entered the next step in their ‘Show Me Strong’ recovery plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: All businesses and services
Montana- As of 1 June, Montana entered Phase 2 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: All businesses, places of worship, and outdoor activities
o Gathering limit: 50 people
Nebraska- As of 1 June, Nebraska entered Phase 2 of their reopening guidelines.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Places of worship, childcare, bars and restaurants, zoos, theaters, pools, gyms, outdoor recreation, and personal services.
o Gathering limit: 25 people
o Re-openings may vary by county/region.
Nevada- As of 29 June, Nevada extended Phase 2 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Places of worship, gyms and fitness facilities, retail, restaurants and food establishments, personal services, pools, water parks, museums, galleries, and zoos, entertainment services, and outdoor recreation.
New Hampshire- New Hampshire is currently in a Stay at Home 2.0 status.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Parks, campgrounds, retail, restaurants, lodging, outdoor recreation, drive-in theaters, restaurants, beaches, personal services, sports and entertainment centers, gyms, libraries, museums, and pools, camps, indoor movie theater, performing arts and amusement parks
New Jersey- As of 15 June, New Jersey is in Stage 2 of their restart plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: State parks, golf, construction, retail, beaches, outdoor recreation, elective medical procedures, childcare, restaurants, horse racetracks, libraries, organized sports, pools, personal services.
o Gathering limits: Indoor: 50 people or 25% of the building’s capacity, Outdoor: 100 (anticipated to increase to 250 on 22 June and then 500 on 3 July)
o Individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from states with increasing rates of COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.
New Mexico- New Mexico’s statewide public health emergency declaration is in place until 30 June.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: State parks, pet and personal services, retail, including malls, offices, places of worship, restaurants, gyms, pools, breweries.
New York- Stages of reopening in New York vary for region to region. All regions are in either Phase 2, 3, or 4.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, places of worship, outdoor recreation, offices, construction and manufacturing, restaurants, personal services
o Re-openings may vary by county/region
North Carolina- As of 24 June, North Carolina extended Phase 2 of their Staying at Home reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, childcare, restaurants, personal services, arenas and stadiums, pools, day camps, state parks
North Dakota- As of 29 May, North Dakota is in ‘Green- low risk level’ of their Smart Restart plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: All businesses and services including summer school programs
Ohio- Ohio continues state to reopen with a “phased-in” approach.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, personal services, restaurants, bars, childcare and day camps, campgrounds, gyms and fitness centers, catering services, non-contact sports, pools, museums and zoos, galleries and theaters, recreation centers and businesses
o *Ohio’s Coronavirus webpage appears to be down
Oklahoma- As of 1 June, Oklahoma entered Phase 3 of their Open Up and Recover Safety Plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Personal and pet services, states parks, gyms restaurants, bars, entertainment services, places of worship, summer camps, elective medical procedures and offices
Oregon- Much of Oregon has begun Phase 2 of their reopening plan
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, retail, outdoor recreation, places of worship, childcare, day camps, summer school, personal services, gyms, entertainment services.
o Re-openings may vary by county/region.
o Gathering Limit: 25
Pennsylvania- As of 16 June, All of Pennsylvania's counties, except Lebanon, are in the green phase of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Childcare, schools, retail, restaurants and bars for outdoor. Green counties may have restaurants and bars for indoor, personal services, gyms and indoor recreation, entertainment facilities, and construction
o Re-openings may vary by county/region.
Rhode Island- As of 18 June, Rhode Island is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, retail, offices, personal services, gyms and fitness facilities, outdoor recreation and entertainment, places of worship, and childcare, theaters, bowling alleys, museums and arcades.
o Gathering limits: Indoor: 25, Outdoor: 50
South Carolina- South Carolina continues to reopen business over time
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Beaches, retail, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, pools, and personal services
South Dakota- South Dakota is currently in a ‘Back to Normal Plan’. In which businesses are open and practicing hygiene and social distancing.
Tennessee- Tennessee is currently following a Reopening Responsibly Plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Parks, restaurants, retail, gyms, personal services, entertainment services, and amusement parks, summer camps.
o Re-openings may vary by county/region.
o Gatherings limit: 50.
Texas- As of 3 June, Texas has entered Phase 3 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Nearly all services and businesses may resume but may be subject to occupancy restrictions.
o Bars, rafting and tubing businesses closed as of 26 June
Utah- Utah is currently operating on a color-coded risk reopening plan. Salt Lake City is operating with Moderate Risk, while the all Counties are operating with Low Risk and ‘New Normal’
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, bars, retail, tourism, art and entertainment services, personal services, constructions, gyms and fitness centers, and childcare, places of worship
Vermont- Vermont’s stay-at-home order ended 15 May.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Retail, outdoor recreation, manufacturing and construction, gyms and fitness centers, restaurants, personal services, museums, theaters, and libraries, arts, culture and entertainment venues
Virginia- Most of Virginia is currently in Phase 3 of it’s Safer at Home plan, as of 1 July.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Restaurants, bars, farmer markets, retail, gyms and fitness facilities, pools, recreational sports, personal services, campgrounds and summer camps, entertainment services, and places of worship.
o Gathering limit: 250
Washington- As of 28 May, Washington is participating in a Smart Start reopening plan. As of June 30, A total of 3 counties are in Phase 1, 2 counties are in a modified Phase 1, 16 counties are in Phase 2 and 17 counties are in Phase 3.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Outdoor recreation, state parks, retail, hair services, elective medical procedure, pet and personal services, restaurants for outdoor.
o Re-openings may vary by county/region.
West Virginia- West Virginia is currently in week 10 of their reopening plan.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Small business, retail, parks, gyms and fitness centers, restaurants, hotels, casinos, personal and pet services, places of worship, campgrounds, low-contact youth sports, and outpatient healthcare, outdoor sports and events, fairs, festivals, amusement parks, open air concerts.
Wisconsin- As of 13 May, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the governor’s safer at home order, effective immediately. This rendered the Safer at Home and Badger Bounce Back orders unenforceable.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Outdoor recreation, pet services, retail, restaurants, bars, non-essential businesses, daycares
o Re-openings may vary by county/region
Wyoming- Wyoming is participating in a transitioning plan to reopen.
o Opened, subject to restrictions: Gyms, personal services, movie theaters and performance venues, restaurants, and national parks
o Gathering limit: 50
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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