12 States That Have Imposed New Coronavirus Restrictions As COVID-19 Cases Surge

U.S. states have announced a new wave of coronavirus restrictions as the country hits record numbers of hospitalizations and infections in recent days.

More than a dozen states have issued a variety of mask mandates and limitations as COVID-19 cases increased in all 50 states by 100%. On Monday, the country’s one-day total hit 166,000, which is the country’s third-highest single-day record since the pandemic began in March, according to Johns Hopkins University.

On the same day, the U.S. broke another record for the most number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, which reached 73,000, The COVID Tracking Project reported.

The rising number of coronavirus-related infections, hospitalizations and deaths have prompted state governments to respond with new rules in hopes of curbing the spread of the virus.

California

On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom placed 41 of the state’s 58 counties under the purple tier, in which most non-essential indoor business operations are suspended. Bars, breweries and distilleries that do not offer food will also remain closed.

Other establishments, including restaurants, movie theaters, places of worship, museums and gyms, can only operate outdoors. Gatherings will also be limited to a maximum of three households, and must be done in an outdoor setting, CNN reported.

Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker placed the entire state in the Tier 3 mitigation, which means gaming and casinos, theaters, event spaces and cultural institutions must remain closed. Indoor fitness classes and group sporting activities also are prohibited.

Workplaces are urged to have as many employees as possible work from home. Bars and restaurants are limited to outdoor service, pickup and delivery.

Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Sunday that the state will be placed in a three-week pause. Under the new rules, indoor social gatherings and other group activities are not allowed. High schools and colleges must also transition to remote learning. While bars and restaurants may operate, they can only accommodate outdoor dining, carry-out and delivery, Click On Detroit reported.

Montana

Gov. Steve Bullock on Tuesday imposed a mask mandate that will be applied in all but two of the state’s 56 counties. Restaurants, bars, breweries and casinos may only operate at 50% capacity. Public gatherings must also be limited to 25 people.

New Mexico

The governor’s office released a statewide order that instructed people to stay at home except when traveling is essential. In-person services for all non-essential activities are also suspended.

North Dakota

The state government has imposed a statewide mask mandate that requires individuals to wear face-coverings in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Masks are also required in outdoor settings where social distancing is not possible.

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday imposed limits on social gatherings, weddings and funerals. The order prohibits individuals from dancing or socializing in open, congregate areas. Guests must remain seated and their food must be served. Each table must not accommodate more than 10 people. Additionally, every table should only be assigned to people from the same household.

Oklahoma

The governor’s office released new restrictions statewide. Starting Thursday, bars and restaurants cannot operate beyond 11 p.m. However, drive-through windows and curbside pickups will be allowed after that.

Oregon

Starting Wednesday, the state will start a “two-week” freeze that limits social gatherings to no more than six people from two households. Restaurants will also be limited to delivery and takeouts.

Rhode Island

On Nov. 6, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced seven new measures that will take effect statewide. The revised Phase 3 restrictions include a stay-at-home advisory from 10.p.m. to 5 a.m on weeknights and from 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Masks are also required in public settings and at the gym. Big box retailers were ordered to operate at a limited capacity of 1 person per 150 sq. ft.

Utah

Last week, the state imposed a statewide mask mandate that is in place indefinitely. Social gatherings are limited to households only, while school extracurricular activities and sports are suspended Nov. 9-23.

Virginia

Starting Sunday, public and private gatherings in both indoor and outdoor settings are limited to 25 people. People ages 5 and older are now required to wear masks in indoor public settings. Selling and consuming alcohol at restaurants, breweries, distilleries and tasting rooms are prohibited after 10 p.m.