north carolina travel restrictions

Gov. Cooper lifts all N.C.’s mandatory capacity, gathering & social distancing requirements

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Gov. Roy Cooper Friday lifted all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, social distancing requirements, and most mandatory mask requirements.

The move, effective immediately, means that in most settings indoors or outdoors the state will no longer require you to wear a mask or be socially distant. Cooper said there will continue to be a mandatory indoor mask requirement on public transportation, in child care, in schools, in prisons and in certain public health settings.

Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force made the announcement at 1:30 p.m.

“There will also be strong recommendations from NCDHHS for unvaccinated people to wear masks,” Cooper said. “Certainly anyone who feels better protected or has received advice from a doctor should continue to wear a mask.”

Just two weeks ago, Governor Cooper said he would not lift the indoor mask mandate until two-thirds of North Carolina’s population receives at least one dose of the vaccine. Friday, only 40.6 percent of North Carolina’s population is partially vaccinated. Cooper said it was the CDC’s new guidance that prompted him to change his plans.

Today, Gov. Cooper announced a big step forward in our fight against the pandemic: pic.twitter.com/uuGXcwzXE5 — Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) May 14, 2021

“Throughout the pandemic, I’ve said we would listen to health experts and follow the science as we made decisions,” Cooper said. “We would listen to the CDC. Our focus would be on saving lives. We would use a dimmer-switch approach to easing restrictions. We’re continuing to do all these things.”

He continued, “This nation’s scientists - including many in N.C. - showed what is possible if we work toward a common goal. That common goal now, more than ever, is overcoming this pandemic through safe & effective vaccines.”

Last month, Cooper announced he planned to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that masks would still be recommended for settings like public transportation, but most restrictions would be lifted for those who are fully vaccinated. The guidance allows Americans to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

“Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities – large or small — without wearing a mask or physically distancing,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said.

‘Great day for America’: Vaccinated can largely ditch masks

But Cooper held off on adopting the new guidance until making the announcement on Friday.

Dory MacMillan, press secretary for Gov. Cooper, released a statement pointing out that state health officials needed to review the CDC’s recommendations before lifting the state’s indoor mask mandate.

Many Charlotteans have mixed feelings about the easing of restrictions.

“Honestly, I think it’s a bit early. I don’t think the vaccination count has quite hit a threshold to reach herd immunity,” Sebastion Nicewicz said.

“I’m a little bit concerned about that, that people will no longer feel they have a responsibility to get vaccinated or wear a mask anymore,” Natalie Bates said.

“I think it’s very interesting because the virus is still there,” Selena O’Neal said. “So I just feel like you can catch it still, so if you’re lifting it you can still catch it.”

“It’s like 50/50 because it’s a good thing but you don’t know who’s vaccinated and whose not vaccinated,” Brittain Robinson said.

“I’m kind of neutral on the idea but I think it’s good progress we’re making. It’s looking better,” Grace Joye said.

The new executive order allows businesses and local governments to still enforce a mask mandate despite the state order.

PREVIOUS: Gov. Cooper: N.C. mask mandate still in effect as officials review new CDC guidelines

Residents age 12 and older continue to get vaccinated across North Carolina and supply continues to increase. NCDHHS secretary Mandy Cohen says the state has enough vaccine for everyone.

Those aged 12-17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Use My Spot to find locations that carry the Pfizer vaccine.

During Friday’s announcement, Cooper stressed that the fight against the virus is not over and that people still need to get vaccinated.

Today is a great day. But the work is not yet done and people getting vaccinated will get it done. The CDC’s guidance affirms that getting vaccinated is the way through this. We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working. — Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) May 14, 2021

North Carolina had already eased several COVID-19 restrictions before Friday’s announcement, allowing for maximum capacity limits at some places under the current executive order.

On April 28, Executive Order No. 209 removed the outdoor Face Covering requirement, loosened restrictions on gatherings, and extended the capacity limitations and social distancing measures of Executive Order No. 204 .

PREVIOUS: N.C. no longer requiring masks outdoors, gathering limits increased

On April 7, all residents in North Carolina age 16 and older became eligible to receive the vaccine.

Clinics across our area are seeing an increased supply of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

The U.S. is has recommended a “pause” in using the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

“We will continue to distribute vaccines in a way that’s fast and fair,” Cooper said.

Many clinics in our area recently opened same-day walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations.

Here are the latest learning plans for schools in our area

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Covid-19 in nc: what now.

By Elizabeth Thompson and Mona Dougani

North Carolinians are currently faced with choices and confusion about which personal protective measures they should take against COVID-19, as Gov. Roy Cooper released guidance encouraging schools to make masks optional starting March 7 and the state’s remaining counties with mask mandates ended them.

These changes follow a drop in cases across the state, as the Omicron surge appears to be on its way down, but they have left North Carolinians with questions: To mask or not to mask? Stock up on COVID tests? Is COVID over? 

Experts are even unsure, as the pandemic enters yet another new phase. 

North Carolina saw a sharp decrease in COVID cases following the surge of the highly transmissible Omicron variant across the world in December and January.

At the height of the Omicron surge, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported almost 45,000 COVID cases, dwarfing previous surges. That number is now down to fewer than 2,000 daily cases.

Some public health experts, such as Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden’s top adviser on the pandemic predict an “uptick ” of COVID cases as a result of the BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron variant, which is causing an increase of cases in Europe. 

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urged Americans to remain prepared for whatever COVID has in store, in an interview on “Fox News Sunday.”

“We’re in that mile 18 of a marathon,” Murthy said. “We can’t quit, because COVID’s not quitting.”

COVID increase in Europe

As of March 21, the collective number of COVID-19 cases in all of Europe has risen to 194.4 million, roughly a 5 percent increase in the last 14 days, according to the World Health Organization Epi Database . 

This is a cause for caution in the U.S., which tends to lag a couple of weeks behind Europe’s COVID trends.

North Carolina DHHS Sec. Kody Kinsley said North Carolina tends to be six weeks behind COVID trends in Europe, during a press conference on March 17.

Though cases are rising in some European countries, in the past month, travel restrictions have started to ease throughout most European nations. 

The United Kingdom, France, Greece, Romania and other nations have begun lifting requirements for entry such as passenger locator forms, COVID-19 entry restrictions, and proof of vaccination.  

However, most countries in the European Union enforce policies regarding the use of facemasks while indoors or using public transit. 

While cases are low, John Wiesman , professor of the practice in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, said North Carolinians should enjoy this time.

“We are at a place where community transmission is much lower,” Wiesman said. “And we do have this pent-up demand to want to do things we haven’t been doing, whether it’s going to the movie theater, whether it’s doing some traveling, whether it’s seeing people in our family who we haven’t seen for a long time.”

That doesn’t mean COVID is over though, Wiesman said.

Thomas Holland , associate professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, hearkened back to the first COVID curveball, the Delta variant.

“Last summer when we had really low case counts,” Holland said, “and around June, July time, I felt pretty confident that we wouldn’t see another big surge until the winter — sort of traditional respiratory virus season, and that was wrong, right? Delta arrived around that time, and then we had a big surge even during the warm summer months.”

Even as North Carolinians enjoy this time, Wiesman said, they shouldn’t let their guard down.

“I think the keyword here is we just need to remain vigilant,” Wiesman said.

Remaining vigilant

Wiesman recommended consulting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) community-level transmission data to assess your risk. Wastewater data is also one way to detect COVID transmission early, Wiesman said. North Carolina Health News previously reported on how wastewater works as an early detection tool.

It’s not just up to individuals to remain vigilant, Wiesman said, but also governments.

“We need to make sure that our public health systems have the resources they need to track these variants and viruses,” Wiesman said.

A key part of that vigilance is for Congress to pass the supplemental pandemic funding that has been stalled in Washington. Biden asked Congress for $22.5 billion in his National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan , but so far that package has received pushback on both sides of the aisle.

Gov. Cooper, DHHS’s Kinsley and other North Carolina officials urged the importance of continued federal aid at a press conference on Thursday, North Carolina Health News previously reported .

“I am most concerned about our supply of testing in the private markets and the unique ability of the federal government to maintain those levels of supply by pushing and propping up that market,” Kinsley said Thursday. “So I hope we will see that funding come. We need it to stay prepared. It’s not the time to take a step back.”

Federal funding would help provide for some of the newer tools to fight against COVID, including the new antiviral medication Paxlovid, which has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalization if taken early in a COVID infection and the long-acting antibody combination, Evusheld, which can be used for pre-exposure prevention against COVID . For months, supplies had been limited, but now doses of the drug are sitting on pharmacy shelves and in federal stockpiles . 

There are things that individuals can do to prepare for whatever curveball COVID might throw next.

Need help finding medications to treat COVID? Search on this interactive map .

Taking action now

Wiesman encouraged taking this time to get vaccinated or boosted if you have not yet.

It’s also a good time to have some rapid tests at home. President Joe Biden announced earlier this month that people can order four more free rapid tests after rolling out the initial program in January. Insurers are now required to reimburse for the purchase of as many as eight rapid tests per month. 

Especially as pollen season starts in North Carolina, using a rapid test can help determine if that runny nose is the result of the yellow stuff floating in the air or if you have a runny nose because you’ve caught COVID. Rapid tests are especially important if you want to spend time indoors or in close proximity to someone who is at risk of a bad outcome if they catch the virus.

You can also take action to help yourself and others by having a mask handy, Holland said.

“The places that I still wear a mask are the places where I don’t really know the vaccination status of the people around me,” Holland said. “Like going in the grocery store. Or in stores. I still mask up for that whether it’s required or not.”

Just because mask guidelines have loosened up for now does not mean that masks don’t work, Holland said. A well-fitting mask — such as an N95 or a KN 94 — helps to reduce transmission of the coronavirus.

In some cities in Europe, such as Madrid, Spain, the use of facemasks is mandatory for individuals both indoors and outdoors where distancing can not be maintained.

People wear masks when walking outside, on the subway, in classrooms, at work and sometimes even in cars. COVID testing sites are also widely available, and pharmacies carry take-home tests that cost the equivalent of about $6 to $8. 

Though the vaccination rate has hit 85 percent in Spain, with 87 percent of people having at least one dose, lawmakers are still enforcing safety measures, and individuals are still taking precautions to ensure health and safety. 

If cases start to pick up again in the U.S. like they are in Europe, Holland said it would make sense to mask up again and limit travel and interactions.

“We are still in an uncertain time,” Wiesman said. ”Just be aware of that.”

This article was updated to clarify that Gov. Cooper encouraged schools to lift their mask mandates.

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by Elizabeth Thompson and Mona Dougani, North Carolina Health News March 22, 2022

This <a target="_blank" href="https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2022/03/22/covid-19-in-nc-what-now/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org">North Carolina Health News</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-favicon02.jpg?fit=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=38296" style="width:1px;height:1px;">

Elizabeth Thompson

Elizabeth Thompson is our Report for America corps member who covers gender health and prison health topics. Thompson is a UNC Chapel Hill graduate who has covered Texas politics for The Dallas Morning News’ Washington bureau, she's been a reporter for The Raleigh News & Observer and PolitiFact NC, and worked for GrepBeat, the tech news website.

Mona Dougani

Mona Dougani is a recent graduate from Queens University of Charlotte, where she majored in communications and minored in journalism. She was an Emma Bowen Fellow with NC Health News in the summer of 2021 and now is studying in Spain.

2 replies on “COVID-19 in NC: What now?”

What should the current level of concern / protection be for older Americans and especially those who are immuno-supressed? Have there been any recent studies of the the impact of Omicron and the Omicron subvariant on these more vulnerable groups?

Hi William, this information the CDC has for the Omicron variant: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html?s_cid=11734:omicron%20vaccine:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22

As of Tuesday, the FDA also now allows people 50 and older and some immunocompromised people to get a second booster shot.

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Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Breeze airways has relocated to terminal 1. sun country airlines will move to terminal 1 april 17., health & safety at rdu.

As travelers return to flying at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the airport is sharing COVID-19 information and resources to help keep our guests and employees safe and healthy. Read on to learn about how RDU is working to prevent the spread of illness and improve your travel experience.

Information for Travelers about COVID-19

Since the emergence of COVID-19, RDU and its business partners have worked to ensure guest and employee safety through a variety of preventative measures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily in airplanes and the risk of infection while traveling by air is low. The CDC suggests that travelers avoid contact with sick passengers and wash their hands often. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Vaccines are now widely available in North Carolina and at all nonstop destinations served by RDU.

RDU is working with public health officials at the local, state and federal levels, along with Airports Council International, the trade association for airports around the country, on best practices associated with COVID-19. We are tracking the latest information from public health experts and continue to stay apprised of the latest developments regarding the spread of the virus.

Help prevent the spread of illness:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

See “COVID-19 Resources” on this page for additional information and travel tips from the CDC and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Face Coverings

Face coverings or masks are no longer required at RDU.

Fly Confident. Fly RDU.

We’re taking action to protect your health and safety. From enhanced cleaning and disinfecting to our Guest Experience team, read on to learn how RDU is helping you #FlyConfident.

Travel restrictions and advisories in North Carolina

Check the links below to find government orders and decrees related to COVID-19. Government responses continue to evolve, so please check back often for updates and rely on your local and national government for the most current information.

Statewide Guidance General COVID-19 Information and Resources

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A Guide to All 50 States' COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

What to know about each state's quarantine or travel rules.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a major impact not only traveling abroad , but on domestic travel as well and many states have taken precautions to prevent its spread within local communities.

But while all international travelers returning to the U.S. must get tested before boarding a flight, domestic restrictions are still done on a state-by-state basis.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of what travelers need to know about quarantine rules and travel restrictions if they're planning a trip. For the number of coronavirus cases in each state and local protocols, please see their official state or health department websites listed for the most updated information.

Alabama Department of Public Health

Alabama currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

Alaska no longer requires visitors from out-of-state to arrive with a negative COVID-19 test. However, the state's Gov. Mike Dunleavy said travelers can still choose to get tested upon arrival at the airport for a cost.

Arizona Department of Health Services

Arizona currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

State of Arkansas COVID-19 website

Arkansas currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

California's COVID-19 website

California urges visitors as well as returning residents entering the state to self-quarantine for 10 days. Those who travel for essential reasons are exempt.

In January, the state lifted a regional stay-at-home order .

Notable closures: Disneyland Resort in California remains closed even as the theme park has reopened shopping and dining in its Downtown Disney District. In addition, Lake Tahoe had closed to tourists for the holiday season.

Official State of Colorado COVID-19 Info

Colorado currently has no statewide travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining. However, Pitkin County — home to Aspen — requires visitors to complete an online travel affidavit , test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arriving, and be symptom-free for 10 days before traveling.

Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants throughout the state are handling the pandemic.

Connecticut

Connecticut COVID-19 Response

Travelers heading to Connecticut must either self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival or arrive with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours and complete a travel health form . Travelers who have tested positive within 90 days and recovered are exempt, but vaccinated travelers are not.

Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine for each violation.

Travelers from New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are exempt from the order. Connecticut residents who travel to a neighboring affected state for less than 24 hours are also exempt.

Delaware Division of Public Health, Coronavirus Response

Delaware currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

District of Columbia

Washington D.C. COVID-19 website

Washington D.C. requires anyone coming from a high-risk state (found in the link above) — which currently includes the majority of the country — to get tested within 72 hours of traveling, and not travel if they test positive for the virus. Visitors who stay in D.C. for more than three days will have to get re-tested within three to five days of arrival.

Travel to and from several states is exempt from the order, including neighboring Maryland and Virginia.

Florida COVID-19 Response

Florida currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic. Disney World and Universal are open with new health and safety protocols in place.

Georgia Department of Economic Development

Georgia currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Hawai'i State Department of Health

Hawaii allows visitors to skip the state's mandatory quarantine if they arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours. The islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii participate in this pre-testing program .

Several airlines, including United Airlines , Hawaiian Airlines , and American Airlines have introduced pre-flight testing programs for passengers heading to the Aloha state.

The island of Kauai has opted for stricter protocols , requiring visitors to test negative with a pre-travel test within 72 hours of traveling to the island, stay at an approved "resort bubble" property, and test negative for a second time more than 72 hours after arriving.

A second, free COVID-19 test may be required upon arrival at the airport in the county of Hawaii.

Those who arrive without a negative test and violate the state's 10-day mandatory self-quarantine may face fines of up to $5,000 and one year in prison.

Idaho COVID-19 website

Idaho currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Illinois does not have statewide travel restrictions in place, but does recommend people "avoid travel to areas of higher risk." Chicago, however, has implemented a color-coded advisory system , requiring either quarantine or testing protocols be followed depending on where travelers are coming from.

Chicago has grouped states into yellow and orange categories , requiring different protocols for each. Those coming from an "orange" state, which encompasses most of the country, must obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival or quarantine for 10 days. Those coming from a "yellow" state are asked to avoid non-essential travel, but are not required to quarantine or get tested.

Indiana COVID-19 website

Indiana currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Iowa COVID-19 website

Iowa currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Kansas requires travelers who have been on a cruise ship or attended an out-of-state mass gathering of 500 people or more where guests do not social distance and wear masks to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Kentucky COVID-19 website

The Kentucky Department for Public Health discourages all out-of-state travel. Anyone traveling for leisure purposes from another state is encouraged to self-quarantine for 14-days upon entering Kentucky.

Louisiana Department of Health

Louisiana currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

State of Maine COVID-19 Response

Maine requires travelers to either arrive with a negative COVID-19 molecular or antigen test taken within 72 hours before arrival or quarantine for 10 days. Visitors from New Hampshire or Vermont are exempt from the order.

Those who stay at a hotel will be asked to sign a Certificate of Compliance.

Maryland Department of Health

Maryland requires visitors to either get a COVID-19 test 72 hours before traveling to the state or upon arrival. Conversely, visitors can self-quarantine for 10 days. Maryland residents traveling to Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or West Virginia are exempt.

Maryland "strongly" encourages travelers to then get a second test within 72 hours of arrival.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts COVID-19 website

Massachusetts requires travelers over 18 years old as well as unaccompanied minors to complete a travel form and either arrive with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours or quarantine for 10 days. Additionally, travelers can get tested upon arrival, but have to quarantine until the negative results are available.

Visitors from Hawaii, North Dakota, and Puerto Rico — considered lower-risk areas with less than 10 average daily cases per 100,000 people and a positive test rate below 5% — are exempt from the order.

Those who do not comply with Massachusetts' order are subject to a $500fine per day.

Michigan COVID-19 website

Michigan currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Minnesota COVID-19 Response

Minnesota requires anyone visiting from out of state or returning to the state quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in Minnesota, and out-of-state travel is "highly discouraged."

Mississippi

Mississippi State Department of Health

Mississippi currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Missouri currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services

Montana currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

State COVID-19 website : Nevada Health Response

Nevada currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire COVID-19 website

Travelers heading to New Hampshire from non-New England states must self-quarantine for 10 days. Asymptomatic individuals with a negative PCR test on or after day 7 of quarantining can shorten or end their quarantine.

Those coming from Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are exempt. Fully vaccinated travelers as well as those who contracted COVID-19 in the past 90 days and recovered are also exempt.

New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub

New Jersey requires anyone entering the state to following CDC guidelines, either quarantining for 10 days; or getting tested one to three days before the trip, again three to five days after the trip, and quarantining for seven days. Visitors are also asked to fill out a voluntary online survey .

Visitors from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware are exempt.

New Mexico Department of Health

Travelers who come to New Mexico from high-risk states (defined as having a 5% positivity rate or higher on a 7-day rolling average or a positive test rate of more than 80 per 1 million residents) are "strongly advised" to self quarantine for at least 14 days. Those coming from low-risk states — which currently includes Hawaii — are exempt.

The state also recommends people get tested after arriving in the state.

New York Forward

Domestic travelers heading to New York will no longer need to quarantine starting April 1, although a voluntary quarantine period is recommended.

Additionally, travelers who have been fully vaccinated within 90 days of heading to New York will not need to quarantine or undergo a COVID-19 test or a quarantine period.

New Yorkers who leave the state for less than 24 hours will be required to fill out a traveler information form when they return and get tested four days after coming back, but will not be subject to quarantine or have to complete any pre-departure testing.

Travelers who leave the airport without completing the state's Traveler Health Form are subject to a $10,000 fine.

Visitors from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania are exempt from the new order.

Notable closures : Broadway has gone dark through at least June 2021, and the city's Metropolitan Opera won't reopen until at least September 2021. The New York Philharmonic has also canceled its shows until June 2021, the first time in 178 years the renowned orchestra will miss a season.

North Carolina

North Carolina COVID-19 Information Hub

North Carolina currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

North Dakota

North Dakota Department of Health

North Dakota currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Ohio Department of Health

Ohio asks travelers coming from states with a positive test rate of 15% or higher to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days.

Oklahoma State Department of Health

Oklahoma currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Oregon Health Authority

Oregon asks people entering the state from other states or countries to self-quarantine for 14 days . Oregon has also categorized counties in the state under different risk levels — Extreme, High, Moderate, and Lower Risk — based on cases per 100,000 residents, and implemented closures for each.

Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires visitors or returning residents to arrive with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling or quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Anyone who does not comply with the order could face a fine between $25 and $300.

Rhode Island

State of Rhode Island Department of Health

Travelers heading to Rhode Island from a state with a positive rate higher than 5% can either arrive with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours or quarantine for 10 days. International travelers, however, are not eligible for the testing option.

Rhode Island requires travelers to complete a certificate of compliance upon arrival, which they may have to give to their hotel when they check in.

South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

South Carolina currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

South Dakota

COVID-19 in South Dakota

South Dakota currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, but some tribal lands have put restrictions in place on traveling through their land. Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

TN Department of Health

Tennessee currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Texas Department of State Health Services

Texas currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Utah COVID-19 website

Utah currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Vermont Department of Health

Vermont requires most visitors to the state to quarantine upon arrival , allowing them to test out of that quarantine with a PCR test on or after day 7. Visitors who are traveling to Vermont in a personal vehicle also have the option of quarantining at home (as well as using the test-out option after a week).

Vermont residents leaving the state for essential reasons like work or health care do not need to quarantine.

Vaccinated visitors who received their final shot at least 14 days before coming to the state are exempt from quarantine.

Virginia Department of Health

Virginia currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, but recommends people who do follow the CDC's guidelines and get tested one to three days before travel, and three to five days after travel, and "consider reducing non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel if you get tested after travel or a full 10 days if you don't get tested after travel."

Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Washington State Department of Health

Washington requires visitors and returning residents to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Those who travel for essential reasons are exempt.

West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

West Virginia currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Wisconsin currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, but the state does not recommend Wisconsinites travel between multiple private homes within the state and several counties have issued travel advisories for seasonal and second homeowners. Please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Wyoming Department of Health

Wyoming currently has no travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining, please see the link above for information on how local businesses and restaurants are handling the pandemic.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.

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Prepare for travel.

Review the helpful tips below to assist you as you prepare to travel through CLT.

General Information

• CLT consists of one terminal building connecting five concourses (A-E) as shown on the terminal map .
• There are no trams or shuttles to catch to connect from one flight to another. All gates are accessible under one roof.
• All concourses and aircraft gates are accessible from any security checkpoint.
• Security checkpoint lines may be adjusted during peak travel times to accommodate anticipated crowds. Pay close attention to signage and directions from personnel.
• Save time by printing boarding passes at home or using mobile boarding passes.
• Baggage quantity, size and weight restrictions.
• The most current flight information.
• Wheelchairs, passenger loading lifts and special assistance throughout a connection, or an ADA escort.
• Curbside check-in availability.
• Firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited by federal law at airport TSA screening checkpoints. Remove firearms from carry-on bags before traveling to the airport.
• CLT is a smoke-free facility; this includes all restaurants, bars, lounges and airline clubs. Smoking is allowed outside, 100 feet away from the terminal’s doorway. As smoking is only permitted outside the terminal, screening at a security checkpoint is required to return to the gate area.

Traveling with Children

• Allow extra time to check in and proceed through security checkpoints.
• Pack activities for children in your carry-on luggage.
• Explore interesting art installations throughout the terminal.
• Contact your airline before heading to the airport for escort assistance for a minor, or if you are meeting a child requiring assistance at the gate.
• Utilize the Mother’s Rooms if needed.

Traveling with Pets or Service Animals

• Check with your airline concerning specific policies for traveling with pets.
• Pet Relief Areas are located post-security inside the terminal and pre-security outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level.
• Except for service animals, pets are to remain in their carriers while in the terminal.

General Information Contacts

Airport Automated Information: 704-359-4910 Airport Information/Paging: 704-359-4013 Airport Parking: 704-359-4038 Visitor Info Center: 704-359-4027 City of Charlotte Aviation Department: 704-359-4900 Airport Law Enforcement & Emergency: 704-359-4012

Terminal Map

To & From

Good to know.

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United States Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the United States

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ready to travel?

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Can I travel to the United States from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United States.

Can I travel to the United States if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United States without restrictions.

Can I travel to the United States without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United States without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the United States?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United States.

Can I travel to the United States without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the United States?

Mask usage in the United States is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the United States?

Restaurants in the United States are open. Bars in the United States are .

North Carolina: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance

North carolina.

Please note :  A s of April 15, 2021 we are no longer doing regularly scheduled updates to this page.

April 12, 2021:

On April 6, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced that anyone 16 years and older who wants a COVID-19 vaccination is eligible to get one.

April 1, 2021:

On March 30, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders. Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recent extension of the nationwide moratorium. The State’s eviction moratorium halts evictions for nonpayment of rent and sets forth certain procedures for landlords and their tenants who may qualify for protection from eviction.

Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is effective through June 30. Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30.

March 29, 2021:

On March 25, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen announced an accelerated timeline for moving to Groups 4 and 5 for vaccine eligibility. Now, the rest of Group 4 will be eligible on March 31, and all adults will be eligible beginning on April 7.

Beginning on March 31, 2021, additional essential workers and people living in other congregate settings such as student dormitories will be eligible for vaccination. Essential workers include frontline workers who do not have to be in person for work and those in a range of sectors such as construction, energy, financial services, public works, and others as categorized by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency . All North Carolinian adults will be eligible to be vaccinated beginning on April 7.

March 25, 2021:

On March 23, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced that as North Carolina’s trends continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases, the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 204 will take effect March 26 at 5:00 p.m. and is set to expire April 30 at 5:00 p.m. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.

Executive Order No. 204 has three general categories of occupancy restrictions: up to 100 percent capacity, 75 percent capacity, and 50 percent capacity. All businesses must continue to maintain the 6 feet of distance requirement between patrons and implement other safety protocols as they expand capacity.

Executive Order No. 204 will also increase mass gathering limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 25 to 50, and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 50 to 100. This Order also fully lifts the restriction on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars, restaurants, and other establishments. Some key components of the Order are as follows:

• Museums and Aquariums;
• Retail Businesses; and
• Salons, personal care and grooming businesses, and tattoo parlors.
• Restaurants;
• Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries;
• Recreation (such as bowling, skating, or rock climbing);
• Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (such as gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centers);
• Amusement Parks.
• Movie Theaters (75% capacity outdoors);
• Gaming Facilities (75% capacity outdoors);
• Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces;
• Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs;
• Auditoriums, Arenas, and other venues for live performances; and
• Sports Arenas and Fields (includes professional, collegiate, and amateur sports).

On March 24, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper released a recommended budget for FY 2021-2023 that will help North Carolina emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor’s plan recommends significant investments in schools, increased pay for teachers, action to strengthen health care access, and expanded economic opportunities and infrastructure investments.

On March 25, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen announced an accelerated timeline for moving to Groups 4 and 5 for vaccine eligibility on March 31st and April 7th, respectively. Beginning on March 31, additional essential workers and people living in other congregate settings such as student dormitories will be eligible for vaccination. Essential workers include frontline workers who do not have to be in person for work and those in a range of sectors such as construction, energy, financial services, public works and others as categorized by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency . All North Carolinian adults will be eligible to be vaccinated beginning on April 7.

A new public private partnership, Healthier Together : Health Equity Action Network, will enhance the state’s work to deliver equitable access to vaccines and increase the number of individuals from historically marginalized populations that receive COVID-19 vaccinations. DHHS also announced a new biweekly equity data report to provide another avenue for transparency.

March 18, 2021:

On March 17, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen announced the opening of vaccine eligibility for people who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe illness or who live in certain congregate settings.

March 11, 2021:

On March 11, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen announced that beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination. The rest of Group 4 , which includes other essential workers, will become eligible on April 7.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is in constant contact with providers across the state and surveys both their vaccine capacity and supply. The state was recently able to update its timeline based on provider feedback and expected supply. As with previous eligibility changes, some vaccine providers may not be ready to open to Group 4 on March 17 if they are still experiencing high demand for vaccines in Groups 1 through 3.

Governor Cooper also signed House Bill 196 , authorizing more COVID-19 relief, and Senate Bill 220 , which will reopen in-person North Carolina K-12 schools.

March 2, 2021:

On March 1, 2021, Governor Cooper issued an executive order that the Department of Commerce increase efforts to help North Carolinians who file for unemployment benefits return to work. Executive Order 200 establishes a flexible work search requirement for all new claimants who apply for unemployment benefits on or after March 14, 2021. With the recent end of the Extended Benefits program for state unemployment under federal law, this step will ensure that out of work North Carolinians can access job seeking assistance available through NCWorks and other state-sponsored job search programs. The Order directs the Department of Commerce to interpret work search laws flexibly to account for burdens posed by COVID-19 that could affect a job seeker’s ability to satisfy search requirements. The Department is also directed to establish a broad set of reemployment activities that qualify for a claimant’s job search.

In his COVID-19 relief budget announced in February, Governor Cooper proposed expanding state unemployment benefits. He proposed that the maximum duration of benefits be increased to 26 weeks and the maximum benefit be increased from $350 to $500 per week.

On March 2, 2021, Governor Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible for vaccinations beginning March 3. The expedited timeline follows the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine and an expected increase in vaccine supply to North Carolina.

This week, the federal government authorized the distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot vaccine and more than 80,000 doses are expected to arrive in the state beginning on Wednesday. The improved supply has contributed to providers reporting readiness to expand access to additional Group 3 essential workers on March 3. Cohen also unveiled a Public Service Announcement encouraging vaccine use among Group 3 essential workers.

State officials continue to encourage providers to exhaust each week’s vaccine shipment before the following week’s shipment arrives. Governor Cooper also outlined an expected timeline for beginning Group 4 vaccinations. Beginning on March 24, people at higher risk from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions will become eligible to receive a vaccine, as will people in certain congregate-living settings.

On March 10, a federally-supported community vaccination center will open in Greensboro. This site will help the state continue its effort to reach more marginalized and underserved communities. The federal government will provide the center’s vaccine supply, which will be in addition to North Carolina’s weekly allotment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day and options for drive-thru and walk-in services.

March 1, 2021:

On March 1, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced the federal government authorized the distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot vaccine. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 83,000 doses are expected to arrive in the state this week, beginning on March 3.

February 25, 2021:

On February 24, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 195 lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Safety protocols such as masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing will still be required. Executive Order No. 195 will take effect February 26th at 5:00 p.m. and will expire March 26th at 5:00 p.m.

Under the Order, the number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoor gatherings. The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, will now be open for patrons indoors, in compliance with new occupancy restrictions. Many businesses, venues, and arenas will have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors.

The Executive Order has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30% capacity and 50% capacity. Indoor facilities in the 30%-occupancy category may not exceed two hundred fifty (250) people per indoor room or indoor space. Such facilities include:

• Lounges (including tobacco lounges) and Night Clubs;
• Indoor areas of Amusement Parks;
• Movie Theaters;
• Entertainment facilities (such as bingo parlors and gaming establishments);
• Sports Arenas and Fields; and
• Venues (although indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats may be excepted from the 250-person limit if they follow additional safety measures, up to 15% capacity).

50% capacity limit pertain to the following facilities:

• Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (for example, gyms, bowling alleys, and rock climbing facilities);
• Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks; and
• Salons, Personal Care, and Tattoo Parlors.

Teachers are now eligible to receive vaccination as the state begins to expand access to group 3 essential workers. Due to shipping delays caused by inclement weather, DHHS continues to work with providers to administer both last week’s and this week’s shipments and exhaust first dose supply before next week’s shipment arrives.

February 10, 2021:

North Carolina is currently vaccinating people in Groups 1 and 2, which include health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, and people 65 and older. In the coming weeks, providers will continue to vaccinate these groups. More than 40% of North Carolina’s residents 65 and older have been vaccinated. Under the timeline outlined today, the state plans to move to additional frontline workers on March 10th.

On February 9, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 36 to make modifications to 2020 COVID-19 relief legislation. On February 10, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen outlined a timeline for Group 3 frontline workers becoming eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, beginning with anyone working in child care or in PreK-12 schools on February 24.

As of February 10, North Carolina has administered more than 1 million first doses of vaccine and more than 1.5 million total doses. North Carolina is expected to receive more doses over the coming weeks. However, because vaccine supply continues to be limited and the Group 3 population of frontline essential workers is so large, the state will be moving to the next group gradually. Those working in child care and schools, such as teachers, bus and van drivers, custodial and maintenance staff, and food service workers, will be eligible first. This includes staff in child care centers and homes, Head Start Programs, Preschool and PreK programs, traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools. See Deeper Dive for additional details.

NCDHHS is working with partners to develop operational guidance to support child care and school staff in accessing vaccines. Schools can and should be providing in-person instruction. Under robust safety measures, all students can be in classrooms, with middle and high school students also following six-feet social distancing protocols.

February 9, 2021:

On February 9, 2021, Governor Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen outlined how North Carolina is working to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The strategies that the state is implementing include:

• Requiring all vaccine providers to collect race and ethnicity data;
• Prioritizing a portion of its weekly vaccines to events that focus on underserved communities; and
• Allocating a weekly vaccine amount based on county population to ensure geographic equity across all 100 counties.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has formed a dedicated team to track and provide technical assistance to vaccine providers to ensure they are hitting targets for speed and equity.

Governor Cooper says North Carolina is making some progress in improving vaccine access for Black North Carolinians. The state has seen a 65% increase in the weekly number of first doses administered to the African American population over the past four weeks. As of the week of February 3, 18% of the vaccines administered in the state had gone to the Black/African American population, up from 11% the week of January 13. African Americans make up 22% of North Carolina’s population. The Governor believes there is still more work to do in the Latinx/Hispanic community, which has received only 2% of total vaccines administered in the state.

Last week, North Carolina became one of the first states in the country to release statewide race and ethnicity data for COVID-19 vaccines. The Department added new county demographic data to the vaccine data dashboard, including data by race, ethnicity, gender, and age group.

NCDHHS also expanded its COVID-19 vaccine help center to answer people's questions and help them determine when they are eligible for a vaccine. The hotline, 888-675-4567, is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Callers can get help with general COVID-19 vaccine questions, information on eligibility groups, and how to find vaccine locations and transportation services.

Governor Cooper also issued Executive Order No. 193 , which amends and extends Executive Orders Nos. 130 and 139 . The Order gives the NCDHHS Secretary the authority to expand the types of providers who have the authority to administer FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Through this Order, providers with this authority will now include dentists licensed in North Carolina. As the state continues to fight the pandemic and protect North Carolinians, the Order directs state officials to marshal all state resources, including property, facilities, and personnel, upon request by NCDHHS, towards vaccination efforts.

February 4, 2021:

On February 4, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper outlined a plan for allocating federal COVID-19 relief funds and investing state resources to help North Carolina communities rebuild. The Governor’s early plan calls for investing the state’s $4 billion share of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, along with some state resources, for immediate critical needs. The new federal funding will provide vital COVID-19 relief such as vaccines, supplies to slow the virus spread, help for rent and utility bills, and more funding to put food on the table.

Federal funds will provide:

• Approximately $2 billion for emergency assistance for public and private K-12 schools and higher education institutions;
• $336 million for childcare and development block grants;
• Approximately $700 million for access to vaccines and testing, tracing, and prevention measures to slow the spread of the virus;
• $546 million for emergency rental assistance, which will build on North Carolina’s current work;
• $258 million for Highway Infrastructure;
• $65 million for airports;
• $47 million for Community Mental Health Services; and
• Funding for food assistance programs, such as SNAP and school nutrition.

In addition to the federal allocation plan, the Governor recommends investing $695 million from the state’s General Fund to address other immediate needs. The Governor’s recommendations for allocation are as follows:

• $50 million for continued hazard duty pay for state employees on the frontlines of COVID-19, especially law enforcement and corrections personnel;
• $64.5 million for the replenishment of the North Carolina State Health Plan;
• $468 million for bonuses for educators and school personnel in public K-12 schools, community colleges, and the university system (educators were not a part of the raises approved in the last biennium for state employees);
• $30 million to extend high-speed internet to all corners of the state and for use in other urgent connectivity initiatives, such as IT infrastructure, security for community colleges, and enhancement of 35,000 hotspots for educational use;
• $37 million to support small businesses that have suffered during the pandemic, including small business counselling, marketing for tourism and hospitality, the ReTOOLNC program for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs), and the business loan program at Golden L.E.A.F.; and
• Expansion of state unemployment benefits, which are still among the lowest in the country, to a maximum duration of 26 weeks and maximum benefit of $500 per week (as opposed to the current max of $350 per week).

February 2, 2021:

On February 2, 2021, Governor Cooper called on K-12 school districts across the state to allow in-person instruction for all students. The Governor joined the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Mandy Cohen, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt, and State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis to thank educators for their extraordinary work during this unprecedented time. Leaders also emphasized the critical importance of ensuring all students have an opportunity to learn in a classroom and highlighted ongoing research showing that, with proper mitigation measures, in-person learning is safe. Governor Cooper, Superintendent Truitt, Chair Davis, and Secretary Cohen sent a letter to local school board members and superintendents encouraging in-person instruction across the state.

February 1, 2021:

On January 28, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that the state has administered 99.8 percent of the first doses received as of January 27, 2021. This week, providers across the state are receiving shipments from the state’s allotment of 120,000 vaccine doses. About 56 percent of first doses allocated for long-term care facilities have been administered .

Earlier this week, NCDHHS launched Find My Vaccine Group , an online tool that helps North Carolinians determine when they will be eligible to receive their vaccine.

January 27, 2021:

On January 27, Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mandy Cohen, announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. Executive Order No. 189 will be in effect through at least Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

The extension of Executive Order No. 190 allowing for the sale of “to-go” or delivery of mixed beverages will continue to help businesses that are struggling right now. The extension of Executive Order No. 191 will help families have the ability to stay in their homes, a critical component of slowing the spread of the virus.

North Carolina continues to administer Covid-19 vaccines across the state. As of today, 99.8% of all first doses received by the state were reported as being administered and 859,695 total doses have been administered. Vaccine supply continues to be very low and the state is hopeful for more vaccine to be on the way. On a call with Governor Cooper and other governors yesterday, the Biden Administration committed to increase vaccine shipments to the states by 16% over the next 3 weeks.

On Tuesday, NCDHHS expanded its vaccine data dashboard to provide information about vaccine doses allocated to and received by the state and updated guidance to ensure equitable distribution and speed of administration.

North Carolinians can find out when they will be eligible to get their vaccine through a new online tool, Find My Vaccine Group . The screener walks users through a series of questions to determine which vaccine group they fall in. Learn more about North Carolina’s vaccine rollout at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov .

On January 23, NCDHHS reported the first identified case of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 Variant in North Carolina. Early data suggest that this variant may be more contagious than other variants and state health officials continue to recommend staying at home when possible.

January 25, 2021:

On January 23, North Carolina health officials confirmed that the new strain of COVID-19 has been detected in the state -- specifically, in Mecklenburg County. The new strain, called B.1.1.7, was first detected in the United Kingdom in December. According to NCDHHS, there are 195 cases of B.1.1.7 in the US in 21 states as of Friday.

Health officials said early data suggest that this new strain may be more contagious than the first strain of coronavirus. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new strain.

January 20, 2021:

On January 19, Governor Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that in accordance with federal recommendations, the state has given local entities the flexibility to begin vaccinating North Carolinians over the age of 65 and all health care workers who have in-person contact with patients.

In the last week, North Carolina has significantly increased the pace of vaccinations. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is supporting health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated. More than 45,000 vaccines are expected to be given through these events. A list of local vaccine providers is available on YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov .

With vaccines still in short supply, the state is implementing a phased distribution of the vaccine. Learn more about who is currently eligible to get vaccinated and where you can set up an appointment in your community at the NCDHHS Find Your Spot to Take Your Shot site.

January 18, 2021:

(Wake County): On January 19, starting at 8:30 a.m., those eligible can contact Wake County on a 24-hour vaccine hotline or an online tool to register to be vaccinated. Once registered, you will receive a notification when an appointment is available. Priority will be determined by age and risk of contracting the virus, the county says. Not the order in which someone joins the waiting list.

(Durham County): On January 19, Group 2 vaccinations begin by appointment. Those eligible must call the county’s hotline 919-560-HELP (919-560-4357) Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The county says they are experiencing extremely high call volume.

(Johnston County): On January 18, county officials announced that on January 20, 2021, a drive-thru clinic will occur for Group 2 vaccinations at Corinth Holders High School located at 6875 Applewhite Road, Wendell, NC 27591. The clinic will last from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or until supplies last. Participants should bring ID to verify eligibility if they are in the category for adults 65 and older.

(Cumberland County): On January 18, county officials announced they are hosting vaccine clinics for Group 2 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A special Saturday clinic will occur on January 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinics will be held at Crown Expo Center, 1960 Coliseum Dr., Fayetteville. Appointment slots can be made from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. vaccines will be first come, first served.

(Orange County): On January 18, county officials announced those eligible for Group 2 vaccinations must register for an appointment online or by calling 919-913-8088.

(Nash County): On January 18, county officials stated no vaccination events are slated for this week, but are asking those eligible in Group 2 to register online . For questions, there is a COVID-19 hotline at 252-462-2079, or email at [email protected] .

(Person County): On January 18, county officials stated no vaccination events are slated for this week.

(Franklin County): On January 18, county officials announced that registration is required for Group 2 vaccine clinic events. Those in Group 2 can register by calling (919) 729-0654 or 919-496-2533 or email [email protected] .

(Chatham County): On January 18, county officials announced that vaccinations for Group 2 are by appointment after registering. Group 2 may register online or call (919) 545-8323 to register. The phone line is operational from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(Harnett County): On January 18, county officials announced that vaccinations for Group 2 are offered by appointment, however officials say phone lines, call center, and website are at capacity.

(Wayne County): On January 18, county officials announced that vaccinations for Group 2 are offered by appointment. To register, call the hotline, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at 919-705-1800. Officials ask those eligible to call back until they get a called taker to receive a time slot or be put on a waiting list.

(Lee County): On January 18, county officials announced they are offering vaccinations for Group 2 at a drive-thru clinic, but require registration for an allotted time. To register , call (919) 721-4769 or (984) 368-2112 on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(Granville and Vance Counties): On January 18, county officials announced that vaccinations for Group 2 are offered by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the GVPH COVID Vaccine Hotline at 252-295-1503.

(Warren County): On January 18, county officials announced that vaccinations for Group 2 are offered by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the Warren County Health Department at (252) 257-1185.

(Halifax County): On January 18, county officials announced that Group 2 vaccinations are offered by appointment. To check your eligibility and schedule an appointment, please call 252-641-7511.

(Edgecombe County): On January 18, county officials announced that Group 2 vaccinations are offered by appointment. To check your eligibility and schedule an appointment, please call 252-641-7511.

(Wilson County): On January 18, county officials announced that Group 2 vaccinations are offered by appointment. Register online or call 252-360-0500.

(Northampton County): On January 18, county officials announced that Group 2 vaccinations are offered by appointment. Call 252-534-5841 to be added to the waiting list . You will be contacted for an appointment.

(Hoke County): On January 18, county officials announced that Group 2 vaccinations are offered by appointment. Call 910-753-4429 or 910-753-4430 or download the forms , and email them to [email protected] .

(Moore County): On January 18, county officials announced that Group 2 vaccinations are offered by appointment at the Moore County Health Department Clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. People can pre-register online or call 910-947-SHOT (7468) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

January 12, 2021:

(Wake County): On January 12, Wake County Public Health will start vaccinating residents ages 75 and older against COVID-19 on Tuesday, January 19. Wake County Public Health said it has made significant progress in vaccinating Phase 1a and is ready to roll into Phase 1b of the process.

"We've taken a major step forward in providing protection to our healthcare workers, and now, we're poised to give the vaccine to our older residents who are at greater risk of serious health problems if they contract the virus," said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Matt Calabria. "We strongly encourage anyone 75 or older to consider rolling up their sleeves and getting the shots to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19."

To avoid long lines, Wake County has built a new tool that will allow residents ages 75 or older to express interest in getting vaccinated, and essentially reserve their place in line. Then, when supply allows, the team will reach out to them to schedule an appointment. The tool will go live in two ways on January 19. It'll be accessible on the county website and via a special phone line. The county will share the phone number and the web address, as well as more details about the process, as we get closer to January 19.

Wake County Public Health is one of five healthcare providers in the county to receive shipments of the vaccine. The others include the three local hospitals and UNC Wakebrook.

Together, the five entities have received 24,757 doses - with just 3,950 of them going to our Public Health clinic. To date, the county has administered 2,000 doses, with more than 2,000 additional doses scheduled to go in arms over the coming days.

"We're moving quickly to vaccinate as many people as we can, according to the priority order established by the state," said Dr. Jason Wittes, Wake County's Pharmacy Director. "The challenge is we never know how much vaccine we'll get from week to week, which has made planning for all the phases difficult."

Meanwhile, the county will continue answering questions from the community about the vaccine through its COVID-19 hotline - (919) 250-1500 - and its email address- mailto: [email protected] .

January 6, 2021:

On January 6, Governor Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update on North Carolina’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the vaccination effort currently underway. Governor Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to last through at least Friday, January 29.

NCDHHS is onboarding more health care providers to administer the vaccine and sharing detailed guidance with providers to help them get the vaccine out more quickly. NCDHHS has also notified vaccine providers that future allocations will be based on how quickly they are able to get their supply out to eligible recipients. If an entity is not using their vaccine supply quickly enough or keeping the state database updated on their progress that will impact how much they are allocated going forward.

As the state moves into Phase 1b, local hospitals and other vaccine providers can now begin administering vaccines to those over age 75. Individuals should call their local health department or hospital to see if they have started to schedule vaccine appointments. A comprehensive list of local health department contact numbers can be found here .

January 5, 2021:

On January 5, Governor Roy Cooper mobilized approximately 50 personnel of the North Carolina National Guard in support of the anticipated demand requests from state partners and county health departments. The Guard will be operational this week. Some of the planned activities include logistics planning, command and control center support, and vaccination teams that will be available to support state efforts and fellow Guard personnel.

January 4, 2021:

On December 30, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 184 , extending North Carolina’s evictions moratorium through January 31, 2021. E.O. 184 clarifies and expands the federal eviction moratorium, which was extended by Congress until January 31, 2021. With many people struggling financially due to this pandemic, this Order halts evictions for nonpayment of rent.

This order also extends protections for individuals applying for assistance through the state’s Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program. This program assists North Carolinians facing financial hardship by providing rent and utility payments directly to landlords and utility companies. Over 21,000 renters have been notified that they will receive rent or utility payment help and award notices totaling $37.4 million have been issued as the HOPE Program continues to provide more assistance to its applicants.

Governor Cooper also underscored the importance of doubling down on prevention efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. North Carolina has seen record-high rates of hospitalizations and percent of COVID-19 tests returning positive in the last week. The state is also under a Modified Stay at Home Order until at least January 8, 2021, which requires people to be home between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

December 30, 2020:

On December 30, the North Carolina Coronavirus Task Force broke down the state’s current vaccination prioritization plan which is expected to move into the next phase in January. Vaccines will eventually be available to anyone, but supplies are currently limited, so the state is issuing vaccinations in phases and by groups, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said. As of Wednesday, North Carolina is in Phase 1a, which includes healthcare workers working with COVID-19 patients, healthcare workers administering the vaccine and long-term care staff and residents.

Dr. Cohen stated North Carolina may move into Phase 1b in early January. Phase 1b will be divided into three groups so that people may be vaccinated as supplies become available. The first group in Phase 1b will include anyone 75 years old and older regardless of health status or living situation. Phase 1b Group 2 will include health care workers and frontline essential workers ages 50 and older. Finally, Phase 1b Group 3 will include health care workers and frontline essential workers of any age.

The next vaccination phases will be:

• Group 1: Anyone 65-74 years old, regardless of health status or living situation
• Group 2: Anyone 16-64 years old with high-risk medical conditions that increase risk of severe disease from COVID such as cancer, COPD, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes, among others, regardless of living situation
• Group 3: Anyone who is incarcerated or living in other close group living settings who is not already vaccinated due to age, medical condition or job function.
• The CDC defines these as workers in transportation and logistics, water and wastewater, food service, shelter and housing (e.g., construction), finance (e.g., bank tellers), information technology and communications, energy, legal, media, and public safety (e.g., engineers), and public health workers.
• College and university students
• K-12 students age 16 and over. Younger children will only be vaccinated when the vaccine is approved for them.
• Phase 4: Everyone who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination.

More information is available online at yourspotyourshot.nc.gov .

December 29, 2020:

On December 23, Governor Cooper announced that he plans to extend the state’s evictions moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent through at least January 31, 2021. The details and language of the moratorium are forthcoming and will be based on how or whether Congress extends the federal moratorium. More information on the state’s extension will be shared as soon as possible.

On December 22, Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen highlighted updates on North Carolina’s distribution of two COVID-19 vaccines. The state expects to receive approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites.

December 22, 2020:

On December 22, Governor Roy Cooper highlighted updates on North Carolina’s distribution of two COVID-19 vaccines. The state expects to receive approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites.

Governor Cooper and health officials warned against traveling and large gatherings ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Governor also reminded people that the statewide mask mandate and Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to be home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will still be in effect through the holidays until at least January 8, 2021

On December 21, Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina ABC Commission to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption. This Order is effective December 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. through January 31, 2021.

Under this Order, establishments holding certain permits from the ABC Commission, including restaurants, hotels, private clubs, private bars, and some distilleries, are allowed to sell mixed beverages to-go or for delivery. These businesses, delivery service providers that contract with these businesses, and purchasers of mixed beverages to-go must follow the restrictions in the Order and any additional restrictions and guidance established by the ABC Commission.

The Modified Stay at Home Order remains in effect and the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption must still cease at 9 p.m. Businesses subject to the Order may continue to sell mixed beverages for off-site consumption until their business closes and in accordance with other applicable laws and regulations.

December 9, 2020:

(Charlotte): On December 8, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools voted to switch most students back to plan C, or online learning, beginning December 14 with a return date of January 19. Under the plan approved Tuesday, students in pre-kindergarten will continue with in-person learning, in addition to students with special needs whose individualized education plans call for those accommodations.

December 8, 2020:

On December 8, Governor Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina will begin a Modified Stay at Home Order after a rapid increase in North Carolina’s key COVID-19 trends. The Order requires people to stay at home between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and takes effect Friday, December 11 and will be in place until at least January 8, 2021.

The Order requires restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses and more to close at 10:00 p.m. Travel to and from work; to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services; or to take care of a family member is exempted. The new restrictions also include moving the alcohol curfew to 9:00 p.m., two hours earlier than the previous curfew of 11:00 p.m. Events like live entertainment, amateur sporting events and movies must end no later than 10:00 p.m. under the order, but professional and collegiate sporting events are allowed to continue past that time. Face coverings continue to be required in all indoor public settings. For more information see the Order’s FAQ .

Governor Cooper also stated that further action would be taken to slow the spread of the virus if trends do not improve. This could require further limiting of restaurant dining, indoor entertainment or shopping and retail capacity restrictions, among other safety protocols.

Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s COVID-19 County Alert System map . The number of red counties (critical community spread) has more than doubled since November 23, up to 48 red counties from 20 red counties. There are now 34 orange counties (substantial community spread), as compared to 42 orange counties from the previous report. With today’s report, more than 80% of the state’s counties fall into the red or orange tier.

December 1, 2020:

On December 1, Governor Roy Cooper stated that the COVID-19 vaccine will be free to anyone in North Carolina who wants it. As soon as the FDA grants approval for the use of any vaccine, the state is expecting to receive more about 85,000 doses. It will first be given to health care workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities who treat or work with COVID patients and those who clean areas where COVID patients are present. The state estimates that some of those 161,000 people statewide will begin to get their shots by the end of December. That group is more narrow than the Phase 1 recipients recommended by a panel of independent advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As additional vaccines are approved, the state will get additional allocations and will expand distribution to others. By January, the vaccine will make its way to other high-risk adults. The second group targeted by the state will be residents of long-term care, people over the age of 65 who live in crowded situations such as jails and homeless shelters, and other adults who have two or more chronic conditions that put them at greater risk for a severe case of the coronavirus. That group is estimated to number up to 951,000.

Vaccinating the rest of those at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 will encompass another 1 to 1.5 million people – everyone over 65, those under 65 in crowded situations or who work in frontline jobs and don't have two or more chronic conditions.

The third phase makes vaccine available to anyone in an essential position, according to the state "workers in industries critical to societal functioning," and students in K-12 schools and colleges and universities.

The final phase would include the remainder of the North Carolina population.

November 23, 2020:

On November 23, Governor Roy Cooper issued additional COVID-19 safety measures to tighten mask requirements and enforcement as cases continue to rise rapidly in North Carolina and across the country. Executive Order No. 180 goes into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through Friday, December 11.

In addition to extending Phase 3 capacity limits and safety requirements, the Order tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. The Order also adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household.

The Order also requires large retail businesses with more than 15,000 square feet to have an employee stationed near entrances ensuring mask wearing and implementing occupancy limits for patrons who enter.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, updated North Carolina’s COVID-19 County Alert System map due to the rapid rise in cases and hospitalization over the past week. Since introducing the system last week, ten more counties have moved into the red category indicating critical community spread. There are now 20 red counties and 42 orange counties. Read the update to see where each county stands and how the system was designed.

November 18, 2020:

On November 18, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering more than 120 no-cost COVID-19 community testing events, including new locations in partnership with retailers to help North Carolinians protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities as they prepare for Thanksgiving this weekend.

For a full list of all testing event times and locations throughout the state, visit the No-Cost Community Testing Events page on the NCDHHS website. More locations are being added each day. Additional testing sites can be found at Find My Testing Place .

Anyone can get tested for COVID-19 at the events. People without insurance are eligible for testing and identification documents are not required. Children and adults may be tested, but a parent or legal guardian must be present with children and teens 17 or younger.

People who choose to travel or gather for Thanksgiving should consider having a COVID-19 test three to four days ahead of time. A test can help someone know if they have COVID-19 even if they do not have symptoms yet; however, tests can miss some infections and are not a fail-safe measure. NCDHHS also recommends that everyone quarantine for 14 days before gathering with anyone outside their household to limit advance risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Quarantining is particularly important from the time you test until you travel or gather with people outside your household.

November 17, 2020:

On November 17, Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) announced a new COVID-19 County Alert System to pinpoint counties with the highest levels of viral spread and offer specific recommendations to bring numbers down. This system will help give local leaders another tool to understand how their county is faring and to make decisions about actions to slow viral spread. The map will be updated every four weeks.

The system uses metrics informed by the White House Coronavirus Task Force and North Carolina’s key metrics to categorize counties into three tiers:

• Yellow: Significant Community Spread
• Orange: Substantial Community Spread
• Red: Critical Community Spread

Because no one metric provides a complete picture, the COVID-19 County Alert System uses a combination of three metrics: (1) case rate; (2) the percent of tests that are positive; and (3) hospital impact within the county.

To be assigned to the red or orange tier, a county must meet the threshold for case rate for that tier AND the threshold for either percent positive OR hospital impact.

• Case Rate: The number of new cases in 14 days per 100,000 people
• Percent Positive: The percent of tests that are positive over 14 days
• Hospital Impact: A composite score based on the impact that COVID-19 has had on hospitals including percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations, COVID-19 related visits to the Emergency Department, staffed open hospital beds, and critical staffing shortages over 14 days

Counties that do not meet criteria for red or orange are categorized as being in the yellow tier (significant community spread) and should continue to be vigilant to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

The Alert System includes recommendations for individuals, businesses, community organizations and public officials in every county, as well as specific stepped-up recommendations for orange and red counties.

November 12, 2020:

On November 12, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state is providing COVID-19 tests to colleges and universities across North Carolina to help bolster schools’ student testing efforts in advance of Thanksgiving and holiday break. NCDHHS is sending a total of 74,470 federally-funded rapid antigen tests to public and private colleges and universities across North Carolina, including historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), to test students before they travel home or celebrate the holidays with people who live outside their household.

Additionally, NCDHHS is working with local health departments in Guilford, Harnett, New Hanover, Mecklenburg and Pitt counties to host community testing events near college and university campuses for students who need tests before the end of the semester. These testing efforts are part of an ongoing partnership with colleges, universities and HBCUs across the state.

For those who wish to travel or celebrate the holiday with people who do not live in their household, NCDHHS recommends a COVID-19 test three to four days in advance.

November 10, 2020:

On November 10, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 176 , limiting North Carolina indoor mass gatherings to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4. The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out. For more on this, read the Frequently Asked Questions document.

Governor Cooper also announced that full-service restaurants are now eligible for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program (MURR) administered by the NC Department of Commerce. These businesses may apply for up to 4 months of rent or mortgage interest capped at $20,000 per location for up to 2 locations. Businesses can learn more and apply by visiting http://www.nccommerce.com/murr .

October 28, 2020:

On October 28, Governor Roy issued Executive Order No. 171 , which the CDC’s Order titled “ Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of Covid-19 ” enforceable as state law. All CDC protections apply to residents who qualify under the CDC order. Additionally, under the Executive Order, if a landlord brings an eviction action, the landlord must provide a blank copy of the CDC Declaration form to the tenants.

The Executive Order, similar to the CDC order, does not prevent eviction for reasons other than nonpayment of rent due to the impact of COVID-19.

The Executive Order takes effect on October 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and will expire on December 31, 2020 unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded.

October 21, 2020:

On October 21, Governor Roy issued Executive Order 170 . This order extends Executive Order 169 (which was issued on September 30, 2020 and implemented Phase 3 of lifting easing COVID-19 related NC) until 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2020.

The Order also extends the prohibition against price gouging (originally set forth in Executive Order 116 ) through 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2020.

October 15, 2020:

On October 15, Governor Roy Cooper announced that applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program, which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The new program seeks to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections.

The HOPE Program will provide $117 million for rent and utility assistance for renters who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, have a current household income that is 80% of the area median income or lower, and are behind on their rent or utilities when they apply.

Renters who need rent or utility assistance can apply online at nc211.org/hope . Applicants who cannot access the online application can also call 2-1-1 and speak with a program representative, who will assist the caller through the application on the phone. Callers can reach 2-1-1 Monday-Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Renters can apply for utility assistance, rent assistance or both programs. Rent assistance is paid to the landlord on behalf of the applicant. This includes overdue and future rent payments, for up to six months. At least one month’s rent must be overdue at the time of application.

Utility payments will be made directly to the utility provider for up to six months of past due essential utilities, such as electricity, water, sewer/wastewater, natural gas and propane. For more information about the HOPE Program, visit nc211.org/hope .

October 6, 2020:

On October 6, Governor Roy Cooper  announced  that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is providing $35 million in operational grants from federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to help child care programs providing in-person child care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grants will be awarded to licensed child care providers operating in-person during the months of August through October 2020 to help offset the significant financial strains due to the additional expenses to meet health and safety guidelines, while experiencing reduced revenues from lower enrollment. Providers have the flexibility to use these grants to meet their unique individual business and operational needs.

All eligible licensed child care programs will receive some level of operational grants. Specific grant amounts are based on program size, quality, and whether the program serve infants and toddlers.

October 1, 2020:

On September 30, Governor Roy Cooper announced North Carolina will cautiously ease some restrictions while continuing safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the state’s metrics remained stable in September. The state will ease some restrictions starting Friday, October 2.

Executive Order 169 begins Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. and continues for three weeks through October 23. Its new provisions include:

• Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
• Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
• Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
• Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
• Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
• The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
• The 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.

State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 23.

On October 1, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina minority and women-owned businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic will have access to guidance and $12 million in grants to help them weather the crisis. The North Carolina Department of Administration has launched a new grant program, RETOOLNC , to help North Carolina Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms impacted by COVID-19.

North Carolina certified HUBs and DBEs must meet the following criteria to receive funding from the RETOOLNC program. Eligible Businesses must:

• Have been operating for one year
• Be certified with NCHUB or NCDOT DBE
• Be an independent business located within North Carolina
• Be a business with up to 50 employees or less (including but not limited to, sole proprietorships, home based businesses, LLCs, and independent contractors)
• Not have annual revenues exceeding $1,500,000
• Not be delinquent on North Carolina State income taxes
• Not have any active bankruptcies or tax liens

To learn more about the RETOOLNC initiative, visit the NC HUB Office website for details. HUB firms interested in receiving state certification can email [email protected] or call 984-236-0148 for assistance.

September 29, 2020:

On September 29, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina has distributed over $2.6 billion in coronavirus relief funds as of September 21 and continues to work to administer remaining funds in coordination with federal requirements.

September 23, 2020:

On September 22, Governor Cooper announced that some North Carolina small businesses that have experienced extraordinary disruption to their operations due to COVID-19 may benefit from a $40 million relief program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills.

The N.C. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location. Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.

Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses. The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own. Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must certify that: (1) they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; (2) they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed; and (3) they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.

Business leaders can learn about the MURR program by registering for one of the free educational webinars offered by the Department of Commerce over the next two weeks.

Eligible applicants include:

• Amusement parks
• Banquet Halls (with catering staff)
• Bars, taverns, night clubs, cocktail lounges
• Bingo parlors
• Bowling alleys/centers
• Dance halls
• Indoor fitness and recreation centers
• Motion picture/movie theaters (except drive-ins)

Furthermore, Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Cohen announced that effective October 2, large outdoor venues would be permitted to open at 7% capacity with key safety precautions in place. Large entertainment venues are those that can seat over 10,000. The announcement was made in advance so these locations could begin putting safety measures in place in order to operate.

State and public health officials also added they will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 2 at 5 pm. Governor Cooper stated, “In [the order], we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place.”

September 21, 2020:

On September 17, Governor Roy Cooper announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5). As the Governor announced in July, every district will continue to have flexibility to select Plan A, B or C based on their unique needs. In addition, districts should still provide an option for families to select all remote learning for their students. Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening, but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom.

September 9, 2020:

On September 9, Governor Cooper announced nearly $40 million in funding for NC Student Connect, a new partnership created to address internet connectivity gaps that are a barrier to remote learning for many North Carolina students.

On September 4, Governor Cooper along with the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) and its Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO) announced five new projects that will expand high-speed internet access for residents in Columbus, Duplin and Graham counties. The projects are made possible by more than $4 million in supplemental GREAT grant funding through the COVID-19 Recovery Act.

Governor Cooper also signed House Bill 1105, the Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0 into law, which allocates nearly $1 billion in federal relief funds. The act includes additional unemployment benefits, stimulus checks for parents, and provides more access to private school voucher programs. Additionally, it allows up to 3,800 more students to attend the state’s two virtual charter schools.

September 3, 2020:

On September 2, Governor Roy Cooper announced the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched the NC Medicaid Optional COVID-19 Testing program, which will reimburse Medicaid providers for costs associated with COVID-19 testing of people without insurance. Federal funding will be available to cover 100% of costs directly related to COVID-19 testing, including both viral and serological or antibody tests, through the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. In North Carolina, Medicaid-enrolled providers may file directly with NC Medicaid for reimbursement for testing eligible uninsured individuals. Costs for COVID-19 tests will be covered retroactively up to three months if people were uninsured at the time of the test.

September 1, 2020:

On August 31, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 162 to extend the limited hours on the sale of alcoholic drinks in North Carolina. As the state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19, the Order requires restaurants to end the sale of alcoholic beverages at 11 p.m. This Order will remain in effect through October 2, 2020.

On September 1, Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will take a modest step forward and move into Phase 2.5 starting this Friday, September 4, at 5 p.m. Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect. Changes under the Phase 2.5 Order includes:

• Mass gathering limits will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
• Playgrounds may open.
• Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity.
• Gyms and indoor exercise facilities, such as yoga studios, martial arts, and rock climbing, as well as skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, and volleyball, among others, may open at 30% capacity.
• Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment facilities, amusement parks, dance halls will remain closed.
• Large venues remain subject to the mass gathering limits.

In addition, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued a Secretarial Order allowing for outdoor visitation at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to: not having a current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment. The Secretarial Order is effective as of September 4 at 5 p.m. and remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

August 26, 2020:

On August 26, Governor Roy Cooper shared a recommended budget, Support for a Determined North Carolina , which “outlines how to use the state’s remaining federal coronavirus funding and make responsible investments in the state’s future.”

August 25, 2020:

On August 25, Governor Roy Cooper announced that $175 million will be available to help North Carolinians with rent and utility payments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 17, 2020:

On August 11, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 156 , which extends deadlines for certain health assessments and immunization requirements due to the impact of the pandemic. The order provides that NCDHHS shall provide additional time for families, students, and children to complete required immunizations.

On August 14, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 157 , which extends certain transportation-related provisions in previous executive orders.

Governor Roy Cooper also announced that businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that have experienced interruption due to the pandemic could qualify for up to $250,000 from a new state grant program. The Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Job Retention Grant Program through the agency’s website . Both for-profit and certain types of nonprofit employers may apply for grants through the program, which has a strict application deadline of September 1, 2020.

August 6, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 155 , which extends Phase 2 COVID measures for another five weeks. Governor Cooper announced that this extension of the Safer At Home: Phase 2 is necessary as students and staff return to schools, colleges, and universities.

August 3, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 154 declaring a state of emergency for Hurricane Isaias. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed evacuation procedure in the state. North Carolina is urging people to make every effort to stay with family and friends, or even a hotel, as the first option, and the state will coordinate shelters for those who need it. Some of the changes in sheltering include:

• Residents and visitors seeking shelter will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. If an individual has COVID symptoms, they will be redirected to a non-congregate sheltering option where they can more easily isolate.
• Social distancing means fewer residents in shelters, and if needed, more facilities and volunteers to shelter the same amount of people as in previous seasons.
• Maximizing space requirements may mean not all shelters will offer cots. Be prepared to provide your own bedding and care items.
• Meals will be served in sealed containers and shelters will move away from serving lines or buffets to minimize the potential exposure of everyone in the shelter.

July 29, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper issued  Executive Order 153  stopping the sale of alcoholic drinks in restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries at 11 p.m. Additionally, North Carolina bars that are currently closed will remain closed. This order will take effect Friday, July 31. The order will not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores, or other entities permitted to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Local governments that have implemented orders that end alcohol sales before 11 p.m. or that apply to other entities remain in effect.

July 27, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 152. The order extends certain Health and Human Services provisions regarding COVID-19 in Executive Orders 130 , 139 , 144 , and 148 for another 60 days, to last through September 22, 2020.

July 21, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper announced that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is taking further action to prevent and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks among the agricultural workforce, delivering critical personal protection equipment for use by agricultural workers across the state.

July 16, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper introduced the new NCcareers.org on July 15, an integrated career information system that offers North Carolinians ways to explore careers and job opportunities.

July 14, 2020:

Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

July 13, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 232 into law to authorize individuals to wear masks and face coverings for health purposes. This act is effective on July 10, 2020.

July 7, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 77 into law to adjust the department of transportation certified budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year and to issue guidance on use of COVID-19 funds. The relevant provision becomes effective June 15, 2020.

July 6, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed the following bills into law in response to COVID-19:

• House Bill 1023 , which provides additional and revised uses for federal coronavirus relief funds as well as provides additional funding for school nutritional needs;
• Senate Bill 816 , which appropriates funds from the coronavirus relief fund to be used to offset general fund appropriations across state government for allowable expenditures; and
• Senate Bill 208 , which provides immunity for institutions of higher education for claims related to COVID-19 closures for spring 2020.
• House Bill 902 , which provides limited immunity from COVID-19 related claims arising from the reopening of privately owned community swimming pools;
• Senate Bill 808 , which appropriates coronavirus relief funds for behavioral health and crisis services, early childhood initiatives, and COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and trends tracking and analysis; and
• House Bill 118 , which provides limited immunity from liability for claims based on transmission of COVID-19.

July 1, 2020:

• House Bill 1080 , which makes various changes to the revenue laws and codifies the insurance regulatory charge related to CARES Act; and
• House Bill 1229 , which appropriates $2 million to the division of employment security to strengthen unemployment insurance program integrity during the coronavirus pandemic and preventing certain payments to precinct officials from reducing unemployment insurance benefits.
• Senate Bill 113 which clarified use of digital learning plan funds, made modifications to the 2020-2021 school calendar requirements to expand the use of remote learning days, and provided immunity for non-public schools for claims related to COVID-19 closures for 2019-2020.

June 30, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 113 into law, which was effective June 29, 2020. In response to COVID-19, the bill did the following:

• Clarified use of digital learning plan funds;
• Made modifications to the 2020-2021 school calendar requirements to expand the use of remote learning days; and
• Provided immunity for non-public schools for claims related to COVID-19 closures for 2019-2020.

June 29, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 679 into law to amend the rules of civil procedure to allow for electronic filing and service. It is effective October 1, 2020, and applies to filings and service effected on or after that date.

June 24, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen Cooper signed Executive Order No. 147 to amend and extend Executive Order No. 141 so that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks.

The Executive Order also requires face coverings to be worn in public places as officials seek to stabilize the trend of increasing viral spread. The order will have limited exceptions for people who are: (1) under eleven years of age; (2) actively eating or drinking; (3) strenuously exercising; (4) working at home; (5) in a personal vehicle; (6) subject to a specific medical or behavioral condition or disability.

Additionally, the order will increase access to COVID-19 testing through a statewide standing order for the duration of the State of Emergency, add more precisely tailored mitigation measures for long term care, and extend the prohibition against excessive pricing. The Executive Order is effective at 5:00 pm on June 26, 2020 until 5:00 pm on July 17, 2020.

June 22, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed a number of bills into law on June 19, 2020. These include:

• House Bill 158, to require the Division of Motor Vehicles to temporarily waive the Road Test requirement for Level Two limited provisional licenses.
• Senate Bill 836 , to increase the amount of coronavirus relief funds used for the continuity of operation needs across the state government.

The Governor also vetoed House Bill 594 , which would allow any indoor or outdoor exercise and fitness facilities, gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to open and operate if certain conditions are met. Governor Cooper’s response for the veto was that, “Tying the hands of public health officials in times of pandemic is dangerous, especially when case counts and hospitalizations are rising. State and local officials must be able to take swift action during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge of patients from overwhelming hospitals and endangering the lives of North Carolinians. The bill could restrict leaders who need to respond quickly to outbreaks and protect public health and safety.”

Governor Cooper also announced that North Carolina has created the nation’s first statewide technology platform, NCCARE360, to coordinate whole-person care uniting traditional healthcare settings and organizations that address non-medical drivers of health, such as food, housing, transportation, employment and interpersonal safety. NCCARE360 is now available in all 100 counties.

June 1, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 142 to extend the prohibition of utility shut-offs and implement a moratorium on evictions. The Order went into effect on May 30, 2020 and will remain in effect for three weeks for the evictions moratorium. The evictions moratorium prevents landlords from initiating summary ejections or other eviction proceedings against a tenant for nonpayment or late payment of rent. Landlords also may not charge late fees or other fees for non-payment. Additionally, interest cannot accrue while the Order is in effect. Instead, landlords must give tenants a minimum of six months to pay outstanding rent.

The utility moratorium lasts for 60 days and prohibits utility disconnections for all customers. It also prohibits billing or collection of late fees, penalties, and other charges for failure to pay. Repayment plans are extended for at least 6 months.

May 29, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina has received a $6 million federal grant to support jobs and workforce training to help address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the grant, eligible North Carolina residents may receive certain employment services or workforce training for industries that are hiring workers.

May 27, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper announced that $85.4 million in federal funds provided for COVID-19 relief to counties will be disbursed this week. Three large counties, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake, have already received funds directly from the federal government, and 59 other counties that have completed certification will receive funds this week from the state-administered Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that was passed by Congress. Counties are encouraged to support municipalities with the funding as needed.

May 26, 2020:

On May 22, Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Count on Me NC , which is a free online training program to help restaurants, hotels and other businesses learn the best ways to protect customers and employees from COVID-19. Businesses across North Carolina can participate in this no-cost training that was developed with the NC Department of Health and Human Services. It includes evidence-based practices on social distancing, employee health and sanitation to protect people’s health.

The first phase of Count on Me NC training is designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses that serve food. The program plans to expand to other tourism businesses including lodging and attractions and add courses in Spanish by June.

May 21, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m. Executive Order No. 141 , “Easing Restrictions on Travel, Business Operations, and Mass Gatherings,” lifts the Stay-At-Home Order from Executive Order No. 138 . Mass gatherings have been limited to no more than 10 people indoors or more than 25 people outdoors. The Order will remain in effect until June 26, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Under Phase Two, retail businesses must limit the number of customers in the store to 50% of the stated fire capacity, or for those places without a fire capacity, to twelve customers per 1,000 square feet of the location’s total square footage.

Restaurants may allow on-premises consumption of food and beverages. However, they must follow the occupancy that leads to the lowest number when applying the following three tests: (1) limit the number of customers to 50% of the stated fire capacity, or for those places without a fire capacity, to twelve customers per 1,000 square feet of the location’s total square footage; (2) an arrangement permitting groups to stay 6 feet apart; or (3) arrange the restaurant so that customers sitting at a table are not within 6 feet of any customers sitting at another table. Moreover, each group of customers sitting at a counter should be separated from other groups by 6 feet. No more than ten 10 people shall be seated together at the same table. However, more than ten 10 people may sit together at the same table if they are members of the same household.

Personal care, grooming, and tattoo businesses may open again as long as they also limit the number of customers in the store to 50% of the stated fire capacity, for those places without a fire capacity, to twelve customers per 1,000 square feet of the location’s total square footage. They may also limit the number of people in the store to 6 feet apart to be in compliance.

Indoor and outdoor pools may open, also subject to the fire capacity requirements. Child care facilities may also reopen and serve all children in North Carolina.

However, the following business must remain closed during Phase Two: (1) entertainment and fitness facilities; and (2) bars that only serve alcohol on-premises.

May 13, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 139 , which will provide additional regulatory flexibility to help ensure capacity in the state’s health care system and improve its ability to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Order temporarily gives the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) the ability to waive or modify regulations for accreditation for asbestos and lead testing professionals, accreditation of local health departments, and regulations impacting child care and high-risk health care facilities. The Executive Order ensures that DHHS can utilize certain authority provided by the federal government to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 6, 2020:

Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home Order and to transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. The Order is effective Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m.

Most importantly, the Order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand six feet apart, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms, and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.

During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Additionally, summer day camps can operate in compliance with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.

Certain businesses remain closed: bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take-out, and delivery.

Small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, but gatherings of more than 10 people are generally still prohibited.

Governor Cooper also announced that starting this week, school buses with Wi-Fi hot spots will bring internet access to communities without it to help more North Carolina K-12 students connect to school online. The buses will travel to underserved areas in school districts and park in designated locations, such as a school nutrition meal distribution site or a grocery store, so students can use this temporary access to turn in assignments, download materials and connect with teachers. The drive-up Wi-Fi access will also be available for all residents in the communities to use to connect to healthcare providers, apply for unemployment, and access other critical information and services while exercising appropriate social distancing precautions.

May 4, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed both North Carolina Senate Bill 704 and North Carolina House Bill 1043 into law to provide assistance to families, schools, hospitals and small businesses as the state battles COVID-19. The relief package includes almost $1.6 billion in relief measures for critical expenditures related to public health and safety, educational needs, small business assistance, and continuity of state government operations. Of this amount, $1.4 billion has been appropriated and $150 million is set aside in a reserve fund for future local government needs.

Senate Bill 704 contained provisions such as: (1) extending driver’s licenses and registration expiration deadlines; (2) waived interest on tax payments normally due in April; (3) modifies end-of-grade testing requirements for public schools; (4) adjusts the 2020-21 K-12 public school calendar; and (5) allows pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 vaccine once it is developed.

April 30, 2020:

The North Carolina legislature passed House Bill 1043 , The Pandemic Response Act, which provides $1.7 billion in funds for COVID-19 relief, including: recovery priorities, providing assistance for small businesses, streamlining access to unemployment benefits, modifying education requirements, ensuring continuity of government operations, and supporting healthcare facilities on the front lines of the public health crisis. The full Senate approved its coronavirus legislation, Senate Bill 704 , unanimously April 29, 2020 with $1.4 billion in relief allocations. The two bills will now be reconciled as there are substantial differences between the two bills, both on policy and the monetary allocation, but lawmakers have said they expect to reach agreement quickly and send a final bill to Governor Roy Cooper, who prefers the House version.

(Wake County): Wake County is ending its local Stay-At-Home order on the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2020. Restrictions will be eased on Friday, May 1, 2020. The county’s more than 1 million people will instead follow North Carolina’s stay-at-home order, which allows small gatherings and larger funerals with social distancing. Starting at 12:01 a.m. May 1, gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed, as well as up to 50 people at a funeral, as long as people outside an immediate household are six feet apart.

Wake County’s original stay-at-home order also had a stricter definition of essential businesses. The state’s order lists “businesses that meet social distancing requirements” as essential, while Wake County’s originally didn’t. That means bookstores, clothing shops and other retailers may reopen in Wake County as long as they follow social distancing. The state’s order also says stores are limited to 20% of their stated fire capacity, or five people per 1,000 square feet.

Hair salons, gyms and movie theaters remain closed, but other businesses that keep people six feet apart can stay open.

Wake County’s order applies to Raleigh, the unincorporated parts of Wake County and all the towns except Apex. Apex did not join the county’s decision Wednesday and plans to issue its own order.

April 24, 2020:

Governor Cooper announced the issuance of Executive Order No. 135 , which extended North Carolina’s Stay At Home Order through May 8. It also extended the closure of bars and restaurants for dine-in service, and closure of other close-contact businesses. Governor Cooper had previously announced certain metrics that would be considered in determining whether to open the economy, and stated yesterday that the state has not yet seen a downward trajectory needed to gradually lift restrictions. Governor Cooper also shared details about plans to re-open the economy in three phases. Phase one involves opening more retail stores and permitting certain commercial activity, while still encouraging masks and restricting gatherings to 10 people; phase two involves lifting the stay at home order and allowing a limited opening of restaurants, bars, personal care services, and fitness centers, and increasing the number of people allowed at gatherings; phase three involves increased capacity at bars and restaurants, religious services, and entertainment venues.

April 19, 2020:

Roy Cooper announced that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is working with academic partners across the state to understand how widespread cases of COVID-19 with mild or no symptoms are in the state and to monitor prevalence of the disease over time.

April 17, 2020:

(Surf City): All Surf City beaches will reopen Saturday, April 18, 2020.

April 16, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper charted a path forward for eventually easing certain COVID-19 restrictions while still protecting North Carolinians from a dangerous second wave of the virus. In order to ease restrictions, the state needs to make more progress in three areas: testing, tracing and trends.

April 10, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper issued stronger social distancing requirements and sped up the process to get benefits to people out of work through Executive Order No. 131. The order requires retail stores that are still operating to implement new social distancing policies to make shopping safer for customers and employees. The order also makes earlier COVID-19 guidelines mandatory for nursing facilities, and recommends other long-term care facilities to do the same.

April 9, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 130, which to expands health care operations and temporarily permits increases or relocations of beds necessary for COVID-19 treatment. The Order also increases the pool of healthcare workers that may treat COVID-19 patients, including out of state licensed providers, retired providers, and skilled but unlicensed volunteers, by waiving certain admission and licensing regulations.

Additionally, the Order orders waives certain requirements of child care facilities and states that these facilities are only permitted to provide child care to children of essential business workers, children receiving child welfare services, or children who are homeless or living in unsafe conditions.

April 8, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina has received approval from FEMA to provide housing alternatives, such as hotels, motels, and dormitories, for North Carolinians with unstable housing who may need to quarantine in response to or are at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

April 2, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper announced he would prohibit utilities from disconnecting people unable to pay during the pandemic. The Order applies to electric, gas, water and wastewater services for the next 60 days. The Order directs utilities to give residential customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills and prohibits them from collecting fees, penalties or interest for late payment. Telecommunication companies that provide phone, cable and internet services are strongly urged to follow these same rules.

April 1, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 122 to help schools and local governments access state surplus property to help bridge gaps during the response to COVID-19.

March 31, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121, issuing a Stay-At-Home order, begins today, March 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. It will remain in effect for thirty (30) days from today, April 29, 2020. The Executive Order closes all non-essential businesses. “Essential businesses” include: (1) businesses that meet social distancing requirements; (2) businesses operating in CISA identified sectors; (3) healthcare and public health operations; (4) human services operations; (5) essential infrastructure operations; (6) essential governmental operations; (7) stores that sell groceries and medicine; (8) food, beverage production, and agriculture; (9) organizations that provide charitable and social services; (10) religious entities; (11) media; (12) gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; (13) financial and insurance institutions; (14) home improvement, hardware, and supply stores; (15) critical trades; (16) mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; (17) educational institutions; (18) laundry services; (19) restaurants for consumption off-premises; (20) supplies to work from home; (21) supplies for COVID-19 essential businesses and operations; (22) transportation; (23) home-based care and services; (24) residential facilities and shelters; (25) professional services; (26) manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries; (27) defense and military contractors; (28) hotels and motels; (29) funeral services; and (30) additional COVID-19 essential retail businesses.

March 30, 2020:

Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order also closed non-essential businesses. “Essential businesses” include: (1) businesses that meet social distancing requirements; (2) businesses operating in CISA identified sectors; (3) healthcare and public health operations; (4) human services operations; (5) essential infrastructure operations; (6) essential governmental operations; (7) stores that sell groceries and medicine; (8) food, beverage production, and agriculture; (9) organizations that provide charitable and social services; (10) religious entities; (11) media; (12) gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; (13) financial and insurance institutions; (14) home improvement, hardware, and supply stores; (15) critical trades; (16) mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; (17) educational institutions; (18) laundry services; (19) restaurants for consumption off-premises; (20) suppliers for work from home; (21) suppliers for COVID-19 essential businesses and operations; (22) transportation; (23) home-based care and services; (24) residential facilities and shelters; (25) professional services; (26) manufacture, distribution, and supply chain for critical products and industries; (27) defense and military contractors; (28) hotels and motels; (29) funeral services; and (30) additional COVID-19 essential retail businesses.

March 27, 2020:

(Wake County):  Wake County’s Stay-At-Home Order  takes effect  at 5 p.m. on March 27. The order encompasses the County of Wake along with the City of Raleigh, and the towns of Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon.

(Buncombe County):  Buncombe County has  issued  a Stay-At-Home Order.

(Gaston County):  The Gaston County Public Health Director has  issued  a Stay-At-Home Order that also ceases non-essential business operations.

(City of Winston-Salem):  Mayor J. Allen Joines  announced  a Stay-At-Home Order for the city of Winston-Salem.

March 26, 2020: 

(Orange County): Orange County and the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough have issued a Stay-at-Home order to close all “non-essential businesses.” The list of “essential businesses” includes the list issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity Infrastructure & Security Agency (CISA); businesses that sell, produce, or distribute groceries, medicine, or essential household goods; human service operations; healthcare and public health operations; media and communication services and products; gas station and businesses needed for transportation; financial and insurance institutions; hardware and supply stores; critical trades; mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; educational institutions; laundry services; restaurants for consumption off-premises; services and supplies for essential businesses, essential government services, or minimal basic operations; transportation; home-based care and services; residential facilities or shelters; professional services; childcare facilities; hotels and motels; and funeral services.

(City of Greensboro): On March 25, in conjunction with Guilford County and the City of High Point, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan issued a Stay-at-Home order for Greensboro residents, effective Friday, March 27 at 5:00 pm. The order is in effect through Thursday, April 16. Residents are allowed to go to grocery stores, pharmacies, health care appointments and outdoor exercise, while exercising proper social distancing. Restaurants are permitted to offer take-out and delivery service. All non-essential business and other operations for the City of Greensboro are required to cease in-person operations.

(Mecklenburg County): Mecklenburg County’s Stay-At-Home Order takes effect today. The order will be valid until April 16, 2020.

March 25, 2020: 

(City of Durham): North Carolina’s fourth largest city, Durham, announced a Stay-At-Home order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Durham Mayor Steve Schewel announced the order will have exceptions for those seeking medical treatment, buying food, or exercising outdoors. Essential workers, such as hospital and medical staff, law enforcement and firefighters, food service and grocery store employees, local government employees, etc., will be allowed to travel to work. The order will not prohibit restaurants from providing take-out or delivery options. It also does not prohibit day cares, homeless shelters, and government agencies from operating. The order will be in effect until April 30, 2020.

(Mecklenburg County): Mecklenburg County has issued a Stay-At-Home order for Mecklenburg County, including the City of Charlotte, which takes effect March 26, 2020, at 8 a.m. The order will be valid until April 16, 2020. All “non-essential businesses” must cease and public and private gatherings or more than 10 people are prohibited.

Those in the industries of health care and public heath operations, human services operations, essential infrastructure, and essential government functions are exempt from this order. Furthermore, “essential businesses” include stores that sell groceries and medicine; food, beverage, and agriculture; organizations that provide charitable and social services; media; gas stations and businesses needed for transportation; financial institutions; hardware and supply stores; critical trades; mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services; educational institutions for distance learning; laundry services; restaurants for consumption off-premises; supplies to work from home; supplies for essential business and operations; transportation; home-based care and services; residential facilities and shelters; professional services; childcare centers; manufacture, distribution and supply chain; hotels and motels; and funeral services.

“Essential businesses” must still follow social distancing requirements at work.

All places of public amusement, such as bowling alley, movie theaters, concerts, country clubs, and more are closed.

(Wake County): Greg Ford, who chairs the Wake County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that, "due to the quickly escalating public health emergency caused by COVID-19, Wake County will share details about a Stay-At-Home Order very soon." Ford said, "County staff have been working with urgency on a draft declaration based on that input, and we will make an announcement at a press conference tomorrow. Details will be shared in an advisory later today." Commissioner Vicki Adamson said the order will only apply for unincorporated parts of the county, but that Wake is "asking for our municipalities to join up so it is consistent throughout the county."

March 23, 2020: 

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 120 to limit gatherings to 50 people. Governor Cooper also ordered entertainment facilities without a retail or dining component to close. These include bowling alleys, health clubs, pools, performance venues, movie theaters, spas, exercise facilities, and more. Furthermore, personal care and grooming businesses are now ordered closed. The Executive Order is effective at 5:00 p.m. March 25, 2020, and shall remain in effect for 30 days unless rescinded or superseded by another Executive Order.

The closure of K-12 schools has been extended until May 15, 2020.

March 22, 2020:  

Wake County, North Carolina (Raleigh), declared issued a new State of Emergency Declaration. The declaration requires the closure of fitness clubs, gyms, hair and nail salons, spas, tanning, massage, and tattoo salons, and other professional grooming services. 

The Declaration also prohibited gatherings of 50 people or more. This does not include organizations that provide critical services like hospitals, government operations and financial institutions. It also excludes retailers that provide essentials goods like grocery stores, pharmacies, pet stores and hardware stores.

(Dare County/Outer Banks): Dare County has closed to visitors and non-resident property owners. Those residents and businesses that wish to be in Dare County must apply for an entry permit.

March 18, 2020:  

Mecklenburg County Health Director, Gibbie Harris, ordered gyms, health clubs, and theaters to close.

The ban also prohibits gatherings of 50 or more people until April 12. However, it does not include the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, bus or light rail stops, residential buildings, hotels, shelters, grocery stores and shopping malls.

March 17, 2020:  

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 118 which closes sit-down services at restaurants and bars. The restriction is in effect until March 31, 2020.

The order also makes state unemployment benefits more widely available.

March 16, 2020:  

North Carolina will stop eviction and foreclosure hearings for the next 30 days as part of the court system’s latest effort to reduce courthouse traffic and slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said that eviction orders already in the pipeline will be carried out unless the courts step in to stop them.

March 15, 2020:  

Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to close all K-12 public schools for a minimum of two weeks in response to COVID-19. The schools are to close Monday, March 16.

The Executive Order also bans gatherings of more than 100 people in a single room or space, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or other confined indoor or outdoor space, including parades, fairs and festivals.

March 12, 2020:  

Governor Roy Cooper provided guidance to cancel or to postpone gatherings over 100 people and to telework if possible.

March 10, 2020:  

Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency, which actives the Emergency Operation Center, and allows for control of cost burdens, protects consumers from price gouging, and makes it easier to purchase necessary medical supplies.

February 11, 2020:  

Governor Roy Cooper formalized the state’s ongoing effort to monitor, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 with a state Novel Coronavirus Task Force.

For more information on this state's COVID-19 rules:

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University Business Services

North carolina and mississippi travel ban update.

Governor Malloy issued Executive Orders which remain in effect and ban travel to North Carolina and Mississippi using state funds except in limited circumstances.  To travel to these states, pre-approval is still required. Travel without pre-approval may result in the traveler being denied reimbursement.

At Storrs, the regional campuses and the law school, requests for travel to North Carolina or Mississippi, no matter the source of funds, should be submitted to the Director of Procurement Services (John Clifford) via email at  [email protected]  for review.

Requests for travel to North Carolina or Mississippi should be submitted via email and once approved, as all travel requests normally are.  For your request to be considered, you must provide the purpose of the trip, the names of facilities at which you plan to stay, and the proposed funding source for the travel.

• Travel funded by non-state funds (e.g. federal grants, private industry contracts and gifts) will be approved as long as the grant, contract or gift restrictions allow such travel.  The ban applies to use of state  funds.
• Travel in which North Carolina or Mississippi is only a layover for a change of planes is not travel “to” that state and does not come within the ban.
• Travel to North Carolina to state owned facilities will generally be approved. This does not apply to Mississippi. Other facilities, like hotels, will require documentation of the corporation’s anti-discrimination practices/policies, especially with respect to trans-gendered individuals.
• Bradley Parking passes are not available when traveling to North Carolina or Mississippi.

Travelers, particularly in connection with faculty presentations of academic research and panel presentations of academic research in support of the teaching, research and clinical research required of the faculty in accordance with university guidelines, research collaboration activities and recruitment activities, should not assume their request for travel to North Carolina or Mississippi on state funds will be denied, but should instead submit for review.

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Travel restrictions issued by states in response to the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, 2020-2022.

At present, zero states have travel restrictions that governors or state agencies issued in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, beginning in March 2020, 27 states and Washington D.C. enacted travel restrictions during the pandemic.

This page also includes travel recommendations or advisories issued by governors or state agencies. To see a state-by-state breakdown, click here . Although this page primarily focuses on state-level restrictions, readers can find a timeline of federal travel restrictions at the bottom.

On this page, you will find:

• States with active travel restrictions
• A map of active and expired travel restrictions
• Travel restrictions in your state
• Federal travel restrictions

Arguments about travel restrictions

• General resources for citizens

Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This page is updated monthly, but our email is always open. We encourage you to share updates from local officials, policymakers, and campaigns in your community at [email protected] .

• 2 Map of active travel restrictions by state
• 3.1 Alabama
• 3.2.1 Timeline
• 3.3.1 Timeline
• 3.4.1 Timeline
• 3.5.1 Timeline
• 3.6 Colorado
• 3.7.1 Timeline
• 3.8.1 Timeline
• 3.9.1 Timeline
• 3.10 Georgia
• 3.11.1 Timeline
• 3.12.1 Timeline
• 3.13 Illinois
• 3.14 Indiana
• 3.15.1 Timeline
• 3.16.1 Timeline
• 3.17.1 Timeline
• 3.18 Louisiana
• 3.19.1 Timeline
• 3.20.1 Timeline
• 3.21.1 Timeline
• 3.22 Michigan
• 3.23 Minnesota
• 3.24 Mississippi
• 3.25 Missouri
• 3.26.1 Timeline
• 3.27.1 Timeline
• 3.28.1 Timeline
• 3.29.1 Timeline
• 3.30.1 Timeline
• 3.31.1 Timeline
• 3.32.1 Timeline
• 3.33 North Carolina
• 3.34.1 Timeline
• 3.35.1 Timeline
• 3.36.1 Timeline
• 3.37.1 Timeline
• 3.38.1 Timeline
• 3.39.1 Timeline
• 3.40.1 Timeline
• 3.41 South Dakota
• 3.42 Tennessee
• 3.43.1 Timeline
• 3.44.1 Timeline
• 3.45.1 Timeline
• 3.46.1 Timeline
• 3.47.1 Timeline
• 3.48.1 Timeline
• 3.49.1 Timeline
• 3.50.1 Timeline
• 3.51.1 Timeline
• 4 Timeline of federal travel restrictions
• 5 Background and context
• 6 Arguments about travel restrictions
• 7 General resources
• 9 Footnotes

You will find the five most recent updates to statewide travel restrictions on this timeline. To get more information on COVID-19 travel restrictions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia going back to March, 2020, click here .

• December 28, 2022 : The Biden Administration announced that people over the age of two flying from China would need to provide a negative COVID-19 test beginning January 5, 2023. [1]
• August 13, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to or from Louisiana on or after August 13. [2]
• August 6, 2021 : The Washington D.C. Department of Health issued updated travel guidance that recommended but no longer required unvaccinated out-of-state travelers and returning residents to quarantine upon arrival and get a COVID-19 test. The updated guidance still recommended that unvaccinated travelers who did not seek a COVID-19 test self-quarantine for 10 days. [3]
• July 29, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to or from Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man or Martiniquen on or after July 29. [4]
• July 8, 2021 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) revised the state's travel restrictions to allow travelers fully vaccinated in the United States to bypass the requirement to quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test. Previously, only travelers fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii could bypass the restrictions. [5]
• July 6, 2021 : Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee (D) rescinded an executive order requiring unvaccinated out-of-state travelers to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test. [6]

The chart below shows the dates when states issued and rescinded COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Map of active travel restrictions by state

The map below shows the states that have implemented at least one restriction on or requirement of interstate travelers through executive orders issued by governors or state agencies and which of those restrictions are still active. To date, twenty-seven states have issued at least one executive order restricting interstate travel. Of the 27 executive orders issued by governors or state agencies placing restrictions on out-of-state visitors, 27 have been rescinded. This total and the map below do not reflect recommendations or advisories related to travel.

Travel restrictions, advisories, and recommendations by state

In addition to executive orders, this section lists recommendations, advisories, and requests related to interstate travel made by governors and state agencies in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. Click a state below to learn more.

Choose your state... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington, D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

A red dot next to a state indicates active travel restrictions. A green dot indicates that a state does not have active travel restrictions. Ballotpedia considers states to have active restrictions on travel if a governor or agency has issued an order or directive requiring a traveler to quarantine upon arrival, present a negative COVID-19 test, or provide proof of vaccination. Ballotpedia does not count requests to quarantine, present a negative COVID-19 test, or provide proof of vaccination as travel restrictions.

As of February 24, 2023, Alabama had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at the Alabama Tourism Department .

Does Alaska have restrictions on travel? No. Out-of-state visitors are encouraged to arrive in the state with a negative COVID-19 test taken prior to departure. Visitors without a negative COVID-19 test can get tested at the airport at their own expense. The state recommends that visitors practice social distancing or enter self-quarantine while awaiting the results of the test. Asymptomatic visitors who can provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken within 90 days of departure and fully vaccinated visitors do not need to take a test. [7]

Visitors are still required to fill out a travel declaration form and submit a self-isolation plan to the state.

More information can be found at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website.

• April 16, 2021 : Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced that travelers to Alaska will be eligible to receive a free coronavirus vaccine starting June 1. The vaccines will be available at at the Juneau, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Anchorage airports. [8]
• February 14, 2021 : Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum issued a health advisory that removes the testing and quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers and returning residents. People entering the state are encouraged to either submit a test taken prior to departure or get tested at the airport. People who cannot provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to screeners at the airport are encouraged to social distance until they receive the results of their test. The state recommends that visitors self-quarantine while awaiting test results. [9]
• May 29, 2020 : Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced he was extending the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers and residents returning to the state through June 5. According to Dunleavy, travelers who can prove they tested negative for COVID-19 before coming to Alaska can bypass the 14-day quarantine requirement. Dunleavy asked travelers to get tested at least 72 hours before arriving in the state. [10] [11]
• May 15, 2020 : Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) extended the travel restrictions on out-of-state travelers and residents returning to the state through June 2. The restrictions had been set to expire on May 19. [12]
• April 21, 2020: Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) said the international and out-of-state travel restrictions had been extended through May 19. The mandatory quarantine also applies to Alaska residents returning to state. [13]
• March 11, 2020 : Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) ordered all people traveling to Alaska, including residents, to fill out a travel declaration and complete a two-week quarantine. The order went into effect on March 25, 2020, and was to be reevaluated by April 21, 2020. [14]

Does Arizona have restrictions on travel? No. The 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers was rescinded on May 12 by Gov. Doug Ducey (R). [15]

For more information, see the Arizona Office of Tourism .

• May 12, 2020 : As part of Arizona's reopening plan, Gov. Doug Ducey (R) rescinded the executive order that enacted the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors. [16]
• April 7, 2020 : Ducey ordered all people traveling to Arizona from areas of the country with widespread COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order specifically mentioned Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey as areas with significant community spread. The order went into effect on April 9 and remained in effect until the expiration of Arizona's stay-at-home order. [17]

Does Arkansas have restrictions on travel? No. The 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers expired June 15, 2020. [18]

More information can be found at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism .

• June 15, 2020 : The 14-day travel requirement for out-of-state travelers from coronavirus hot spot areas expired. [19]
• May 14, 2020 : Nathaniel Smith, the Arkansas Secretary of Health, issued a 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers who have been in an international location or New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or New Orleans in the last 14 days. [20]
• May 6, 2020 : Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) lifted an order, signed April 4, that restricted hotels and short-term rentals to authorized guests, including essential workers. The order was enacted to discourage recreational travel into Arkansas. [21]
• March 30, 2020 : The Arkansas Department of Health released an advisory urging travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Orleans to self-quarantine for 14 days. The advisory also included international travelers. [22]

Does California have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a travel advisory asking out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The advisory asks residents to limit non-essential travel. [23]

More information can be found at Visit California .

• December 31, 2020 : The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an order requiring anyone entering the county from outside the Southern California Region to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. The order took effect January 1, 2021, and was set to remain in effect until the regional stay-at-home order expired. According to the California Department of Public Health, the Southern California Region includes the following counties: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura. [24]
• November 28, 2020 : The Santa Clara County Public Health Department issued a mandatory directive discouraging nonessential travel and requiring travelers coming from at least 150 miles outside of the county border to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The order took effect on November 30, 2020. [25]
• November 13, 2020 : Govs. Jay Inslee (D-Wa.), Kate Brown (D-Ore.), and Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) issued travel advisories asking out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. They also asked residents to limit non-essential travel. [26]

As of February 24, 2023, Colorado had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at the Colorado Tourism Office .

Connecticut

Does Connecticut have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Ned Lamont (D) ended the quarantine or test requirement for travelers on March 19, 2021. The state encourages travelers to review U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance on post-travel quarantine and testing. The state also encourages travelers to quarantine upon entering the state for a full seven days with a negative COVID-19 test taken 3-5 days into quarantine, or a full 10 days without a COVID-19 test. [27]

More information can be found at Connecticut's official state website .

• March 19, 2021 : Gov. Ned Lamont (D) ended the requirement that out-of-state travelers and returning residents self-quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test upon entering the state. [28]
• December 18, 2020 : Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued an order requiring all travelers from all states except New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island to self-quarantine for 10 days upon entering Connecticut. Travelers from avoid having to quarantine if they can produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. [29]
• October 20, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Arizona and Maryland had been added to the tristate self-quarantine list. The governors advised against traveling between their three states, but agreed not to mandate self-quarantines for travel between Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. [30]
• October 19, 2020 : Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced that he would modify the travel advisory threshold to decrease the number of states on the list. States would need to be at 10 cases per 100,000 and have a 5% test positivity rate to qualify. Previously, a state would qualify if it had 10 cases per 100,000 and a 10% positivity rate. [31]
• October 6, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico had been added to the tristate quarantine list. [32]
• September 22, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming had been added to the tristate quarantine list. [33]
• September 15, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Puerto Rico had been re-added to the joint travel advisory, while California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio had been removed. [34]
• September 8, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia had been added to the joint travel advisory list. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were removed from the list. [35]
• August 25, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 25 that Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Montana had been removed from the joint travel advisory list. The territory of Guam was added to the list. [36]
• August 18, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 18 that Delaware and Alaska had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Washington was removed from the list. [37]
• August 11 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Hawaii, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands had been added to the tristate quarantine list. The governors removed Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island. [38]
• August 4, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Rhode Island had been added to the tristate quarantine list, requiring visitors from that state to quarantine for 14 days upon entering New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York. Delaware and Washington D.C. were removed from the list. [39]
• July 28, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Illinois, Kentucky Minnesota, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico had been added to the joint travel advisory, bringing the total number of states to 37. [40]
• July 21, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that 10 additional states had been added to the joint travel advisory. Travelers from Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Minnesota was removed from the list, bringing the total to 31. [41]
• July 20, 2020 : Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced that all incoming travelers to Connecticut must fill out an online travel health form before arriving. Lamont said visitors could be subject to a $1,000 fine if they fail to fill out the form or quarantine. [42]
• July 14, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Travelers from those states will need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. Delaware, which was added to the list July 7, has been removed. The list now includes 22 states. Gov. Cuomo also announced that visitors to New York from those 22 states will need to fill out a contact form with contact information or face a $10,000 fine. Gov. Lamont said Connecticut would join New York in requiring visitors to fill out a form. [43] [44] [45]
• July 7, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Visitors from those states will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey. The full list of states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. [46]
• June 30, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that eight more states had been added to a joint travel advisory requiring out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. The governors announced the travel advisory June 24 and originally included Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. The list was expanded to include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee. [47]
• June 24, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on June 24 that travelers arriving in their states from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. The infection rate is based on a seven-day rolling average of the number of infections per 100,000 residents. As of June 24, the states that meet that threshold are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. [48]
• March 28, 2020 : Gov. Ned Lamont (D) urged out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine. [49]

Does Delaware have restrictions on travel? No. The 14-day quarantine requirement on out-of-state travelers expired June 1. [50]

More information can be found at the Delaware Tourism Office .

• June 1, 2020 : Gov. John Carney (D) lifted the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers June 1. [51]
• May 26, 2020 : Gov. John Carney Jr. (D) announced that he would end travel restrictions on out-of-state visitors on June 1. [52]
• March 29, 2020 : Gov. Carney ordered an automatic two-week quarantine for anyone traveling to Delaware. [53]

Does Florida have restrictions on travel? No. On August 6, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) rescinded the executive order requiring travelers from Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. [54]

More information can be found at Visit Florida .

• August 6, 2020 : Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) rescinded the executive order requiring travelers from Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. [55]
• July 20, 2020 : The Florida Department of Transportation confirmed that at least one checkpoint along the Florida-Georgia border established in March to get travelers from states like New York and Connecticut to self-quarantine had been discontinued. [56]
• June 5, 2020 : Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that travelers from Louisiana would no longer need to self-quarantine for 14 days. The requirements remained in effect for visitors from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. [57]
• March 27, 2020 : Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) ordered all people traveling to Florida from Louisiana or an area with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 on roadways to self-quarantine for two weeks. Those preforming health, military, or emergency duties were exempt. Travelers were required to inform residents with whom they had direct contact if they traveled to an area with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19. DeSantis also instructed the Florida Department of Transportation to establish checkpoints and the Florida Highway Patrol and County Sheriffs to enforce the order. Failure to comply could have resulted in fines up to $500 and jail time up to 60 days. [58]
• March 24, 2020 : Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) ordered travelers flying into Florida from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to self-quarantine for two weeks. [59] Those preforming health, military, or emergency duties were exempt. Travelers were required to inform residents with whom they had direct contact if they traveled to an area with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19. Failure to comply could have resulted in fines up to $500 and jail time up to 60 days. [60]

As of February 24, 2023, Georgia had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Explore Georgia .

Does Hawaii have restrictions on travel? No.

More information can be found at Go Hawaii .

• July 8, 2021 : Gov. David Ige (D) revised the state's travel restrictions to allow travelers fully vaccinated in the United States to bypass the requirement to quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test. Previously, only travelers fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii could bypass the restrictions. [61]
• June 25, 2021 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) announced fully vaccinated interstate travelers will be able to bypass Hawaii's testing and quarantine requirements starting July 8. [62]
• June 15, 2021 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) ended the requirement that intra-island travelers submit a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine upon arrival. He also amended the state's travel restrictions to allow travelers who have been vaccinated in Hawaii to bypass the quarantine or test requirement if they leave and then return to the state. [63]
• June 4, 2021 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) announced that fully vaccinated travelers who have been vaccinated in Hawaii will be able to bypass the quarantine or test requirement when flying in from out of state beginning June 15. He also announced all inter-county travel restrictions will end on June 15. [64]
• May 11, 2021 : Under the Vaccine Exemption Program, fully vaccinated individuals in Hawaii no longer need to quarantine for 10 days or present a negative COVID-19 test to travel between islands. Individuals must provide proof of vaccination to bypass the quarantine or test requirement. [65]
• April 20, 2021 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) announced that fully vaccinated residents traveling between islands will be exempt from quarantine requirements beginning May 11. Under the policy, travelers are exempt 15 days after receiving their last COVID-19 vaccine shot. [66]
• December 17, 2020 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) issued an executive order reducing the required self-isolation period for untested out-of-state and inter-island travelers from 14 days to 10 days, effective Dec. 17. The change follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which shortened on Dec. 2 the recommended quarantine period for individuals who do not report symptoms from 14 days to 10 days. [67]
• November 27, 2020 : Gov. David Ige (D) announced he had approved a request from Kaua'i Mayor Derek Kawakami to require all out-of-state and inter-island travelers to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, even if they have had a negative COVID-19 test. [68]
• November 19, 2020 : Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) announced that travelers would need to upload their negative COVID-19 test results prior to departure beginning November 24. Travelers who do not have their test results before arriving on the island will need to quarantine for 14 days, even if they receive a negative result after they arrive. [69]
• October 15, 2020 : The state's pre-travel testing program went into effect, allowing visitors to avoid the 14-day quarantine if they can present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers who test positive or whose results are pending will still need to quarantine. [70]
• October 7, 2020 : Gov. David Ige (D) said that a pre-test program would launch for out-of-state travelers October 15, allowing visitors to avoid the 14-day quarantine if they can present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers who test positive or whose results are pending will still need to quarantine. [71]
• August 18, 2020 : Gov. David Ige (D) extended the restrictions requiring travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days through October 1. The restrictions had previously been scheduled to expire on September 1. [72]
• July 13, 2020 : Gov. David Ige (D) announced that he was extending the quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers through September 1. Previously, Ige had said a new program would take effect August 1 that would allow visitors to avoid the quarantine requirement by presenting a negative coronavirus test. The program will not start before September 1. [73]
• June 24, 2020 : Gov. David Ige (D) announced that, beginning August 1, out-of-state travelers can avoid a 14-day quarantine requirement if they can present a recent negative COVID-19 test. Hawaii airports will not be providing testing. Travelers who cannot present a negative test will need to quarantine for 14 days. All travelers will still be required to fill out a travel form. [74]
• June 16, 2020 : The Hawaii State Department of Health announced that it will no longer require a 14-day quarantine for inter-island travelers. However, all passengers and crew will need to fill out a travel and health form before boarding. [75]
• June 11, 2020 : Gov. Ige announced he was extending the quarantine requirement for out-of-state and returning travelers through July 31. [76]
• May 16, 2020 : Gov. Ige announced he was extending the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers through June 30. [77]
• March 17, 2020 : Ige issued an automatic two-week quarantine for people traveling to Hawaii. Ige asked would-be visitors to the state to postpone their trips for 30 days. [78]

Does Idaho have restrictions on travel? No. Visitors are encouraged to self-quarantine, but the 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers expired May 15, 2020. [79]

More information can be found at Visit Idaho .

• May 15, 2020 : Gov. Brad Little (R) announced that out-of-state visitors would no longer need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering Idaho. Little said people were encouraged to self-quarantine. [80]
• April 15, 2020 : Gov. Little issued a travel restriction that required out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. The restriction was included in an extension Little issued to the stay-at-home order that went into effect March 25 and was set to expire on April 15. Workers engaged in essential activities were exempt from the order. [81]

As of February 24, 2023, Illinois had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at the Illinois Department of Public Health .

• July 6, 2020 : Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady issued an order requiring travelers entering the city of Chicago from states experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order applied to travelers from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. [82]

As of February 24, 2023, Indiana had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Visit Indy .

Does Iowa have restrictions on travel? No.

More information can be found at Travel Iowa .

• March 21, 2020 : Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) urged Iowans returning from out-of-state to self-quarantine for 14-days. [83]

Does Kansas have restrictions on travel? No.

More information can be found at Travel Kansas .

• August 13, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to or from Louisiana on or after August 13. [84]
• July 29, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to or from Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man or Martiniquen on or after July 29. [85]
• June 17, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to or from Kuwait, Mongolia or Saint Martin on or after June 17. [86]
• May 20, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to Maine or the Colorado counties of Alamosa, Baca, Costilla, Dolores, Mesa, Mineral, Otero, Prowers, Rio Grande, Saguache, Sedgwick or Yuma on or after May 20. The department also included travelers who to Costa Rica, French Guiana, Georgia, Lithuania or the Netherlands on or after May 20. [87]
• May 10, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to certain Colorado counties on or after May 6. The counties include Adams, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Bent, Chaffee, Conejos, Crowley, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Park, Phillips, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, San Juan, Teller and Weld. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also included the city of Denver in its update. [88]
• May 6, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled to Colorado on or after May 6. [89]
• April 22, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include people who've traveled from Minnesota on or after April 22. People who traveled to that state, as well as the countries of Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Sweden and Turkey, on or after April 22 must self-quarantine. [90]
• April 8, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include travelers from Connecticut and Pennsylvania. People who traveled to those states on or after April 8 must self-quarantine. [91]
• March 26, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include travelers from Delaware, Michigan, and Rhode Island. People who traveled to those states on or after March 26 must self-quarantine. [92]
• March 12, 2021 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its travel quarantine list to include travelers from New York and New Jersey. [93]
• August 11, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment removed Florida from its travel quarantine list and added a requirement that anyone who has traveled to or attended an out-of-state mass gathering event of 500 people or greater quarantine for 14 days upon entering or returning to Kansas. Anyone who traveled to or from Florida between June 29-August 11 must still complete a two week quarantine. [94]
• July 28, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment removed Arizona from its quarantine list. People who had traveled to or from Florida were required to self-quarantine for 14 days. [95]
• July 14, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment removed Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina from its quarantine list. The 14 day quarantine requirement applied to travelers from Arizona and Florida. [96]
• June 17, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its list of states with widespread community transmission to include Alabama, Arizona, and Arkansas. Kansas residents who have traveled to those states will need to self-quarantine for 14 days. [97]
• May 12, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment mandated that residents who had traveled to Maryland self-quarantine for 14 days. [98]
• March 27, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment mandated residents who traveled to Colorado or Louisiana on or after March 27 to self-quarantine for two weeks. [99] [100]
• March 23, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment mandated residents who traveled to New Jersey or Illinois on or after March 23 to self-quarantine for two weeks. [101] [102]
• March 18, 2020 : The Kansas Department of Health and Environment mandated residents who traveled to California, Florida, New York, and Washington on or after March 15 to self-quarantine for two weeks. [103] [104]

Does Kentucky have restrictions on travel? No. Visitors from nine states are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days. The nine states on the travel advisory include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. According to officials, the advisory is not an order. [105]

More information can be found at Team Kentucky .

• July 20, 2020 : Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued a travel advisory requesting that visitors from nine states self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Officials said the advisory was not a requirement. The nine states in the advisory include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. [106]
• May 6, 2020 : Gov. Andy Beshear (D) ended the travel restrictions that required out-of-state travelers to quarantine. [107]
• May 6, 2020 : Gov. Beshear issued a revised order restricting travel after parts of the original order were struck down by a federal judge. The new order asked out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days if they plan on staying in the state for more than 24 hours. [108]
• May 4, 2020 : A federal judge struck down parts of Gov. Beshear 's travel ban, ruling the ban "does not pass constitutional muster." The lawsuit was originally filed by three churchgoers who attended a service in Louisville and were told by the state to self-quarantine. [109]
• April 2, 2020 : Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an order requiring all people traveling to Kentucky to self-quarantine for two weeks. [110]
• March 30, 2020 : Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an order that required residents to self-quarantine for any out-of-state travel, unless they traveled to care for a person in need, bought groceries or necessary supplies, went to work, were required by a court order, or obtained healthcare. [111] [112]

As of February 24, 2023, Louisiana had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at the Louisiana Office of Tourism .

Does Maine have restrictions on travel? No. Maine ended its quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors from all states on May 1, 2021. International travelers are still required to quarantine for at least seven days. [113]

More information can be found at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services .

• May 1, 2021 : The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention ended the requirement that out-of-state travelers from outside New England quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test upon entering the state. [114]
• April 27, 2021 : Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav Shah announced that out-of-state visitors will no longer need to quarantine or provide a negative test upon entering the state beginning May 1. [115]
• March 5, 2021 : As part of a reopening plan for the spring and summer tourism season, Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced that travelers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island would no longer need to quarantine upon arrival in the state. Mills also said that the mandatory travel restrictions would become recommendations on May 1. [116]
• September 23, 2020 : Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced that Massachusetts travelers entering Maine would no longer be required to test negative or quarantine for 14 days. [117]
• July 1, 2020 : Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced that she lifting the 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut beginning July 3. [118]
• June 8, 2020 : Mills announced that out-of-state visitors from New Hampshire and Vermont were no longer required to quarantine for 14 days. Beginning June 12, visitors from those states can stay in lodging establishments throughout Maine. Mills also announced that, effective July 1, visitors from all other states will need to quarantine for 14 days unless they have recently received a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers will need to fill out a Certificate of Compliance at lodging establishments, including hotels and short-term rentals. [119]
• April 3, 2020 : Gov. Mills issued an executive order requiring all out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for two weeks. Individuals providing essential services were exempt. The order directed state agencies, such as the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority, to post the order at all major points of entry into the state. According to the order, individuals in violation of the quarantine restrictions could have been subject a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. [120]

Does Maryland have restrictions on travel? No. On March 12, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ended the requirement that out-of-state travelers and returning residents self-quarantine or test negative. An advisory remained in place encouraging travelers to get tested upon arrival in the state. [121]

More information can be found at the Maryland Office of Tourism .

• March 12, 2021 : Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) ended the requirement that out-of-state travelers and returning residents self-quarantine or test negative. [122]
• March 9, 2021 : Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced he would ease some coronavirus restrictions beginning March 12 at 5 p.m., including the quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers. [123]
• December 17, 2020 : Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an order requiring out-of-state travelers and returning residents to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result or quarantine for 10 days. The order does not apply to people traveling to or from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. The order requires Maryland residents to limit nonessential travel. [124]
• November 10, 2020 : Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued a travel advisory asking Maryland residents to avoid non-essential travel to other states, especially states with a COVID-19 positivity rate greater than 10%. Residents or out-of-state travelers who arrive in Maryland from a state that meets that threshold are asked to get tested and self-quarantine until the results come back. [125]
• July 29, 2020 : Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued a travel advisory asking Maryland residents to refrain from traveling to Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas. The percentage of positive test results in those states is over 10%. Hogan urged people who have traveled to one of those states to get a coronavirus test. [126]
• March 19, 2020 : Gov. Larry Hogan (R) instructed the Maryland Transportation Authority Police to restrict traffic at BWI Marshall Airport Terminal to only ticketed passengers, those helping disabled passengers, and employees. Hogan also urged residents to limit transit use to essential travel. [127]

Massachusetts

Does Massachusetts have restrictions on travel? No. On March 22, 2021, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) replaced the travel ordering requiring visitors to quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test with a travel advisory. The advisory urges travelers to quarantine for 10 days, unless they are fully vaccinated or have received a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival. [128]

More information can be found at Mass.gov .

• March 22, 2021 : Gov. Charlie Baker (R) replaced the travel order with a travel advisory urging travelers to quarantine for 10 days if they have no received a negative COVID-19 test. [129]
• March 18, 2021 : Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the state’s travel restrictions, which require travelers to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test, will become an advisory on Monday, March 22. [130]
• March 8, 2021 : In an update to its travel website, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health updated its list of exemptions to the state's quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers to include fully vaccinated individuals. People who've been fully vaccinated for 14 days do not need to quarantine for 10 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result. [131]
• November 28, 2020 : The Massachusetts Department of Public Health removed Vermont from the list of low-risk states, leaving Hawaii the only state in that category. Travelers from low-risk states are exempt from the quarantine requirement, and do not need to fill out a travel form. [132]
• September 19, 2020 : The Massachusetts Department of Public Health removed Wyoming from its list of low-risk states. Travelers from Wyoming must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Massachusetts. [133]
• September 12, 2020 : The Massachusetts Department of Public Health removed Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia from the list of low-risk states. The state had designated Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and Colorado low risk at the end of August. Travelers from low-risk states are exempt from the 14 day quarantine requirement. [134]
• August 29, 2020 : Massachusetts added Colorado, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to its list of lower-risk states, exempting travelers and returning residents from having to quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in Massachusetts. [135]
• August 1, 2020 : Starting Aug. 1, most travelers and returning residents were required fill out a travel form and self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state or produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers from states classified as lower-risk, which included Connecticut, Vermont, and Hawaii, among others, were exempt from the test or quarantine requirements. [136]
• July 24, 2020 : Statewide enforceable travel restrictions took effect, requiring all non-exempt travelers to the state to fill out a travel form (unless they are travelling from a state defined as low risk by the Department of Public Health) and either self-quarantine for 14 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test administered no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Non-compliance carried with it a $500 per day fine. [137]
• June 30, 2020 : Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that visitors to Massachusetts from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey will no longer need to self-quarantine for 14 days. The advisory to self-quarantine remains in effect for visitors from other parts of the country. [138]
• March 27, 2020 : Gov. Charles D. Baker (R) directed all people, except essential workers, traveling to Massachusetts to self-quarantine for two weeks. Baker also asked travelers experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19 not to come to the state. [139]

As of February 24, 2023, Michigan had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Pure Michigan .

As of February 24, 2023, Minnesota had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Explore Minnesota .

Mississippi

As of February 24, 2023, Mississippi had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Visit Mississippi .

As of February 24, 2023, Missouri had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Visit Missouri .

Does Montana have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers expired on June 1, 2020. [140]

More information can be found at Visit Montana .

• June 1, 2020 : As part of Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers was lifted June 1. [141]
• May 19, 2020 : An updated guidance released on Montana's official state website stated that the 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers would be lifted June 1. Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
• March 30, 2020 : Gov. Steve Bullock (D) issued an executive order requiring residents and non-residents traveling to Montana, except those traveling for work, to self-quarantine for two weeks. The order also instructed the Montana National Guard to conduct temperature checks and exposure risks inquiries at airports and rail stations in the state. [142]

Does Nebraska have restrictions on travel? No.

More information can be found at Visit Nebraska .

• March 24, 2020 : At his daily press briefing, Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) asked residents who traveled to a country or a state with a widespread COVID-19 outbreak to self-quarantine for two weeks. [143] This was a recommendation and not legally binding.

Does Nevada have restrictions on travel? No. Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines. [144]

More information can be found at Travel Nevada .

• May 29, 2020 : Gov. Steve Sisolak issued an updated travel advisory that asked visitors to follow CDC guidelines. [145]
• March 31, 2020 : Gov. Steve Sisolak issued a travel advisory asking out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. The advisory was not enforceable by law. [146]

New Hampshire

Does New Hampshire have restrictions on travel? No. However, travelers from outside New England who plan to stay in the state for an extended period are asked to self-quarantine for two weeks. [147]

More information can be found at Visit New Hampshire .

• March 28, 2020 : Gov. Chris Sununu (R) requested people traveling to New Hampshire for reasons other than same-day trips for work, care of a loved one, or for essential supplies to self-quarantine for two weeks. [148]

Does New Jersey have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) ended the quarantine requirement for unvaccinated out-of-state travelers on May 17, 2021. [149]

More information can be found at the Official Site of the State of New Jersey .

• May 17, 2021 : New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) ended the requirement that unvaccinated people self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Murphy exempted vaccinated people from the quarantine requirement on April 5, 2021. [150]
• April 5, 2021 : New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced updated travel guidance to reflect the most recent CDC recommendations. The new guidance says fully vaccinated individuals do not need to test negative or quarantine after interstate travel. [151]
• November 25, 2020 : Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced he was replacing the state's travel advisory list with a general request that all travelers from outside New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware self-quarantine for 14 days. [152]
• October 20, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Arizona and Maryland had been added to the tristate self-quarantine list. The governors advised against traveling between their three states, but agreed not to mandate self-quarantines for travel between Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. New Jersey also removed Delaware from its quarantine list. [153]
• October 6, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico had been added to the tristate quarantine list. [154]
• September 22, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming had been added to the tristate quarantine list. [155]
• September 15, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Puerto Rico had been re-added to the joint travel advisory, while California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio had been removed. [156]
• September 8, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia had been added to the joint travel advisory list. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were removed from the list. [157]
• August 25, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 25 that Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Montana had been removed from the joint travel advisory list. The territory of Guam was added to the list. [158]
• August 18, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 18 that Delaware and Alaska had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Washington was removed from the list. [159]
• August 11 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Hawaii, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands had been added to the tristate quarantine list. The governors removed Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island. [160]
• August 4, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Rhode Island had been added to the tristate quarantine list, requiring visitors from that state to quarantine for 14 days upon entering New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York. Delaware and Washington D.C. were removed from the list. [161]
• July 28, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Illinois, Kentucky Minnesota, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico had been added to the joint travel advisory, bringing the total number of states to 37. [162]
• July 21, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that 10 additional states had been added to the joint travel advisory. Travelers from Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Minnesota was removed from the list, bringing the total to 31. [163]
• July 14, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Travelers from those states will need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. Delaware, which was added to the list July 7, has been removed. The list now includes 22 states. [164] [165]
• July 7, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Visitors from those states will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey. The full list of states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. [166]
• June 30, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that eight more states had been added to a joint travel advisory requiring out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. The governors announced the travel advisory June 24 and originally included Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. The list was expanded to include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee. [167]
• June 24, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on June 24 that travelers arriving in their states from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. The infection rate is based on a seven-day rolling average of the number of infections per 100,000 residents. As of June 24, the states that meet that threshold are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. [168]

Does New Mexico have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) ended the state's mandatory quarantine requirement for travelers from high-risk states on February 11, 2021. The state recommends that all out-of-state travelers quarantine for 14 days from the time of arrival and seek a COVID-19 test. [169]

More information can be found at the New Mexico Department of Health website.

• February 10, 2021 : Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the state would end its quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers on Thursday, February 11. Instead of a mandatory self-quarantine for people entering the state from high-risk areas, the state will encourage all out-of-state travelers to quarantine before getting tested. [170]
• September 23, 2020 : New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) added Colorado, Oregon, and Rhode Island to the list of high-risk states. Travelers from high-risk states must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in New Mexico. Michigan and Hawaii were moved from high-risk to low-risk, exempting travelers from those states from the quarantine requirement. [171]
• September 3, 2020 : New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced that, beginning September 4, out-of-state travelers from states with a 5% positivity rate or greater or a new case rate greater than 80 per 1 million residents would be required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Additionally, travelers from any state can avoid the quarantine requirement by presenting a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before or after entry into the state. Travelers waiting for a test result must still self-quarantine until the results come back.
• June 30, 2020 : Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the stay-at-home order and the mandatory 14-day quarantine for all out-of-state travelers. Essential workers, including airline employees and military personnel, are exempt from the quarantine requirement. [172]
• May 28, 2020: Gov. Grisham announced the limited reopening of some businesses as part of New Mexico's reopening plan. The new order, which goes into effect June 1, also modifies the quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers to permit some business travel. [173]
• March 27, 2020 : Gov. Grisham signed an executive order requiring all travelers who entered New Mexico through an airport to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order directed the New Mexico Department of Health to work with other state agencies to ensure visitors who enter through an airport self-quarantine. The order did not apply to essential workers, including airport or airline personnel. [174]

Does New York have restrictions on travel? No. As of April 1, 2021, domestic travelers to New York are no longer required to quarantine for 10 days or present a negative COVID-19 test. All travelers are required to fill out an online Traveler Health Form. The New York State Department of Health recommends that travelers who aren't fully vaccinated self-quarantine. [175]

More information can be here .

• April 10, 2021 : The New York State Department of Health issued an updated travel advisory that removes the testing and quarantine requirements for asymptomatic international travelers. However, the advisory recommends all unvaccinated travelers follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance to quarantine for at least seven days upon arrival. The advisory recommends that fully vaccinated international travelers get tested three to five days after arrival in New York, and recommends that unvaccinated international travelers—or those who haven't recovered from COVID-19 within the last three months—consider self-quarantining while waiting for a test result. Additionally, the advisory includes new requirements for healthcare workers. Domestic and international healthcare workers who work in nursing homes or assisted living residences must not return to work for 14 days upon arrival. Healthcare workers in other settings must not return to work for 10 days after international travel, unless they receive a negative COVID-19 test within three to five days of arrival, in which case the furlough can end after seven days. [176] [177]
• April 1, 2021 : Travelers to New York are no longer required to self-quarantine upon arrival or display a negative COVID-19 test. The New York State Department of Health recommends all travelers self-quarantine. Travelers are still required to fill out an online Traveler Health Form. [178]
• March 11, 2021 : New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced domestic travelers will not have to quarantine when arriving from out-of-state starting April 1. All travelers will still have to fill out the Traveler Health Form before arriving in the state. [179]
• March 3, 2021 : New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that domestic travelers would no longer need to quarantine upon arrival in the state if they have been fully vaccinated within the last 90 days. [180]
• October 31, 2020 : New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced a new testing requirement for incoming travelers. The policy, which replaces the joint quarantine list previously maintained alongside Connecticut and New Jersey, requires visitors and returning residents to take a COVID-19 within three days of arriving in New York. Visitors will need to quarantine for three days, and take another test on the fourth day. If both tests come back negative, the quarantine can end. The policy was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, November 4 and does not apply to travelers from states that border New York. [181]
• October 20, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Arizona and Maryland had been added to the tristate self-quarantine list. The governors advised against traveling between their three states, but agreed not to mandate self-quarantines for travel between Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. [182]
• October 6, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico had been added to the tristate quarantine list. [183]
• September 22, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming had been added to the tristate quarantine list. [184]
• September 15, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Puerto Rico had been re-added to the joint travel advisory, while California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ohio had been removed. [185]
• September 8, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia had been added to the joint travel advisory list. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were removed from the list. [186]
• August 25, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 25 that Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, and Montana had been removed from the joint travel advisory list. The territory of Guam was added to the list. [187]
• August 18, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on Aug. 18 that Delaware and Alaska had been added to the tristate quarantine list. Washington was removed from the list. [188]
• August 11 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Hawaii, South Dakota, and the Virgin Islands had been added to the tristate quarantine list. The governors removed Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Rhode Island. [189]
• August 4, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Rhode Island had been added to the tristate quarantine list, requiring visitors from that state to quarantine for 14 days upon entering New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York. Delaware and Washington D.C. were removed from the list. [190]
• July 28, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Illinois, Kentucky Minnesota, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico had been added to the joint travel advisory, bringing the total number of states to 37. [191]
• July 21, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that 10 additional states had been added to the joint travel advisory. Travelers from Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Minnesota was removed from the list, bringing the total to 31. [192]
• July 14, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that New Mexico, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Travelers from those states will need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the tristate area. Delaware, which was added to the list July 7, has been removed. The list now includes 22 states. Gov. Cuomo also announced that visitors to New York from those 22 states will need to fill out a contact form with contact information or face a $10,000 fine. Gov. Lamont said Connecticut would join New York in requiring visitors to fill out a form. [193] [194] [195]
• July 7, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma had been added to the joint travel advisory originally announced June 24. Visitors from those states will need to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey. The full list of states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah [196]
• June 30, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced that eight more states had been added to a joint travel advisory requiring out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. The governors announced the travel advisory June 24 and originally included Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. The list was expanded to include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee. [197]
• June 24, 2020 : Govs. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.), Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), and Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) announced on June 24 that travelers arriving in their states from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. The infection rate is based on a seven-day rolling average of the number of infections per 100,000 residents. As of June 24, the states that meet that threshold are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. [198]

North Carolina

As of February 24, 2023, North Carolina had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Visit North Carolina .

North Dakota

Does North Dakota have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors ended May 8, 2020. [199]

More information can be found at North Dakota Tourism .

• May 8, 2020 : Mylynn Tufte, the State Health Official, issued an amended confinement order which requires only international visitors to North Dakota to self-quarantine for 14 days. [200]
• March 28, 2020 : State Health Official Mylynn Tufte issued an order directing people traveling to North Dakota from another country or from a state classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as having widespread COVID-19 outbreak to self-quarantine for two weeks. Certain essential workers were exempt. [201]

Does Ohio have restrictions on travel? No. On July 22, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued an advisory asking travelers from states with positive testing rates of 15% or higher to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering Ohio. The advisory also applied to Ohio residents returning from those states. DeWine said the advisory was not a mandate. At the time the advisory was issued, nine states met the threshold, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, and Texas.

More information can be found at Ohio Department of Health .

• March 10, 2021 : The Ohio Department of Public Health ended its COVID-19 travel advisory that asked residents returning from states with positivity rates above 15% to self-quarantine for 14 days. [202]
• January 27, 2021 : The Ohio Department of Health removed Tennessee and Georgia from its travel advisory list. The list now includes twelve states. People who've traveled from those states are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. [203]
• December 2, 2020 : The Ohio Department of Public Health updated its travel advisory list to include Ohio, whose positive testing rate had exceeded 15%. The advisory urges travelers from states with a positivity rate of 15% or higher to self-quarantine upon arrival in Ohio. [204]
• July 22, 2020 : Ohio Gov. DeWine issued a travel advisory that asks travelers from states reporting positive coronavirus testing rates of 15% or higher to self-quarantine for 14 days. DeWine said the advisory was not a mandate. The states affected by the advisory include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, and Texas. [205]
• April 2, 2020 : The state's stay-at-home order includes a request that out-of-state travelers self-quarantine for 14 days. [206]

Does Oklahoma have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers ended on May 11, 2020. Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines [207] .

More information can be found at the Oklahoma State Department of Health .

• May 11, 2020 : The requirement for out-of-state travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, and Washington to self-quarantine for 14 days ended with the release of Gov. Kevin Stitt 's (R) Amended Executive Order 2020-13, which went into effect May 12. Amended Executive Order 2020-13 called for out-of-state travelers to adhere to all CDC recommendations. [208]
• March 29, 2020 : Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an amendment to Executive Order 2020-07 requiring people entering Oklahoma from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, and Washington to self-quarantine for two weeks. [209]

Does Oregon have restrictions on travel? No. Governor Kate Brown (D), along with Washington and California Govs. Jay Inslee (D) and Gavin Newsom (D), issued an advisory asking travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the state. The advisory asked residents to limit non-essential travel. [210]

More information can be found at Travel Oregon .

• November 13, 2020 : Govs. Jay Inslee (D-Wa.), Kate Brown (D-Ore.), and Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) issued travel advisories asking out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. They also asked residents to limit non-essential travel. [211]

Pennsylvania

Does Pennsylvania have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) ended the state's travel restrictions on March 1, 2021. [212]

More information can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Health .

• March 1, 2021 : Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) announced he was ending the state's quarantine requirement for out-of-state and returning residents. [213]
• November 17, 2020 : Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine issued an order requiring out-of-state travelers and returning residents to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival unless they can show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the state. The quarantine requirement does not apply to people coming to Pennsylvania for work or medical purposes. The order was scheduled to take effect on November 20. [214]
• September 13, 2020 : Pennsylvania removed California and Texas from its travel advisory and added Illinois. [215]
• July 24, 2020 : Wyoming and Missouri were added to the state's advisory list, bringing the total number of states on the list to 20. [216]
• July 15, 2020 : Delaware was removed from the state's quarantine list, bringing the total number of states on the list to 18. [217]
• July 12, 2020 : The Pennsylvania Department of Health added Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma to its quarantine list. Visitors from those states are recommended to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. [218]
• July 2, 2020 : The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommended that residents who travel to 15 states with rising COVID-19 cases quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Pennsylvania. The states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. [219] [220]
• April 13, 2020 : The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommended that out-of-state travelers, especially those from areas with high rates of infection or community spread, self-quarantine for 14 days. [221]

Rhode Island

Does Rhode Island have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Daniel McKee (D) rescinded an executive order requiring unvaccinated out-of-state travelers to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test on July 6, 2021. [222]

More information can be found at Visit Rhode Island .

• July 6, 2021 : Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee (D) rescinded an executive order requiring unvaccinated out-of-state travelers to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test. [223]
• February 1, 2021 : The Rhode Island Department of Health removed Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming states from its travel restrictions list. Travelers arriving in Rhode Island from those states are not required to quarantine for 14 days. Thirty-three states remain on the list. [224]
• June 30, 2020 : Out-of-state visitors and Rhode Island residents traveling to Rhode Island from parts of the country with a positive coronavirus test rate of 5% or higher will need to provide a negative test result or quarantine for 14 days. [225]
• March 28, 2020 : Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) issued an executive requiring any person traveling to Rhode Island for any reason other than employment to automatically self-quarantine for two weeks. Residents who can work from home are required to do so. If a resident was unable to telecommute, they needed to self-quarantine when not at work. Public health, public safety, and healthcare workers were exempt. [226]

South Carolina

Does South Carolina have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers expired May 1, 2020. [227]

More information can be found at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control .

• May 1, 2020 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced he was lifting the executive order requiring visitors from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and New Orleans to self-quarantine for two weeks. [228]
• March 27, 2020 : McMaster issued an executive order requiring people traveling to South Carolina from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and New Orleans to self-quarantine for two weeks. Failure to do so could have resulted in $1,000 in fines and up to one month in jail. [229]

South Dakota

As of February 24, 2023, South Dakota had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Travel South Dakota .

As of February 24, 2023, Tennessee had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at the State of Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development .

Does Texas have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers ended on May 21, 2020. [230]

More information can be found at Texas .

• May 21, 2020 : Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ended quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers. [231]
• April 26, 2020 : Abbott issued a new executive order lifting restricting on out-of-state travelers from Louisiana. Travelers from the remaining states on the list still needed to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering Texas. [232]
• March 29, 2020 : Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order requiring people traveling into Texas on roadways from Louisiana or other states and cities determined thereafter self-quarantine for two weeks. Vital workers, determined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, were exempt. Those who qualified for quarantine needed to fill out a form provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Failure to comply could have resulted in a $1,000 fine and or jail time up to 180 days. The order went into effect March 30. [233]
• March 26, 2020 : Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order requiring people flying to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or New Orleans self-quarantine for two weeks. California, Louisiana, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami were later added. [234] Vital workers, determined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, are exempt. Those who qualify for quarantine must fill out a form provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Failure to comply could have resulted in a $1,000 fine and or jail time up to 180 days. The order went into effect March 28. [235]

Does Utah have restrictions on travel? No.

More information can be found at Visit Utah .

• June 30, 2020 : Utah ended its requirement that travelers to parts of the state in the "moderate risk" phase of reopening self-quarantine for 14-days.
• May 1, 2020 : The requirement that out-of-state visitors fill out a travel declaration upon entry expired. Travelers to parts of Utah in the "moderate risk" phase of the reopening plan who have come from a high-risk area or situation are required to self-quarantine for 14-days. [236] [237]
• April 8, 2020 : Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued an order requiring all visitors over the age 18 who enter Utah through airports or roadways to complete a travel declaration within three hours of entering the state. Drivers entering Utah would receive a text message with a link to the form, whereas travelers in the airport would receive a card from an airport employee with instructions to fill out a form online. The form required travelers to answer a number of questions related to COVID-19 symptoms and travel history. [238]

Does Vermont have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Phil Scott (R) ended the requirement that unvaccinated out-of-state travelers and returning residents quarantine for 10 days or present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival on May 14, 2021. [239]

More information can be found at the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing .

• May 14, 2021 : Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) ended the requirement that unvaccinated out-of-state travelers and returning residents quarantine for 10 days or present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. [240]
• February 19, 2021 : Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that fully vaccinated residents who travel to another state will no longer need to quarantine when returning to Vermont beginning Feb. 23. Fully vaccinated residents will receive cards that they can display upon request when traveling in or out of the state. Scott also said that fully vaccinated out-of-state travelers will not need to quarantine if they can provide proof of vaccination. [241]
• November 11, 2020 : Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued an order requiring all visitors to Vermont to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. After 7 days, visitors can take a COVID-19 test and end their quarantine early if they test negative. Visitors engaged in essential travel are exempt from the quarantine requirement. [242]
• June 26, 2020 : Beginning July 1, out-of-state visitors arriving from low-risk counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia in a personal vehicle will no longer need to quarantine for 14-days after arriving in Vermont. Vermont residents who visit those counties and then return home will also no longer need to quarantine. [243]
• June 5, 2020 : Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that the quarantine requirement will be lifted for out-of-state travelers from counties across New England with similar COVID-19 caseloads to Vermont starting June 8. The Agency of Commerce and Community said it would release a map June 8 at 5 p.m. identifying quarantine and non-quarantine counties. Additionally, Vermont residents will be allowed to travel to the non-quarantine counties and return home without quarantining for 14 days. [244]
• March 30, 2020 : Gov. Scott issued an addendum to Executive Order 01-20 requiring all residents and non-residents traveling to Vermont to self-quarantine for two weeks. Those traveling for essential purposes were exempt. According to the order, essential purposes were defined as traveling for safety, food, beverages, medicine, healthcare, care for others and essential work outlined in Stay Home/Stay Safe order. Scott also asked would-be travelers displaying symptoms or coming from an area with a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 not to enter Vermont. A reevaluation for the order was set for April 15. [245]

Does Virginia have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers ended on June 12, 2020. [246]

More information can be found at Virginia is for Lovers .

• June 12, 2020 : The Virginia Department of Health no longer recommends that out-of-state travelers from areas with high rates of community spread self-quarantine for 14 days. The recommendation remains in place for people who have traveled internationally or on a cruise ship or river boat. [247]
• May 4, 2020 : The Virginia Department of Health recommended that visitors or residents who have traveled internationally, or on a cruise ship or river boat, or to an area of the U.S. with high rates of community spread, to self-quarantine for 14 days. [248]

Does Washington have restrictions on travel? No. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) asked residents and travelers coming into Washington to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance. [249]

More information can be found at Experience Washington .

• April 6, 2021 : Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) updated his travel proclamation to clarify that all types of travel, including domestic and international, should follow CDC guidelines. [250]
• March 19, 2021 : Gov. Jay Inslee (D) rescinded a travel advisory issued November 13, 2020, asking out-of-state travelers and returning residents to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and avoid non-essential travel. Inslee asked residents and travelers to comply with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance. [251]
• November 13, 2020 : Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued a travel advisory asking out-of-state travelers or returning residents to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The advisory also asks Washington residents to limit non-essential travel. [252]

Washington D.C.

Does Washington D.C. have restrictions on travel? No. The City recommends that unvaccinated travelers get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before leaving on a trip and 3-5 days after returning home. The City recommends travelers self-quarantine for seven days after returning home, even if he or she tests negative. If a traveler opts to not take a test, the City recommends a 10-day self-quarantine. [253]

More information can be found at Coronavirus D.C. .

• August 6, 2021 : The Washington D.C. Department of Health issued updated travel guidance that recommended but no longer required unvaccinated out-of-state travelers and returning residents to quarantine upon arrival and get a COVID-19 test. The updated guidance still recommended that unvaccinated travelers who did not seek a COVID-19 test self-quarantine for 10 days. [254]
• November 4, 2020 : D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced a new advisory that requires visitors to the city to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of traveling. Visitors who are in the city for longer than three days are asked to take a test within 3-5 days of arrival. The advisory asks those who test positive or come into contact with someone who tested positive to refrain from entering the city. [255]
• July 27, 2020 : As part of Phase Two of D.C.'s reopening plan, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) ordered non-essential travelers from "high-risk" states to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the city. [256]

West Virginia

Does West Virginia have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers ended May 21, 2020. [257]

More information can be found at West Virginia Tourism .

• May 21, 2020 : Gov. Jim Justice (R) ended the order requiring out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days. [258]
• March 31, 2020 : Gov. Justice issued an executive order requiring all non-residents traveling to West Virginia from a COVID-19 hotspot self-quarantine for two weeks. The order instructed West Virginia State Police to monitor roadways for such possible travelers. Those traveling for essential business were exempt. Failure to comply with the order could have resulted in fines up to $500 and jail time no more than one year. [259]

Does Wisconsin have restrictions on travel? No.

More information can be found at Wisconsin Department of Tourism .

• April 19, 2020 : The Wisconsin Department of Health Services urged Wisconsin residents returning from outside their communities, including from out-of-state, to self-quarantine for 14 days. [260]

Does Wyoming have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers ended on May 7, 2020. [261]

More information can be found at Travel Wyoming .

• May 7, 2020 : Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced that out-of-state travelers will no longer need to quarantine for 14 days. [262]
• April 3, 2020 : Gordon extended restrictions on businesses and individuals through the end of April. At the same time, he issued a new order requiring out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days. [263]

Timeline of federal travel restrictions

To read about other federal responses to the coronavirus pandemic, click here .

• July 16, 2020 : Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced on Twitter that the Department would extend its prohibition on nonessential travel to Canada and Mexico through Aug. 20. [264]
• June 16, 2020 : Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf announced that the U.S. would keep restrictions limiting non-essential travel to or from Mexico and Canada in place through July 21. [265]
• May 24, 2020 : President Donald Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals who had been in Brazil at any point in the previous 14 days. [266]
• May 19, 2020 : Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced the U.S. would extend travel restrictions in place at the Canadian and Mexican borders another 30 days to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The restrictions were enacted in late March in cooperation with both countries, and extended for an additional 30 days on April 20. Essential travel, including for trade and commerce, is still allowed, but travel for tourism or recreation is prohibited. [267]
• April 20, 2020 : Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced that travel restrictions with Canada and Mexico would be extended another 30 days. The restrictions, implemented in agreement with Canada and Mexico in late March, prohibit nonessential travel. [268]
• March 20, 2020 : The United States and Mexico mutually agreed to close the border to non-essential traffic. [269]
• March 17, 2020 : The United States and Canada mutually agreed to close their border to non-essential traffic. [270]
• March 14, 2020 : Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals who had been in the United Kingdom at any point in the previous 14 days. [271]
• March 11, 2020' : Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals who had been in the Schengen Area of the European Union at any time in the previous 14 days. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries. [272]
• February 29, 2020 : Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals who had been in Iran at any point in the previous 14 days. [273]
• January 31, 2020 : Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals who had been in mainland China at any point in the previous 14 days. The proclamation took effect February 2. [274]

Background and context

On January 5, 2020, the World Health Organization first reported on a cluster of unexplained pneumonia cases in Wuhan city, the capital of Hubei Province in China. [275] Scientists in China identified a novel coronavirus as the cause of the pneumonia cases on January 7, 2020. [276] Shortly thereafter, the World Health Organization began confirming cases of the novel coronavirus in countries like Thailand, Japan, and elsewhere, prompting a January 17 briefing on the new virus by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . On that same day, the CDC began screening for the coronavirus at three U.S. airports. The first case of the coronavirus in the United States was confirmed on January 21 in Washington state. [277] [278] [279]

On March 11, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy became the first governor to announce restrictions on out-of-state travelers. [280] On that day, the CDC and state and local health departments reported 1,267 cases in the United States. [281]

State and local government policies around travel during the coronavirus pandemic varied widely. Those policies generated a similar variety of responses from pundits, policy makers, lawmakers, and more. The main areas of disagreement about travel restrictions are:

• Travel restrictions prevent the spread of the virus
• Travel restrictions promote the state's safety image
• Travel restrictions are constitutional
• Travel restrictions protect tourism workers
• Certain travel restrictions are unconstitutional
• Travel restrictions are unfair to tourism businesses
• Travel restrictions are difficult to enforce
• Travel restrictions are ineffective
• Travel restrictions damage local economies

General resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization
• Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations, Our World in Data (Number of vaccines administered)
• Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, New York Times (Progress of vaccine trials)
• Documenting America's Path to Recovery
• COVID-19 vaccine distribution
• Officeholders and candidates diagnosed with, dead from, or quarantined because of coronavirus
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
• School responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic
• ↑ The Hill , US to impose new restrictions on travelers from China amid COVID outbreaks," December 28, 2022
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "KDHE amends travel quarantine list," August 13, 2021
• ↑ https://coronavirus.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/coronavirus/page_content/attachments/Travel_Guidance_DCHealth_COVID-19_Update_2021.8.6_ForPosting%20%281%29.pdf DC Health , "Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): Guidance for Travel," accessed September 13, 2021]
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "KDHE amends travel quarantine list," July 29, 2021
• ↑ KHON 2 , "Coronavirus restrictions relaxing in Hawaii for travel, gatherings. Are things about to get even busier?" July 6, 2021
• ↑ Rhode Island Department of Health , "Travel Information for Residents and Visitors," accessed August 19, 2021
• ↑ State of Alaska , "Health Advisory No. 2: International and Interstate Travel," accessed February 16, 2021
• ↑ Travel and Leisure , "Alaska Will Give Tourists Free COVID-19 Vaccines This Summer," April 19, 2021
• ↑ KTVA , "Alaska governor extends quarantine for out-of-state travelers until June 5," May 29, 2020
• ↑ Must Read Alaska , "Dunleavy: Travel quarantine can be avoided by pre-travel test for COVID-19," May 29, 2020
• ↑ Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy , "Governor Issues COVID-19 Health Mandate Updates," May 15, 2020
• ↑ Anchorage Daily News , "Gov. Dunleavy says Alaska will ease some coronavirus restrictions starting later this week," April 21, 2020
• ↑ The Anchorage Press , "All people arriving in Alaska must quarantine for 14 days, Governor says," March 23, 2020
• ↑ State of Arizona Executive Order , "Executive Order 2020-36 Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger," May 12, 2020
• ↑ "Office of the Governor Doug Ducey", "New Order Increases Restrictions For Certain Out-Of-State Travelers," April 7, 2020
• ↑ Arkansas Department of Health , "Directive for Travelers from “Hot Spot” and International Locations," accessed June 19, 2020
• ↑ Arkansas Department of Health , "Directive for Travelers from “Hot Spot” and International Locations," May 14, 2020
• ↑ THV 11 , "Out-of-state travelers can stay in hotels, lodges and Arkansas state parks again," May 6, 2020
• ↑ Arkansas Department of Health , "Advisory for Travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and All International Locations," March 30, 2020
• ↑ Office of Governor Gavin Newsom , "California, Oregon & Washington Issue Travel Advisories," November 13, 2020
• ↑ JD Supra , "L.A. County Orders 10-Day Mandatory Quarantine for Certain Travelers," January 4, 2021
• ↑ Santa Clara County Public Health , "Mandatory Directive on Travel," accessed December 7, 2020
• ↑ OBP , "West Coast states issue COVID-19 travel advisories," November 13, 2020
• ↑ NBC Connecticut , "COVID-19 Travel Advisory Mandate for Conn. to be Lifted Later This Week," March 15, 2021
• ↑ State of Connecticut , "Executive Order No. 9S," accessed February 23, 2021
• ↑ Hartford Courant , "New York, New Jersey COVID-19 quarantine list grows to 35 states, territories," October 20, 2020
• ↑ ABC 7 New York , "Reopen Connecticut: CT will modify rules of its travel advisory list," October 20, 2020
• ↑ Democrat and Chronicle , "New York, New Jersey COVID-19 quarantine list grows to 35 states, territories," October 6, 2020
• ↑ NBC New York , "5 More States Added to Tri-State Quarantine List as U.S. COVID-19 Cases Near 7 Million," September 22, 2020
• ↑ KTVZ , "Six states removed from CT’s travel advisory list, Puerto Rico added," September 15, 2020
• ↑ NBC New York , "4 More States Land on Quarantine List as NYC Debuts New Enforcement Measure," September 8, 2020
• ↑ Newsday , "Five states removed from New York's travel quarantine list, one territory added," August 25, 2020
• ↑ NBC Connecticut , "Alaska, Delaware Added to List of COVID-19 Hot Spots That Require CT Residents to Quarantine," August 18, 2020
• ↑ NBC New York , "Hawaii, Virgin Islands Added to Quarantine List as NY Virus Numbers Remain in Check," August 11, 2020
• ↑ Yahoo News , "Connecticut Again Expands Travel Quarantine List," August 4, 2020
• ↑ Yahoo Money , "Only 13 states escape New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut's coronavirus travel restrictions," July 28, 2020
• ↑ CBS News , "Travelers from nearly two-thirds of U.S. states will now have to self-quarantine when entering New York," July 21, 2020
• ↑ NBC Connecticut , "Travelers Coming to CT From COVID-19 Hotspots Must Follow Protocols Or Could Face Fine," July 20, 2020
• ↑ NBC New York , "22 States Now on Tri-State Quarantine List as Cuomo Ups Ante With New NY Emergency Order," July 14, 2020
• ↑ CNY Central , "Four more states added to New York travel advisory for mandatory quarantine, one removed," July 14, 2020
• ↑ NBC Connecticut , Connecticut Increases States on Travel Quarantine Advisory List to 22," July 14, 2020
• ↑ Yahoo Money , "New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut expand coronavirus travel restrictions," July 7, 2020
• ↑ CNN , "NY, NJ and CT expand quarantine advisories for travelers from 8 more states with high coronavirus rates," June 30, 2020
• ↑ New York Times , "N.Y. Will Impose Quarantine on Visitors From States With Big Outbreaks," June 24, 2020
• ↑ The Office of Governor Ned Lamont , "Governor Lamont Statement on Reports of President Trump Considering Regional Quarantine," March 28, 2020
• ↑ NBC Philadelphia , "Del. Enters Phase 1 of Reopening as Salons, Restaurants Open at 30% Capacity," June 1, 2020
• ↑ Delaware.gov , "Governor Carney Announces Lifting of Short-Term Rental Ban, Out-of-State Quarantine on June 1," May 26, 2020
• ↑ Delaware.gov , "Governor Carney Orders Out-of-State Travelers to Immediately Self-Quarantine for 14 Days," March 29, 2020
• ↑ Florida Politics , "Gov. DeSantis quietly lifts travel restrictions for New York area," August 6, 2020
• ↑ New4Jax , "Florida’s COVID-19 checkpoint on I-95 finally closed," July 20, 2020
• ↑ Nola.com , "Florida lifts coronavirus travel restrictions for Louisiana residents entering state," June 5, 2020
• ↑ State of Florida , "Emergency Management - COVID-19 - Additional Requirements of Certain Individuals Traveling to Florida," accessed April 2, 2020
• ↑ CBSN Philly , "Coronavirus Latest: Florida Governor Mandates 14-Day Self-Quarantine For Travelers Coming From New York, New Jersey And Connecticut," March 24, 2020
• ↑ State of Florida , "Emergency Management - COVID-19 - Isolation of Individuals Traveling to Florida," accessed April 2, 2020
• ↑ Governor David Y. Ige , "OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR NEWS RELEASE: HAWAI‘I BOUND DOMESTIC TRAVELERS FULLY VACCINATED IN U.S., TO BYPASS TESTING/QUARANTINE STARTING JULY 8," June 24, 2021
• ↑ The Washington Post , "Hawaii’s multistep road to a full reopening begins now," June 15, 2021
• ↑ Governor of the State of Hawaii , "OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR NEWS RELEASE: INTER-COUNTY TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS TO END ON JUNE 15 – GOV. IGE SETS BENCHMARKS FOR EASING DOMESTIC TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS," June 4, 2021
• ↑ USA Today , "Hawaii rolls out inter-island vaccine passport plan, starting with locals," May 12, 2021
• ↑ Washington Post , "Hawaii will ease restrictions for vaccinated travelers, starting with inter-island visitors," April 20, 2021
• ↑ Hawaii Governor , "GOVERNOR’S OFFICE – NEWS RELEASE – GOV. IGE ISSUES 17TH COVID-19 EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION, REDUCING QUARANTINE PERIOD FOR TRAVELERS INTO AND WITHIN HAWAI‘I ," December 16, 2020
• ↑ Governor David Ige , "OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR — NEWS RELEASE — KAUAI MAYOR TO IMPOSE TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON ITS PARTICIPATION IN STATE’S PRE-TRAVEL TESTING PROGRAM  LC," November 27, 2020
• ↑ Tulsa World , "The Latest: Hawaii imposes new COVID-19 travel restrictions," November 19, 2020
• ↑ Hawaii News Now , "Ige urges vigilance as Hawaii launches pre-travel testing program," October 15, 2020
• ↑ Go Hawaii , "Travel requirements," accessed on October 8, 2020
• ↑ Pacific Business News , "State extends 14-day quarantine for arriving passengers until Oct. 1, reinstates other restrictions for Oahu," August 18, 2020
• ↑ USA Today , "Scratch that August trip to Hawaii. The state just extended its quarantine until Sept. 1," July 13, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Governor , "STATE TO LAUNCH COVID-19 PRE-TRAVEL TESTING PROGRAM FOR OUT-OF-STATE TRAVELERS AUGUST 1," June 24, 2020
• ↑ Hawaii News Now , "With new procedures in place, state ends inter-island quarantine rule," June 15, 2020
• ↑ SF Gate , "Hawaii, Canada to extend visitor restrictions," June 11, 2020
• ↑ SF Gate , "Hawaii extends 14-day room quarantine for tourists," May 16, 2020
• ↑ Star Advertiser , "Gov. David Ige calls for 30-day suspension of visitors to Hawaii," March 17, 2020
• ↑ KSL News Radio , "Idaho, Wyoming loosen COVID-19 travel restrictions," May 15, 2020
• ↑ Idaho Department of Health and Welfare , "Order to Self-Isolate," April 15, 2020
• ↑ City of Chicago , "Emergency Travel Order," accessed July 7, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Governor of Iowa , "Gov. Reynolds, IDPH recommend self isolation for those who traveled out of state ," April 21, 2020
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "KDHE amends travel quarantine list," June 17, 2021
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "KDHE amends travel quarantine list," May 20, 2021
• ↑ KNST , "Kansas reduces travel restrictions to certain Colorado counties," May 10, 2021
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "KDHE amends travel quarantine list," May 6, 2021
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "Travel-Related Quarantine Guidelines," accessed April 22, 2021
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "Travel-Related Quarantine Guidelines," accessed April 9, 2021
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "Travel-Related Quarantine Guidelines," accessed March 26, 2021
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "Travel-Related Quarantine Guidelines," July 28, 2020
• ↑ Kansas Department of Health and Environment , "KDHE amends travel quarantine list Arkansas, Alabama and South Carolina removed," July 14, 2020
• ↑ KWCH , "Travel-Related Quarantine Guidelines | COVID-19," accessed June 18, 2020
• ↑ KWCH , "Louisiana, Colorado added to KDHE travel-related quarantine list," March 18, 2020
• ↑ KDHE , "KDHE adds states to travel quarantine list," March 27, 2020
• ↑ WLWT5 , "Travel advisory: Kentucky governor asks anyone who travels to these states to self-quarantine," July 20, 2020
• ↑ Kentucky.gov , "Gov. Beshear Updates Kentuckians on the Fight to Defeat COVID-19," accessed May 22, 2020
• ↑ WDRB , "Beshear issues new travel restrictions after federal judge ruled previous order unconstitutional," May 6, 2020
• ↑ WLKY , "Federal judge says Kentucky's travel ban is unconstitutional," May 4, 2020
• ↑ Louisville Courier Journal , "Gov. Andy Beshear orders people entering Kentucky to self-quarantine for 14 days," April 2, 2020
• ↑ Commonwealth of Kentucky , "Kentucky's Response to COVID-19," accessed April 1, 2020
• ↑ ky.gov , "Executive Order," accessed April 1, 2020
• ↑ NECN , "Maine Ends COVID-19 Travel Requirements," May 2, 2021
• ↑ Bangor Daily News , "Starting Saturday, people from all other states can travel to Maine without quarantining," April 27, 2021
• ↑ Office of Governor Janet T. Mills , "Governor Mills Unveils Plan to Protect Public Health, Support Maine’s Economy During Upcoming Tourism Season," March 5, 2021
• ↑ CBS Boston , "Maine Removes Coronavirus Travel Restrictions For Massachusetts," September 23, 2020
• ↑ [ https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/maine-keeping-travel-restrictions-in-place-for-massachusetts-residents/ WWLP , "Maine keeping travel restrictions in place for Massachusetts residents ," July 2, 2020]
• ↑ Covid-19 Response Office of the Governor , "Keep Maine Healthy FAQs," accessed June 10, 2020
• ↑ Office of Governor Janet T. Mills , "Governor Mills Issues Executive Order Mandating Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in Maine to Protect Public Health and Safety," April 3, 2020
• ↑ The Office of Governor Larry Hogan , "Governor Hogan Announces Lifting of Capacity Limits, Masking and Distancing Protocols Maintained," accessed March 11, 2021
• ↑ Baltimore Sun , "Maryland Gov. Hogan issues new restrictions on nonessential travel to fight coronavirus spread during holidays," December 17, 2020
• ↑ The Office of Governor Larry Hogan , "Governor Hogan Announces Series of Actions to Slow the Spread of COVID-19," November 10, 2020
• ↑ Baltimore Sun , "Hogan tightens mask restrictions, discourages travel to 9 states to ‘continue making progress’ against coronavirus," July 29, 2020
• ↑ Maryland.gov , "Governor Hogan Announces Further Actions To Slow The Spread of COVID-19, Relaunches ‘Maryland Unites’ Initiative," accessed April 1
• ↑ NBC Boston , "Mass. Will Relax Its Travel Restrictions Soon. Here's What You Need to Know," March 22, 2021
• ↑ Mass.gov , "Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Phase IV of Reopening Plan," March 18, 2021
• ↑ Boston.com , "Massachusetts relaxes COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals," March 10, 2021
• ↑ WWLP , "Massachusetts travel restrictions updated due to rise in COVID-19 cases," November 30, 2020
• ↑ NBC Boston , "Mass. Adds 1 State Back to Travel Restriction List," September 18, 2020
• ↑ NBC Boston , "Mass. Puts 3 States Back on Travel Restriction List," September 11, 2020
• ↑ MassLive , "Massachusetts lifts COVID-19 travel restrictions on these 4 states," August 28, 2020
• ↑ Mass.gov , "COVID-19 Travel Order," accessed July 31, 2020
• ↑ Mass.gov , "Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Travel Order Effective August 1st," July 24, 2020
• ↑ Boston.com , "Massachusetts updates self-quarantine advisory to exempt visitors from 7 other Northeast states," June 30, 2020
• ↑ The Inquirer and Mirror , "Gov. Baker calls for self-quarantine of all travelers entering Massachusetts," March 27, 2020
• ↑ Independent Record , "Montana sees 'cluster' outbreaks, but low COVID-19 case growth otherwise," June 1, 2020
• ↑ Seeley Swan Pathfinder , "Governor Bullock Directs 14-Day Quarantine for Travelers Arriving in Montana From Another State or Country," March 26, 2020
• ↑ Omaha World-Herald , "Ricketts calls for Nebraskans to self-quarantine after travel to Denver, K.C., Chicago," March 24, 2020
• ↑ Nevada Health Response , "Governor Sisolak adjusts travel advisory for Nevada as the State enters Phase 2, May 29, 2020
• ↑ The Nevada Independent , "Sisolak issues travel advisory, urging travelers to self-quarantine, Nevadans to avoid nonessential travel," March 31, 2020
• ↑ New Hampshire Safer At Home , "Out-of-state Visitors," accessed August 4, 2020
• ↑ New Hampshire Public Radio , "Governor asks extended visitors to self-quarantine," March 28, 2020
• ↑ NJ.com , "N.J. lifts travel advisory that required COVID quarantine, Murphy announces," May 17, 2021
• ↑ State of New Jersey , "Governor Murphy Announces New COVID-19 Travel Guidelines," March 5, 2021
• ↑ North Jersey , "NJ drops travel advisory metrics but still urges quarantining as COVID-19 cases rise," November 25, 2020
• ↑ State of New Mexico , "Order rescinding executive order 2020-075 and instituting advisory quarantine and testing for individuals traveling to New Mexico," accessed February 11, 2021
• ↑ KRQE , "New Mexico to phase out travel quarantine requirements," February 10, 2021
• ↑ KRQE , "Gov. updates New Mexico travel order; lists states requiring quarantine," September 23, 2020
• ↑ New Mexico Department of Health , "State extends emergency public health order," July 1, 2020
• ↑ Office of Michelle Lujan Grisham , "Gov. announces limited reopening for dine-in restaurants, indoor malls, gyms, salons and more," May 28, 2020
• ↑ State of New Mexico , "Executive Order 2020-013 Directing Individuals Traveling to New Mexico Through an Airport to Self-Isolate or Self-Quarantine for a Limited Period and Directing the New Mexico Department of Health to Initiate Lawful Isolation and Quarantine Proceedings for Individuals Who Do Not Self-Isolate or Self-Quarantine," March 27, 2020
• ↑ WGRZ , "NY lifting most domestic travel restrictions starting today," April 1, 2021
• ↑ National Law Review , "New York State Issues Updated Travel Advisory; Relaxes Travel Restrictions," April 13, 2021
• ↑ USA Today , "New York won't require fully vaccinated international travelers to quarantine anymore," April 13, 2021
• ↑ Governor Andrew Cuomo , "Governor Cuomo Announces Quarantine for Domestic Travel Will No Longer Be Required Starting April 1st," March 11, 2021
• ↑ NBC New York , "Cuomo Kills Domestic Travel Rules for Fully Vaccinated People, Sets More Key Reopening Dates," March 3, 2021
• ↑ CBS 6 Albany , "No More Quarantine List: What you need to know about New York's new travel rule," November 4, 2020
• ↑ Department of Health , "STATE HEALTH OFFICER CONFINEMENT ORDER RELATING TO DISEASE CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF 2019-nCoV/COVID-19 PURSUANT TO NORTH DAKOTA CENTURY CODE 23-01-05(12)", May 8, 2020
• ↑ North Dakota Department of Health , "Tufte orders quarantine for individuals traveling from international locations or select states," March 28, 2020
• ↑ NBC4i , "Ohio Department of Health revises COVID-19 travel guidance, eliminates self-quarantine," March 10, 2021
• ↑ NBC 4I , "Twelve states listed on latest Ohio travel advisory," January 27, 2021
• ↑ Cincinnati.com , "Ohio gets added to its own list: Here are states with Ohio and Kentucky COVID-19 travel restrictions," December 2, 2020
• ↑ Cincinnati.com , "Gov. Mike DeWine issues travel advisory, asking Ohioans to quarantine if traveling from these states," July 22, 2020
• ↑ Ohio Department of Health , "Amended Director's Stay At Home Order," April 2, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Governor , "Amended Executive Order 2020-13," accessed June 18, 2020
• ↑ KSLA , "Gov. Stitt issues updates to Executive Order, orders mandatory quarantine for travelers from six states," March 29, 2020
• ↑ Oregon.gov , "Oregon, California & Washington Issue Travel Advisories," November 13, 2020
• ↑ Governor Tom Wolf , "Gov. Wolf Revises Mitigation Order on Gatherings and Lifts Out-of-State Travel Restrictions," March 1, 2021
• ↑ CBS News , "Pennsylvania health secretary: Out-of-state travelers must test negative for COVID-19, or quarantine," November 17, 2020
• ↑ York Daily Record , "Pa. travel: California and Texas removed from state's COVID-19 quarantine list, 17 states remain," September 13, 2020
• ↑ ABC 6 , "Pennsylvania adds Missouri, Wyoming to 14-day quarantine travel advisory list," accessed July 26, 2020
• ↑ ABC 27 , "Delaware removed from Pennsylvania travel quarantine list," July 15, 2020
• ↑ ABC 27 , "4 more states added to Pennsylvania travel quarantine list," July 12, 2020
• ↑ Yahoo News , "PA Sets Travel Quarantine: Stay Home After Trips To 15 States," July 2, 2020
• ↑ PA Media , "Wolf Administration Urges Pennsylvanians to Avoid Large Gatherings, Wear Masks Over Holiday Weekend," July 2, 2020
• ↑ Department of Health , "COVID-19 Information for Travelers," accessed May 11, 2020
• ↑ RI removes 6 states from COVID-19 travel advisory list," February 1, 2021
• ↑ Patch , "RI Reopening: Travel Restrictions Set For Those Coming To State," June 29, 2020
• ↑ RI.gov , "Amended Eleventh Supplemental Emergency Declaration — Staying at home, reducing gatherings, certain retail business closures and further quarantine provisions," accessed April 2, 2020
• ↑ Governor Henry McMaster , "Gov. Henry McMaster to Lift “Work-or-Home” Order May 4th," May 1, 2020
• ↑ WSOC", "Visitors from coronavirus hot spots to quarantine, SC governor says," March 28, 2020
• ↑ Texas Tribune , "Gov. Greg Abbott lifts coronavirus restrictions for travelers from New York, Georgia and other hot spots," May 21, 2020
• ↑ KCBD , "Abbott lifts self-quarantine for Texas-Louisiana travelers," April 28, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Texas Governor , "Governor Abbott Mandates 14-Day Quarantine For Road Travelers Arriving In Texas From Any Location In Louisiana," March 30, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Texas Governor , "Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Mandating 14-Day Quarantine For Travelers Arriving From CA, LA, WA, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami," March 30, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Texas Governor , "Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Mandating 14-Day Quarantine For Travelers Arriving From New York Tri-State Area, New Orleans," March 26, 2020
• ↑ Entry.Utah.Gov , "Inbound Travel Declaration Program , accessed June 29, 2020
• ↑ Visit Utah , "RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN UTAH," accessed June 29, 2020
• ↑ KSL News Radio , "Governor announces travel restrictions into Utah," April 8, 2020
• ↑ Burlington Free Press , "Answering 7 questions about Vermont's new mask mandate and COVID guidelines," May 15, 2021
• ↑ Saint Albans Messenger , "COVID-19: Gov. Phil Scott announces relaxed restrictions on travel, long-term care facilities," February 19, 2021
• ↑ The Hill , "Vermont orders quarantine for visitors amid new COVID-19 outbreak," November 11, 2020
• ↑ Office of Governor Phil Scott , "GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT EXPANDS TRUSTED TRAVEL POLICY," June 26, 2020
• ↑ NECN , "Vermont Expands Travel, Dining and Lodging Capacity," June 5, 2020
• ↑ State of Vermont , "Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in Vermont," accessed April 2, 2020
• ↑ Virginia Department of Health , "Travelers," accessed June 30, 2020
• ↑ Virginia Department of Health , "Travelers," accessed May 11, 2020
• ↑ Washington Governor Jay Inslee , "Inslee rescinds state travel advisory to align with CDC travel advisory guidance," March 19, 2021
• ↑ Washington Governor Jay Inslee , "Inslee updates travel restriction proclamation," April 6, 2021
• ↑ Office of the Governor , "COVID-19 Travel Advisory," November 13, 2020
• ↑ WTOP , "Mayor Bowser’s newest order for DC: Visitors need to get tested," November 5, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Mayor , "Mayor Bowser Issues Mayor’s Order on Requirements for Residents and Persons Traveling to/from COVID-19 Hotspots," July 24, 2020
• ↑ Office of the Governor , "COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice announces reopening dates for swimming pools, movie theaters, bowling alleys and other places with indoor amusement," May 21, 2020
• ↑ State of West Virginia , "Executive Order," accessed April 2, 2020
• ↑ Wisconsin Department of Health Services , "COVID-19: Travel," accessed May 11, 2020
• ↑ Wyoming News Now , "Out-of-state travelers no longer need to quarantine starting Friday," May 7, 2020
• ↑ Powell Tribune , "Governor extends Wyoming’s COVID-19 restrictions through April," April 3, 2020
• ↑ U.S. News and World Report , "Non-Essential Travel Restrictions Extended at U.S. Borders With Canada, Mexico," July 16, 2020
• ↑ USA Today , "US extends border closure agreements with Canada, Mexico into July," June 16, 2020
• ↑ Whitehouse.gov , "Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Novel Coronavirus," May 24, 2020
• ↑ Reuters , "U.S. extends travel restrictions at Canada, Mexico land borders," May 19, 2020
• ↑ The Hill , "US announces extended travel restrictions with Mexico, Canada," April 20, 2020
• ↑ Politico , "Trump to partially close U.S.-Mexico border," March 20, 2020
• ↑ The Washington Post , "Trump says border with Canada will be temporarily closed to ‘non-essential traffic,’" March 18, 2020
• ↑ Whitehouse.gov , "Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus," March 14, 2020
• ↑ Whitehouse.gov , "Proclamation—Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus," March 11, 2020
• ↑ Whitehouse.gov , "Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus," February 29, 2020
• ↑ Whitehouse.gov , "Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus," January 31, 2020
• ↑ World Health Organization , "Pneumonia of unknown cause – China," January 5, 2020
• ↑ World Health Organization , "Novel Coronavirus – China," January 12, 2020
• ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , "Transcript of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Response Telebriefing," January 17, 2020
• ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , "Public Health Screening to Begin at 3 U.S. Airports for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (“2019-nCoV”)," January 17, 2020
• ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , "First Travel-related Case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Detected in United States," January 21, 2020
• ↑ CNN , "The US now has 1,267 cases of the coronavirus," March 11, 2020
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What caused the Brunswick County wildfire and what's being done to fight it

MORE UPDATES HERE: Rain this week could help extinguish the Brunswick County wildfire. Here's the latest

As of 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Bill Walker, North Carolina Forest Service Ranger serving Brunswick and New Hanover counties, said a wildfire burning in the Green Swamp Nature Preserve had not increased in size since Saturday when the blaze encompassed about 16,000 acres.

Here's what you need to know about the fire:

How are burn permits issued?

The fire began Tuesday, June 13, as a prescribed burn conducted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Walker explained while the North Carolina Forest Service issued the burn permit for the prescribed burn, the organization or individual seeking the burn permit doesn't have to consult with the department about conditions.

"Anybody can get a burn permit as long as they are not canceled by a state-issued burn ban," he explained. "If a state-issued burn ban is not in effect, we are required to issue the permit."

Burn permits are requested through an online system, and the person or agency requesting the permit can indicate a date range for their burn activities. Walker said once the permit is issued, the burn can legally take place.

When did the N.C. Forest Service assume control?

Walker said the forest service did not assume operations in the Green Swamp Nature Preserve until Thursday.

"We took it over when they lost control of it," he said.

Walker explained the forest service did increase the size of the wildfire in an effort to contain and control it by depriving it of the underbrush that could fuel it. He added by driving it to man-made barriers, such as N.C. 211, the firefighters could work from the outside.

"Unfortunately, increasing the size was necessary to keep people from getting hurt," he explained.

Walker said he has spent many hours at the site since Thursday, and containing the fire could take some time.

"Our definition of containment is that we can turn our backs on it, and everything will be OK," he said. "That's not going to happen in a couple of days."

He added if the area gets a lot of rain, the fire could be extinguished by the end of next week, but without a significant amount of rain, it could be a month before the blaze is fully contained.

What's being done to control the blaze?

Around noon Sunday, the forest service announced its Red Incident Management Team had assumed command of the wildfire.

A release, posted on the N.C. Forest Service’s website, stated that firefighters would transition from “active firing operations” to “mopping up the fire’s edge.”

“Now that we’ve completed firing operations, our main objective is to keep the fire in the block of the Green Swamp Nature Preserve. If we can accomplish that, then we will be able to put this wildfire to rest,” said North Carolina Forest Service Red Team Incident Commander Greg Smith.

Mike Malcolm, an N.C. Forest Service operations section chief trainee, provided an update about firefighting efforts in a video posted to the N.C. Forest Service’s Facebook page.

In the video, Malcom noted the Incident Command Team, currently set up at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, has utilized its heavy equipment “strike teams” and overhead personnel to conduct burn out operations in order to “fight fire with fire.”

He added control lines have been installed to the south and north while also using N.C. 211 to the west. Malcolm said much of the “burn out” was completed using a helicopter dropping air ignition devices because “you can’t really walk in there.”

They will begin “mop up operations” using the N.C. Forest Service’s engines to eliminate hot spots around the perimeter of the fire.

“Going forward, we will be continuing these operations and trying to make sure that we keep this footprint of the fire right here where it’s at,” he added.

Malcolm said the next operations update would be given Monday, June 19.

How does this impact travel?

On Saturday afternoon, the North Carolina Department of Transportation closed N.C. 211 from Little Macedonia Road to Camp Branch Road for the safety of firefighters and travelers. The 8.7-mile stretch of highway will remain closed until further notice.

In the release Sunday, the North Carolina Forest Service advised wildland fire engines and large equipment would continue to be on roads in the fire area, traveling to and from assignments. Drivers are urged to use caution while traveling along N.C. 211 and U.S. 17.

More 'super fog' possible?

Many Brunswick County residents woke up to a thick blanket of “super fog” Sunday morning.

According to the North Carolina Forest Service, the “super fog” occurs when smoke mixes with fog, blanketing an area and creating significant visibility issues.

In its release Sunday, the North Carolina Forest Service said more super fog is possible.

"A weak front will linger in the region through Monday with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible," the release stated. "A sea breeze from the southeast will increase winds in the afternoon and create gusts of 10-15 miles per hour. Rainfall chances increase Tuesday and Wednesday. Lingering smoke may have potential to mix with fog."

How did the fire start?

In a Facebook post, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stated the fire began as a prescribed burn in Green Swamp Game Land on Tuesday, June 13, and on Wednesday, June 14, some pocosin — an area of boggy wetland shrubs — reignited.

On Thursday afternoon, the N.C. Forest Service announced it was battling a 2,500-acre wildfire off of Pulp Road east of N.C. 211, and at noon Sunday, the fire was estimated to be at 16,000 acres with 0% contained.

There are no injuries reported or structures being threatened.

What are the health impacts?

The N.C. Division of Air Quality has issued a Code Red alert for Brunswick County and a Code Orange alert for inland counties, including Pender.

Code Red on the Air Quality Index indicates the air quality is unhealthy for everyone and all residents should limit prolonged outdoor exposure and exertion.

Code Orange on the Air Quality Index indicates the potential for elevated levels of particle pollution that could impact sensitive populations, including older adults, younger children and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. These groups may experience health impacts when outdoors for prolonged times during these conditions and are recommended to limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

People unusually sensitive to air pollution may consider limiting their outdoor activities during a Code Yellow alert.

What restrictions are in place?

As of Sunday afternoon, a temporary flight restriction, or TFR, was in place from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. 

The NC DEQ Division of Air Quality has issued a prohibition of all burning in Brunswick County, including land clearing, due to the Code Red air quality rating.

And a burn ban has been specifically issued for the unincorporated areas within Brunswick County. All burning within 100 feet of any structure is banned within the unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. An unincorporated area is an area not within a city’s or town’s limits.

The forest service is also reminding residents to keep drones away from the fire. "While drones provide unique opportunities for aerial video and imagery of wildfire activity, they are unauthorized.," the forest service said. "Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts."

National Politics | 2 women who say abortion restrictions put them…

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National politics | 2 women who say abortion restrictions put them in medical peril feel compelled to campaign for biden.

FILE – President Joe Biden speaks about abortion access during a Democratic National Committee event Oct. 18, 2022, in Washington. As he campaigns for a second term, Biden is highlighting how women’s health has been affected by the overturning of federal abortion protections. His campaign is getting help from two women who say abortion restrictions put them in medical peril. Amanda Zurawski of Texas and Kaitlyn Joshua of Louisiana say their personal experiences are driving them to campaign for Biden in North Carolina and Wisconsin over the next two weeks. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE – Amanda Zurawski testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 26, 2023. As he campaigns for a second term, President Joe Biden is highlighting how women’s health has been affected by the overturning of federal abortion protections. His campaign is getting help from two women who say abortion restrictions put them in medical peril. Zurawski, of Texas, and Kaitlyn Joshua, of Louisiana, say their personal experiences are driving them to campaign for Biden in North Carolina and Wisconsin over the next two weeks. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Texas woman who went into premature labor, developed sepsis and nearly died and a Louisiana woman who said restrictive abortion laws prevented her from getting medical help for a miscarriage are now campaigning for President Joe Biden as the Democrat highlights how women’s health is being affected by the overturning of federal abortion protections.

Amanda Zurawski and Kaitlyn Joshua will travel to North Carolina and Wisconsin over the next two weeks to meet with doctors, local officials and voters. The Biden campaign sees their stories as potent firsthand accounts of the growing medical peril for many women as abortion restrictions pushed by Republicans complicate health care.

“The abortion topic is a very heavy topic, and I understand that, said Joshua, 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ”But I also understand and believe that the Biden and Harris administration is the only administration that could do anything remotely close to addressing the abortion bans … and then also doing a deeper dive into research and understanding women’s health in general.”

Biden and Democrats see reproductive health as a major driver for the 2024 election as the president and his proxies blame Republican Donald Trump, whose judicial nominations paved the way for the Supreme Court’s conservative majority decision in 2022 that overturned abortion rights codified by Roe v. Wade.

Republicans, including Trump, are struggling to figure out how to talk about the issue, if at all. Trump has both taken credit for the overturning of Roe and suggested abortion should be legal until 15 weeks, and has promised to make a statement outlining his policies this week.

Since the high court’s ruling, voters have approved a number of statewide ballot initiatives to preserve or expand the right to abortion. Support for abortion access drove women to the polls during the 2022 midterm elections, delivering Democrats unexpected success.

About two-thirds of Americans say abortion should generally be legal, according to polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Only about one-quarter say abortion should always be legal and only about 1 in 10 say it should always be illegal.

Joshua and her husband were excited to be having a second baby. But she started to experience bleeding and serious pain at about 11 weeks. She suspected she was miscarrying.

At an emergency room in Baton Rouge, doctors examined her but wouldn’t confirm she was miscarrying or discuss medical options, she said. She was sent home to wait. The bleeding worsened, and she went to a second hospital where again, doctors sent her home and told her to contact her doctor in a few days. A midwife eventually confirmed that Joshua had miscarried.

“Something that sounds as simple as dealing with a miscarriage can’t even be met with a true diagnosis anymore,” Joshua said. “It’s kind of wild, right? And it’s really frightening.”

Joshua and Zurawski will be in Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, a state Biden hopes to flip. The state has enacted a law banning most abortions after 12 weeks, overriding a veto from the Democratic governor.

The week after that, they will visit Milwaukee, Eau Claire and Madison, Wisconsin, a state Biden won in 2020. Republicans in the state Assembly tried to set up a statewide referendum on the April ballot banning abortion after 14 weeks of pregnancy — more restrictive than current law — but the legislative session ended without a state Senate vote.

Both women said they felt compelled to get into politics after their own experiences.

“People don’t get how bad it is, and they don’t get how bleak it is,” Zurawski said. “And so the more we continue to share our stories. … I think it’s really important to spread awareness and paint this picture.”

Zurawski, 37, of Austin sued Texas last year after she and other women could not get medical care because of the state’s abortion laws. She had been in her second trimester, after 18 months of fertility treatments, when she went into early labor and was told the baby would not survive. Doctors said they could not intervene to provide an abortion because Zurawski wasn’t in enough medical danger.

Zurawski had to wait. Three days later, her condition rapidly worsened and she developed sepsis, a dangerous medical condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. She stabilized long enough to deliver a stillborn girl, whom she named Willow. Zurawski then spent days in intensive care.

She recently returned from a family trip to Disney World and said, “I thought I’d be coming home from that trip with a 1-year-old and be putting her down for a nap.”

“But instead I’m doing this interview to help campaign for Biden,” Zurawski said. “It’s just the complete opposite world than I ever would have seen myself in.”

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2 women impacted by abortion restrictions, campaign for Biden in North Carolina

T wo women who experienced complications during pregnancy are now campaigning for President Joe Biden to talk about the impact of abortion restrictions.

Amanda Zurawski and Kaitlyn Joshua will travel to North Carolina and Wisconsin over the next two weeks to meet with doctors, local officials and voters.

The Biden campaign sees their stories as potent firsthand accounts of the growing medical peril for many women as abortion restrictions pushed by Republicans complicate health care.

"The abortion topic is a very heavy topic, and I understand that," Joshua said.

She is 31 years old from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"But, I also understand and believe that the Biden and Harris administration is the only administration that could do anything remotely close to addressing the abortion bans," Joshua said, "and then also doing a deeper dive into research and understanding women's health in general."

Biden and Democrats see reproductive health as a major driver for the 2024 election.

The president and his proxies blame Republican Donald Trump, whose judicial nominations paved the way for the Supreme Court's conservative majority decision in 2022 that overturned abortion rights codified by Roe v. Wade.

WATCH | Future of medication abortion in the spotlight again ahead of SCOTUS case

Republicans, including Trump, are struggling to figure out how to talk about the issue, if at all. Trump has both taken credit for the overturning of Roe and suggested abortion should be legal until 15 weeks. He has promised to make a statement outlining his policies this week.

Since the high court's ruling, voters have approved several statewide ballot initiatives to preserve or expand the right to abortion. Support for abortion access drove women to the polls during the 2022 midterm elections, delivering Democrats' unexpected success.

About two-thirds of Americans say abortion should be legal, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Only about one-quarter say abortion should always be legal and only about 1 in 10 say it should always be illegal.

Joshua and her husband were excited to be having a second baby. But, she started to experience bleeding and serious pain at about 11 weeks. She suspected she was miscarrying.

At an emergency room in Baton Rouge, doctors who examined her wouldn't confirm if she was miscarrying, Joshua said, or discuss her medical options. She was sent home to wait.

President Joe Biden speaks about abortion access during a Democratic National Committee event Oct. 18, 2022, in Washington.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

The bleeding worsened, and she went to a second hospital where again, doctors sent her home and told her to contact her doctor in a few days. A midwife eventually confirmed that Joshua had miscarried.

"Something that sounds as simple as dealing with a miscarriage can't even be met with a true diagnosis anymore," Joshua said. "It's kind of wild, right? And it's really frightening."

Joshua and Zurawski will be in Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, a state Biden hopes to flip. The state has enacted a law banning most abortions after 12 weeks, overriding a veto from the Democratic governor.

The week after that, they will visit Milwaukee, Eau Claire and Madison, Wisconsin, a state Biden won in 2020. Republicans in the state Assembly tried to set up a statewide referendum on the April ballot banning abortion after 14 weeks of pregnancy - more restrictive than current law - but the legislative session ended without a state Senate vote.

Both women said they felt compelled to get into politics after their own experiences.

WATCH | Abortion rights advocates call for greater access to mark Roe v. Wade anniversary

"People don't get how bad it is, and they don't get how bleak it is," Zurawski said. "And so the more we continue to share our stories. ... I think it's really important to spread awareness and paint this picture."

Zurawski, 37, or Austin sued Texas last year after she and other women could not get medical care because of the state's abortion laws.

Zurawski went into early labor in her second trimester, after 18 months of fertility treatments. She was then told her baby would not survive.

Doctors said they could not intervene to provide an abortion because Zurawski wasn't in enough medical danger. She had to wait.

Three days later, her condition rapidly worsened, and she developed sepsis, a dangerous medical condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. She stabilized long enough to deliver a stillborn girl, whom she named Willow. Zurawski then spent days in intensive care.

She recently returned from a family trip to Disney World and said, "I thought I'd be coming home from that trip with a 1-year-old and be putting her down for a nap."

"But instead, I'm doing this interview to help campaign for Biden," Zurawski said. "It's just the complete opposite world than I ever would have seen myself in."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.