Every state is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and looking to help keep its residents safe.
Currently, nearly every state in the United States has declared a state of emergency in order make necessary funds and resources available.
In addition, some measures are being enacted that may have a major impact on the hospitality business, like restrictions on number of people allowed to gather in an indoor venue or even drastic measures like New York halving capacity of on-premise locations.
As bar, restaurant, and nightlife venue professionals, we need to do our part to stop this virus from spreading without financially damaging the industry beyond salvation. Many music venues in certain states have had to close for the foreseeable future. Las Vegas nightclubs are sitting empty. Bars and dining options near arenas, concerts, and convention centers continue to see sales plummet, and foot traffic is dropping 20-35 percent or more. Italy slowly moved from restricting operating hours from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to outright closing them all.
Read this: Nightclub & Bar Show 2020 Postponed
This article is meant to help operators know what could be coming based on state initiatives so they can prepare accordingly. We will be update this information periodically but your state's government website is your best resource for the most up-to-date information.
Is your state, county, or city taking a specific action that is hurting your business? Email me at [email protected], anonymous or not, and we'll update this list as we go.
Alabama
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
A task-force has been formed at this time.
Alaska
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing has been mandated at this time. Governor Dunleavy said restrictions could be coming if the needs arise.
Arizona
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Schools have closed for two and half weeks.
Arkansas
State of emergency? A public health emergency has been declared. Little Rock has declared a state of emergency.
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing at the state level but Little Rock has asked event organizers to reschedule events over 200 people.
California
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Disneyland has shut down and California has asked for events over 250 people to be shut down. Coachella was moved to October ahead of this news. San Francisco had imposed a ban of groups of 1,000 people before this statewide mandate.
Colorado
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Governor Polis announced the state's Department of Labor would ensure paid sick leave for workers in food handling and hospitality.
Connecticut
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Group gatherings of over 250 people are prohibited.
Delaware
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Event organizers in Delaware have been advised to cancel non-essential public gatherings of 100 people or more to prevent community spread of coronavirus;
Florida
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
This state is no stranger to emergencies and has activated their emergency website that can survey business assessment damage and look for bridge loans.
Georgia
State of emergency? Yes, a public health emergency was declared, the state's first.
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
A task force has been setup and government workers are teleworking where possible but not major restrictions. The Masters has been postponed, one of the biggest golfing events of the year.
Hawaii
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
No major restrictions at this time.
Idaho
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
No major restrictions at this time.
Illinois
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing major at this time.
Indiana
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Local government nearly restricted group gathers to 50 people but decided to go with the state mandate of 250 people or less.
Iowa
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing major at this time.
Kansas
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing major at this time.
Kentucky
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Events are being canceled but no major restrictions at this time.
Louisiana
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
St. Patrick’s Day in New Orleans has been canceled and talks are still being discussed about Jazz Fest.
Maine
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Maine’s Governor Janet Mills has asked for non-essential large group gatherings to postpone but nothing major with only one confirmed case of coronavirus so far.
Maryland
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Events are restricted to less than 250 people but Governor Hogan encouraged people to go about their daily lives, including visiting restaurants and bars. Government employees will be teleworking if possible.
Massachusetts
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
No restrictions on groups yet but Boston did cancel their iconic St. Paddy's Day Parade. The Boston Marathon is still planned as of now for April 21. Update- the Boston Marathon is being moved to September.
Michigan
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
As of today, Michigan has identified 12 "presumptive cases" of coronavirus. Governor Whitmer has recommended limiting non-essential travel, avoiding gatherings of 100 people or more, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if sick.
Minnesota
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
"Up until now we’ve focused on ill people staying home. That is still our message," said Kris Ehresmann, head of the Minnesota Department of Health's infectious disease division, at a press conference.
Update: a state of emergency has been called and groups of 250 more are 'discouraged'
Mississippi
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
The Mississippi State Health Department has issued health recommendations that are in line with WHO and CDC guidance. The department has also recommended avoiding gatherings of 250 people or more and restricting non-essential travel.
Missouri
State of emergency? Yes (Jackson County, Kansas City and the city of Independence)
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Jackson County's executive order calls for the limiting of gatherings to 1,000 people or more. Mayor Quinton Lucas has declared a 21-day state of emergency that cancels or delays gatherings of 1,000 people or more.
Montana
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services website has listed guidelines that match those of the CDC and WHO.
Nebraska
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is recommending guidance that matches the CDC and WHO. They have no bans in place on public gathering restrictions.
Nevada
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency on March 12, emphasizing that the declaration is important but not a reason to panic. Several nightclubs and dayclubs have, unfortunately, suspended operations, including XS and Encore Beach Club inside Wynn Las Vegas, and Drai's at The Cromwell.
New Hampshire
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Governor Chris Sununu said on March 11 that there was no need to declare a state of emergency.
New Jersey
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Governor Phil Murphy has recommended canceling large public gatherings of more than 250 people. Hoboken, NJ has now ordered bars that do no serve food to shut down. Restaurants can offer takeout and delivery but their dining rooms will have to close. Residents are under curfew from 10p.m. to 5a.m. This represents one of the strongest and earliest stances taken by a government organization to curb covid-19 that will serverly impact the hospitality business.
New Mexico
State of emergency? Governor Lujan Grisham has declared a public health emergency
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Large events have been canceled through at least April, and people are advised to avoid non-essential travel.
New York
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
New York has required restaurants to cut their capacity in half and to not go over 250 people total if the capacity is higher than 500.
North Carolina
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
The state's Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that organizers of mass gathering events that primarily draw high-risk persons, including those that attract older adults, should consider cancelling or postponing these events.
North Dakota
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
We will update this entry as the situation develops.
Ohio
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Group gatherings are restricted to 100 people or less.
Oklahoma
State of emergency? No (as of 3/12/2020)
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
We are still researching this state and will update as soon as possible.
Oregon
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
We are still researching this state and will update as soon as possible.
Pennsylvania
State of emergency? COVID-19 Disaster Declaration
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Asking citizens to follow CDC recommendations.
Rhode Island
State of emergency? No (as of 3/14/2020)
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Providence declared state of emergency (barred gatherings of 100 people or more) and a number of other cities in Rhode Island have declared one as well.
South Carolina
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing major at this time.
South Dakota
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
City of Sioux Falls declares state of emergency as a precautionary measure.
Tennessee
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Encouraging citizens to exercise caution and maintain good hygiene practices.
Texas
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Dallas county declared a public health emergency. Gatherings of 500 people or more is prohibited in Dallas county and the Dallas Mayor restricted groups to 250 or less.
Utah
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Governor recommends limiting mass gatherings to 100 people for now.
Vermont
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Yes- non-essential group meetings more than 250 are banned.
Virginia
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Large events have been canceled.
Washington
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Washington was the first state to declare a state of emergency and currently has the most deaths attributed to COVID-19. They have limited group gatherings to 250 people or less.
Washington D.C.
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Recommends non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions, be canceled or postponed through March 31. The Washington, D.C. Convention Center was one of the first in the country to cancel its events.
West Virginia
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Governor Justice directed all state government offices to avoid holding any large meetings or gatherings.
Wisconsin
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Nothing in place yet but will consider community interventions if the situation worsens.
Wyoming
State of emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
“Our state has been planning for this situation for weeks and we will continue our coordinated efforts to address this threat,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “I pledge to work closely with our state agencies, federal partners and local officials to ensure we are implementing all the necessary steps to protect public health.”
Updated: Group meeting with more than 250 people should be reconsidered and discouraged.
Puerto Rico
State of Emergency? Yes
What measures has the state government taken to limit business hours, impose restrictions on groups, or otherwise affect business?
Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced has activated the National Guard and her declaration orders the postponement or cancellation of large public gatherings.