COVID-19 Executive Orders Tracker for the 50 States

Grant Kidwell/April 7, 2020

Throughout the country, nearly all governors have issued orders to combat COVID-19. Executive orders have included requiring residents to stay at home, restricting gatherings of 10 or more people, or closing businesses deemed non-essential. Stay at home orders are typically the strictest and only allow residents to leave home for essential activities such as working for an essential business, buying groceries, taking care of family, seeking medical attention, and recreation.

A few states have advised residents to stay at home but have not issued formal orders, while others have shut down non-essential businesses. For definitions of essential businesses, most governors have followed critical sector guidance from the federal government. The list of critical sectors can be found on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency’s website.

ALEC’s Executive Orders Tracker allows you to follow which governors have issued stay at home executive orders. Below are summaries and links to the executive orders.

Latest update: April 7, 2020.

Explanation of Terms

The stay at home orders have descriptions of Yes, Partial, and No. These refer to statewide executive or other government orders from governors or officials in their agencies. It does not include the actions of localities which may have issued stay at home orders. This list will be updated as new executive orders are issued.

  • “Yes” means citizens have been ordered to stay at home except for specific circumstances like working in critical infrastructure sectors or seeking out essential needs like groceries or medical care.
  • “Partial” means non-essential businesses have forced to cease operations and restrictions have been placed on public gatherings.
  • “No” means the state government has not issued ether of the above type of restrictions, but it does not preclude the state government having taken other actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as closing schools or state-owned facilities.


Alabama

Summary: Governor Kay Ivey has urged residents to stay home. State Health Officer Scott Harris issued a health order that restricts gatherings of more than 10 people and requires the closure of entertainment venues, athletic facilities, close-contact service providers, and non-essential retail stores.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 3/28/2020 through 4/17/2020
  • Read the Health Order here


Alaska

Summary: Governor Mike Dunleavy administration issued Health Mandate 12 which requires residents to stay at home except as necessary to meet critical personal needs or work in critical infrastructure jobs.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/28/2020 through 4/11/2020
  • Read Health Mandate 12 here


Arizona

Summary: Governor Doug Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-18 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities, functions, and businesses.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/30/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Executive Order 2020-18 here


Arkansas

Summary: Governor Asa Hutchinson issued Executive Order 20-10 which places restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people.

  • Stay at Home Order: No
  • Effective Dates: 3/26/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 20-10 here


California

Summary: Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 which requires Californians to stay at home except “as needed to maintain the continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.”

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/19/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order N-33-20 here


Colorado

Summary: Governor Jared Polis issued Executive Order D 2020 017 which requires Coloradoans to stay at home except for critical activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/26/2020 through 4/11/2020
  • Read Executive Order D 2020 017 here


Connecticut

Summary: Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 7H and 7N which requires all non-essential businesses statewide to close and restricts social and recreational gatherings to five people.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 3/23/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Executive Orders 7H and 7N


Delaware

Summary: Governor John Carney issued a State of Emergency Declaration that closed non-essential businesses with Modification 4 and issued a shelter in place of residence order in Modification 5. Modification 9 restricted public gatherings to no more than 10 people.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/24/2020 until 5/15/2020
  • Read State of Emergency Declaration here, Modification 4 here, Modification 5 here, and modification 9 here


District of Columbia

Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-054 requires residents to stay at home unless they engage in essential activities perform or access essential governmental functions; work at essential businesses; engage in essential travel; or engage in allowable recreational activities, as defined by the Mayor’s Order.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Mayor’s Order 2020-054 here


Florida

Summary: Governor Ron Desantis issued Executive Order 20-91 which requires residents to stay at home except to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 4/3/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Executive Order 20-91 here


Georgia

Summary: Governor Brian Kemp issued Executive Order 03.23.20.01 which closes businesses that have 10 or more people at a work site within six feet of each other. The order also closes all bars. Finally, the order requires those who have serious underlying health conditions to shelter in their place of residence. On April 4th, Governor Kemp issued an executive order requiring residences to shelter in place.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 4/3/2020 through 4/13/2020
  • Read Executive Order 03.23.20.01 here and 04.02.20.01 here


Hawaii

Summary: Governor David Ige issued Third Supplementary Proclamation which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities or to engage in the essential businesses and operations.

  • Stay at Home Order:
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read the Third Supplementary Proclamation here


Idaho

Summary: Governor Brad Little issued an Extreme Emergency Declaration which require residents to stay at home unless except to obtain or provide essential services.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 4/15/2020
  • Read the Extreme Emergency Declaration here


Illinois

Summary: Governor JB Pritzker issued Executive Order 8 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities, government functions, businesses, and operations. On March 31, Governor Pritzker extended the stay at home order until May 1st.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/21/2020 through 5/1/2020
  • Read Executive Order 8 here and the extension here


Indiana

Summary: Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-08 which requires residents to stay at home except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety. On April 6th, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order Executive Order, 20-18 which extended the stay at home order from April 6th to the 20th.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/24/2020 through 4/20/2020
  • Read Executive Order 20-08 here  and 20-18 here


Iowa

Summary: Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency which places restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people and requires the closure of restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters, and casinos.

  • Stay at Home Order: No
  • Effective Dates: 3/17/2020 through 4/16/2020
  • Read the State of Public Health Disaster here


Kansas

Summary: Governor Laura Kelly issued Executive Order 20-16 which requires residents to stay at home unless they are engaged in essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/30/2020 through 4/19/2020
  • Read Executive Order 20-16 here


Kentucky

Summary: Governor Andy Beshear issued Executive Order 2020-257 which requires the closure of non-essential businesses and prohibits mass gatherings.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 3/26/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 2020-257


Louisiana

Summary: Governor John Bel Edwards issued Emergency Proclamation 33 which requires residents to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary. The order includes exceptions for workers in critical sectors and for activities like buying groceries, seeking medical care, recreation, and caring for family members.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/23/2020 through 4/13/2020
  • Read Emergency Proclamation here


Maine

Summary: Governor Janet Mills issued Executive Order 28 FY 19/20 which requires residents to stay at home at all times unless for an essential job or an essential personal reason, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 4/2/20 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Executive Order 14 FY 19/20 here


Maryland

Summary: Governor Larry Hogan issued Executive Order 20-03-30-01 which requires residents to stay at home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/30/2020 until the order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 20-03-30-01 here


Massachusetts

Summary: Governor Charlie Baker issued Emergency Orders 13 and 19 which requires closure of non-essential businesses, restricts public gatherings, and advises residents to stay at home.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 3/24/2020 through 5/4/2020
  • Read: Emergency Orders 13 and 19 here


Michigan

Summary: Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-21 which requires residents to stay at home unless they are a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/24/2020 through 4/13/2020
  • Read Executive Order 2020-21 here


Minnesota

Summary: Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-20 which requires residents to stay at home except to meet essential needs.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/27/2020 through 4/10/2020
  • Read Executive Order 20-20 here


Mississippi

Summary: Governor Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1465 which requires residents to shelter in place and to only leave home to engage in essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/31/2020 through 4/14/2020
  • Read Executive Order 1465  here


Missouri

Summary: Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued a statewide stay at home order to avoid leaving their homes except for accessing essential services.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective dates: 4/6/2020 through 4/24/2020
  • Read the Executive Order here


Montana

Summary: Governor Steve Bullock issued a Directive on Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 requiring residents to stay at home except for essential activities such as health and safety, necessary supplies and series, outdoor activity, certain types of work, and care of others.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/28/2020 through 4/10/2020
  • Read the Directive on Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 here


Nebraska

Summary: Governor Pete Ricketts issued a Guidance Document suggesting restrictions on gatherings of more than ten people for all of Nebraska. Fifty-six counties in Nebraska are under a Directed Health Measure which places restrictions on public gatherings, limits elective health and dental procedures, and requires bars and restaurants to close dining areas to the public.

  • Stay at Home Order: No
  • Effective Dates: Various start dates through 5/11/2020
  • Read the Directed Heath Measure here


Nevada

Summary: Governor Steve Sisolak issued Emergency Directive 010 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities and recreation.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/31/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Emergency Direction 010 here


New Hampshire

Summary: Governor Chris Sununu issued Emergency Order 17 which requires citizens to stay at home except for essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/27/2020 through 5/4/2020
  • Read Emergency Order 17 here


New Jersey

Summary: Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 107 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/21/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 107 here


New Mexico

Summary: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued Public Health Emergency Order which requires residents to stay at home and undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety, or welfare.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/24/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read here Public Health Emergency Order Here


New York

Summary: Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the New York State on PAUSE executive order which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/22/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order here


North Carolina

Summary: Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/30/2020 through 4/29/2020
  • Read Executive Order 121 here


North Dakota

Summary: Governor Doug Burgum Executive Orders 2020 06.1 and 06.2 which requires the closure of restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters, salons, barbers, and elective medical and dental procedures.

  • Stay at Home Order: No
  • Effective Dates: 3/20/2020 through 4/20/2020
  • Read Executive Orders 2020 06.1 and 06.2 here


Ohio

Summary: Governor Mike DeWine’s administration issued a Health Director’s Order requiring residents to stay at home. On April 2nd, Governor DeWine extended the stay at home order through May 1st.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/23/2020 through 4/6/2020
  • Read the Health Director’s Order here and the extension here


Oklahoma

Summary: Governor Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2020-07 and amendments to the order which includes a stay at home order for adults over 65, requires the closure of non-essential business, and places restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read the Executive Order 2020-07 and its amendments here


Oregon

Summary: Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-12 which requires residents to stay at home to the maximum extent possible.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/23/2020 until the executive order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 2-12 here


Pennsylvania

Summary: Governor Tom Wolf issued an executive order requiring residents to stay at home except for essential individual activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 4/1/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read the executive order here


Rhode Island

Summary: Governor Gina Raimondo issued Executive Order 20-13 requiring residents to stay at home unless traveling to work, traveling for medical treatment or obtaining necessities (food, medicine, gas, etc.). Rhode Island residents may still go outside to exercise and get fresh air, however, they must practice social distancing while outside and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others.  

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/28/2020 until the order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 20-13 here


South Carolina

Summary: Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-17 which requires the closure of non-essential businesses and places restrictions on gatherings.

  • Stay at Home Order:  No
  • Effective Dates: 4/1/2020 through 4/13/2020
  • Read Executive Order 2020-17 here


South Dakota

Summary: Governor Kristi Noem issued an executive order suggesting closure of non-essential businesses. The South Dakota constitution may not grant the governor emergency powers to close businesses. For more information see this news article.

  • Stay at Home Order: No
  • Effective Dates: 3/23/2020 through 5/2/2020
  • Read the executive order here


Tennessee

Summary: Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order 22 which requires residents to stay at home unless engaging in essential activity or essential services.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/31/2020 through 4/14/2020
  • Read Executive Order 22 here


Texas

Summary: Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-14 which requires the closure of non-essential business and places restrictions on public gatherings. The order advises residents to stay at home.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 4/2/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read Executive Order GA-14 here


Utah

Summary: Governor Gary Herbert issued a directive suggesting residents to stay at home and the public health department issued an order closing dine-in restaurant facilities.

  • Stay at Home Order: No
  • Effective Dates: 3/30/2020 through 4/15/2020
  • Read the directive here and the public health order here


Vermont

Summary: Governor Phil Scott issued Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 which requires residents to stay at home leaving only for essential reasons, critical to health and safety.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 4/15/2020
  • Read Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 here


Virginia

Summary: Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 55 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/30/2020 through 6/10/2020
  • Read Executive Order 55 here


Washington

Summary: Governor Jay Inslee issued Amending Proclamation 20-05 which requires residents to stay at home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. On April 3rd, Governor Inslee extended the stay at home order through May 4th.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 5/4/2020
  • Read Amending Proclamation 20-05 here and the extension here


West Virginia

Summary: Governor Jim Justice issued Executive Order 9-20 which requires residents to stay at home and limit movements outside of their homes to essential needs.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/24/2020 until the order is rescinded
  • Read Executive Order 9-20 here


Wisconsin

Summary: Governor Tony Evers issued Emergency Order 12 which requires residents to stay at home except for essential activities.

  • Stay at Home Order: Yes
  • Effective Dates: 3/25/2020 through 4/24/2020
  • Read Emergency Order 12 here


Wyoming

Summary: Governor Mark Gordon’s administration issued a health order which places restrictions on gatherings of 10 or more people and closure of bars, restaurants, theaters, gymnasiums, some childcare facilities and schools. On April 3rd, Governor Gordon issued a continuation of the restrictions on gatherings and businesses as well as asking residents to stay at home.

  • Stay at Home Order: Partial
  • Effective Dates: 3/19/2020 through 4/30/2020
  • Read the health order here and the continuation of the order here

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