The COVID-19 pandemic escalated over the weekend when more states issued “stay-at-home” and lockdown orders.
So far, no states have issued orders prohibiting all residents from stepping outside their homes or going to work.
Of course, orders in several states and cities that closed bars, nightclubs and some restaurants have essentially prevented a significant portion of our industry’s workforce from working. So, such orders have, in a way, been issued.
As of March 22, these are the states that have issued stay-at-home and lockdown orders.
California
Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered Californians to stay home unless they work an “essential” job, need health care or must provide it for family member or friend, or to get food. Dine-in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and venues dedicated to entertainment are closed.
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To lessen the impact of the order on bars and restaurants, delivery and takeout are permitted. In addition, if sold with a meal, restaurants may sell beer, wine and cocktails with a secure lid or cap (bottle, can) for off-site consumption.
Colorado
Governor Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order that took effect Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 a.m. This action was taken after Mayor Michael Hancock issued such an order for the city and county of Denver. Restaurants may still offer takeout. Interestingly, the original order closed liquor stores (which the order prohibits from offering delivery) and cannabis dispensaries. An amendment re-opened such businesses if "extreme physical distancing" is implemented and enforced.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont issued an executive “stay-at-home” order on Friday, March 20. Restaurants may operate for takeout services.
Delaware
The stay-at-home order issued by Governor John Carney will remain in place through May 15 but may be lifted earlier if the "public health threat is eliminated." Bars and restaurants may offer takeout and delivery services only.
Georgia
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced a 14-day stay-at-home order on Monday, March 23. Restaurants and bars that serve food may offer delivery and takeout. Bars that don't serve food and nightclubs remain closed.
Hawaii
Governor David Ige issued a stay-at-home order that goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. The order will remain in place through Thursday, April 30, and restaurants and bars may offer takeout and delivery only.
Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered residents to stay at home on Friday, March 20. Restaurants may still offer delivery.
Indiana
Governor Eric Holcomb's stay-at-home order goes into effect Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. Bars and restaurants may offer takeout and delivery.
Louisiana
On Sunday, March 22, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a stay-at-home order that takes effect on March 23 at 5:00 p.m. Restaurants may offer takeout service.
Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan refrained from issue a stay-at-home order but ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Dine-in service is prohibited but restaurants may offer delivery and takeout.
Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker stopped short of issuing a stay-at-home order. However, he has ordered all non-essential brick-and-mortar businesses to close "for at least two weeks." Takeout and delivery are still permitted.
Michigan
Going into effect on Tuesday, March 24 at 12:01 a.m., Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a stay-at-home order that will remain in place "for at least" the next three weeks. Bars and restaurants providing takeout and delivery are considered essential businesses, but it's advised that businesses limit the number of workers on shift and ensure social distancing is being observed.
Missouri
A statewide stay-at-home order has not been issued but Mayor Brian Treece has implemented one for Boone County, in which the city of Columbia is located. The order will take effect Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m. Similar orders are in place in Kansas City and St. Louis. It was reported on March 23 that Sen. Lauren Arthur and Rep. Wes Rogers are attempting to relax regulations in order to permit bars and restaurants to sell mixed drinks to go.
Nevada
Governor Steve Sisolak announced the closure of non-essential businesses on Tuesday, March 17. The order went into effect at noon the following day. Bars and restaurants offering delivery and takeout are permitted to remain open.
New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy canceled all gatherings of any number on Saturday, March 21. The stay-at-home order went into effect at 9:00 p.m. Restaurants and bars may offer delivery and takeout services, and bars will be permitted to offer “carry-out” alcohol via waiver.
New Mexico
On Monday, March 23, Governor Lujan Grisham ordered residents to stay at home. Restaurants may offer delivery and takeout, and breweries and distilleries may offer takeout.
New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an order on Sunday, March 22 that banned all in-person gatherings of any size and for any reason. Bars and restaurants may only provide takeout and delivery.
Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine ordered all residents to stay at home on Sunday, March 22. With the exception of essential personnel, residents must work from home. Restaurants can provide delivery.
Oregon
On Friday, March 20, Governor Kate Brown issued a stay-at-home order. Falling short of an official lockdown, residents are directed to stay home unless “absolutely necessary.” Bars and restaurants may remain open for takeout and delivery.
Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of all “non-life-sustaining businesses” on Thursday, March 19. All bars and restaurants were ordered to end dine-in services. On March 23, Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine issued stay-at-home orders for the following counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places may offer takeout only.
Texas
On Tuesday, March 24, a stay-at-home order will take effect in Bexar County, in which San Antonio is located. The order comes from Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Judge Nelson Wolff. Restaurants and "other" food providers may offer takeout, drive-through and delivery services, but bars must close.
Washington
On Sunday, March 22, Governor Jay Inslee announced an emergency shutdown, including the shutting down of all bars and restaurants, with an exception for takeout and delivery.
West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice's stay-at-home order goes into effect at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Delivery and takeout may be provided by bars and restaurants.
Wisconsin
On Monday, March 23, Governor Tony Evers issued a stay-at-home order. Bars and restaurants are permitted to offer curbside takeout and delivery.
Last updated March 26, 2020 at 12:45 p.m. EST. We will do our best to monitor this situation and update this list if and when additional states declare lockdowns.