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These states have issued stay-at-home orders, here's what that means

As the coronavirus pandemic grows, more states are ordering residents to stay home to combat the spread.

WASHINGTON — Almost every state in the U.S. has issued "stay at home" orders to try and stop the spread of coronavirus.

In addition, some cities and counties have issued "shelter in place" orders. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared "New York State on PAUSE" when he ordered all non-essential workers to work from home. 

These orders are not total lockdowns, and federal law allows each state or city to decide its own rules when mandating residents stay home. Generally, each order includes some exceptions that permit residents to leave their homes. Residents typically can leave if they're performing "essential" activities such as grocery shopping, going to the doctor or exercising while practicing safe social distancing. 

Certain businesses deemed essential — such as grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and doctor's offices — are typically allowed to remain open. Employees of those businesses can leave their residences to go to work. Additionally, states with stay at home orders have allowed restaurants to keep delivery and takeout operations going. 

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While practicing social distancing is essential, certain outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking or running, are generally still allowed.  

North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming and Arkansas are the only states where no one is under a stay-at-home order.

Alabama

Governor Kay Ivey on April 3 issued a full Stay at Home order. The order will begin on Saturday, April 4, at 5 p.m. and will expire Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Alaska

The state of Alaska has ordered its residents to stay home, effective Saturday, March 28. Some outdoor activities are allowed, as long as residents maintain social distancing. 

However, state officials extended indefinitely prohibitions on dine-in services at restaurants and bars and closure of facilities such as gyms and theaters as they seek to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alaska.

State health Commissioner Adam Crum said the extended restrictions announced would remain in effect until it's rescinded.

Arizona

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order restricting residents to their homes as the number of reported coronavirus cases continues to rise in the state.

The stay-at-home order will go in effect Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m. and last through April 30.

RELATED: Gov. Doug Ducey orders Arizona stay-at-home as number of coronavirus cases increases

California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a stay at home order for his state that went into effect Thursday, March 19 and will last "until further notice." 

Essential businesses such as gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, banks, laundromats and important government functions, including law enforcement, are allowed to remain open.

Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues, gyms, hair and nail salons have been closed in the state. Restaurants that offer take-out or delivery options can remain open, without dine-in service. Public events and gatherings have been canceled.

Under the mandate, California residents are still allowed to leave their homes for activities including visiting a doctor or getting a prescription. However, non-essential health visits such as eye exams and teeth cleanings should be postponed and doctor visits should be done remotely whenever possible.

Residents can exercise outdoors as long as they maintain a safe distance and stay six feet away from other people.

RELATED: Three fundamentals of the hospital 'surge' in California

Colorado

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Wednesday, March 25 he is issuing a statewide stay at home order in an attempt to stem the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Polis said he is taking this “extreme measure.” The order went into effect Thursday, March 26 until April 26.

“If we don’t take these actions that we are taking today, and frankly, if you don’t stay home, this will create a much worse economic disaster with greater disruption, greater loss of jobs for a longer period of time,” he said at a news conference.

RELATED: Gov. Polis issues statewide stay-at-home order

People should only leave home when they absolutely must, he said, for grocery shopping, to seek medical care or to care for dependents, for example.

Polis said state officials have measured the effect of social distancing restrictions by tracking people’s cellphone location data, real-time traffic information and other such metadata sources.

“The bottom line is, I don’t have the comfort level that the existing extreme measures that we’ve taken to date are enough to buy us the time we need to save lives here in Colorado,” he said.

Connecticut

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced a stay at home order effective 8 p.m. Monday, March 23. The mandate extends to April 22. 

Nonessential businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state have been asked to prohibit in-person functions whenever possible. Essential businesses including health care, food services and law enforcement are exempt.

Nonessential public gatherings of all sizes should be canceled or postponed. Those who must leave their home should not do so in groups unless they are providing an essential service. Individuals must keep at least six feet away from each other when possible. Public transportation use should be limited, and outdoor recreational activities should be limited to only non-contact activities.

RELATED: FOX61's Ben Goldman questions Gov. Lamont on various topics, including mortgage and rent relief

Delaware

Delaware's stay at home order went into effect the morning of Tuesday, March 24 and will remain until May 15, or until "the public health threat is eliminated."

“This was not an easy decision, but it’s the right decision to protect the safety of Delawareans and Delaware families,” said Gov. John Carney.

Delawareans may leave their homes to get groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor, and engage in other activities essential to their health and the health and well-being of their family members, including pets. Delawareans may also engage in outdoor activity but must adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

Essential Delaware businesses must implement flexible and non-punitive sick leave policies for their employees, and employers must follow social distancing policies, protect high-risk workers, provide hand-washing or sanitizer stations, and follow all health guidelines for internal cleaning.  

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Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a statewide stay-at-home order on April 1. Federal and local pressure had been mounting for him to abandon the county-by-county approach he had implemented.

The order went into effect on April 2, and everyone living in the state will be told to remain in their homes except for essential services and activities.

DeSantis had been defending his county-by-county approach, saying it wouldn't be fair to lock down the small, mostly rural counties with no or few confirmed infections.

RELATED: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue statewide stay-at-home order. What does it mean?

Georgia

Weeks into the coronavirus pandemic's onslaught in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp finally issued a statewide order for all Georgians to stay at home.

On April 8, Kemp extended the order until April 30. 

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Hawaii

Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed a third supplementary proclamation ordering the entire state to stay at home and work from home starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 through April 30. 

The proclamation said essential workers are except.

Health care services, grocery stores and pharmacies, food production and farms, schools, restaurants offering take-out services, hotels and motels, construction, and significant government functions are considered essential during the stay at home order.

Residents are allowed to leave their home for various needs like purchasing food, medicine and gasoline, taking care of elderly people, children and those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawaii, picking up educational materials for distance learning and outdoor exercise – including surfing, swimming and walking pets. 

However, non-compliance would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, or up to one year in jail, or both. 

Idaho

Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday, March 25 issued a stay-at-home order for the whole state, requiring everyone to self-isolate at home if possible. The order applies to all citizens, not just those who are sick.

Health care workers, public safety workers and other "essential" workers may still go to work, and people will be allowed to leave their homes to obtain or provide essential services. 

Little also ordered the closure of all dine-in restaurants, although drive-through and delivery will still be allowed. "Non-essential" businesses like gyms, bars, salons and convention centers must close. Auto repair shops, grocery stores, and health care facilities can remain open.

RELATED: Idaho coronavirus updates: Gov. Little announces 21-day 'stay-at-home' order, 123 cases in Idaho

Illinois

Illinois' stay at home order has been in place since Saturday, March 21. The state has provided a list of essential businesses that are allowed to remain open.

Gatherings of more than ten people have been banned, and Illinois State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce the mandate. Individuals aren't likely to be stopped by police for being outside, but law enforcement will receive reports of events such as crowds of people gathering, bars and restaurants that are still offering dine-in operation or employees being asked to work in-person for nonessential businesses.

Residents can continue to leave home to get groceries, exercise or take care of loved ones, as long as safe social distancing measures are taken.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said it's unlikely the order can be lifted safely before April 30.

Indiana

Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced the state's stay at home order would go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 through Monday, April 20, at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce the order, while the Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the restaurant and bar restrictions. 

Residents should stay indoors except when leaving for essential "activities for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and to take care of others." The state has provided a list of activities deemed essential.

RELATED: Stay-at-home order in Indiana starts Tuesday, here's what it means for you

Kansas

The governor of Kansas issued a statewide stay at home order, effective Monday, March 30 until at least Sunday, April 19. 

Kansas said it was the 22nd state to institute a temporary statewide stay home order. Residents are directed to stay home unless leaving for an essential activity. 

Kentucky

Kentucky's GOvernor Andy Beshear issued a "Healthy at Home" order. It went into effect on March 26.

He directed only life-sustaining businesses to remain open during the order. No end date for the order was announced.

Louisiana

Louisiana is under a stay at home order Sunday, March 22 until at least April 30. 

The order closes more businesses and enforces a stricter form of "social distancing," asking people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

New Orleans has already been under a similar order issued by Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

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Maine

Gov. Janet Mills announced Maine's stay at home order on March 31. 

The Executive Order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 2, 2020, and will last until at least April 30, 2020.

In a press conference, Mills said, "I beg the people of Maine to be patient, to be tolerant, to act with kindness, compassion, humanity towards your neighbors, your family, your friends, and your community members across the state as we engage in this unusual manner to put to bed this terrible, dangerous, deadly virus."

"I cannot simply close the state’s border or pull up the Maine New Hampshire bridge as a few people have suggested. I will insist that persons entering our state or returning to Maine from someone else, that they self-quarantine for 14 days." Mills said she would be issuing an additional order in that regard with more details in the next day or so. 

"For those people who come to Maine, however, my message is clear: you cannot escape the virus by coming here."

Maryland

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued a "Stay-at-Home" order that will go into effect at 8 p.m. on Monday, March 30. 

"We are no longer asking or suggesting for Marylanders to stay home, we are ordering them to do so," said Gov. Hogan.

Residents are not allowed to leave their homes unless they need to go to an essential store or an essential job, Hogan said.

RELATED: Gov. Hogan issues 'Stay-at-Home' order for Maryland

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker ordered all nonessential businesses to close in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 24 and remain closed through May 4. The governor also said the state Department of Health has issued a stay-at-home advisory, but stressed that it wasn't a shelter-in-place order.

“Everyone is advised to stay home and limit all unnecessary activities,” he said at a news conference. “We’re asking everyone to use their common sense, think about the impact this virus is having on the sick and elderly, and to limit their interactions with other people."

He said it was OK to take a walk at the park while keeping appropriate social distancing, but advised against pickup basketball and touch football games, or other activities that bring people into close contact with others.

Michigan

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statewide stay at home order that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24 and was expected to last through April 13.

However, Whitmer a few days before the order was supposed to expire, he extended Michigan’s stay-at-home order through April. He said it must continue longer to combat the coronavirus pandemic. 

The order was extended to May 1.

The sweeping mandate is not a recommendation, Whitmer said, but an order. 

There are exemptions for essential employees, however, and residents will still be allowed to make trips to the grocery store or hospitals or exercise outdoors. 

"The goal here is simple: Stay home. Stay safe, save lives," Whitmer said. "I know this is hard. I know this is going to be disruptive. It's certainly going to be hard on our economy as well. But our actions save lives."

RELATED: Michigan's stay at home order: What am I allowed to do?

Minnesota

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced new "stay at home" measures by video on Wednesday, March 25 to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

On April 8, Waltz extended the order until May 4, saying the original order has bought the state needed time to slow the spread of the coronavirus but that it needs to continue. 

RELATED: Stay at Home orders in Minnesota, Wisconsin explained

Mississippi 

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced a statewide stay-at-home order to try to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The order will take effect Friday, April 3 and will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on Monday, April 20.

Missouri

Governor Mike Parson on April 3 announced a statewide “Stay Home Missouri” The order is effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. 

The order explicitly states that individuals currently residing within the state of Missouri shall avoid leaving their homes or places of residence unless necessary.

“First and foremost, I want everyone to know that I love this state and the people of this state,” Governor Parson said. “The people of this great state clearly define who we are in Missouri, and as Governor, I have no greater responsibility than to protect the health, well-being, and safety of all Missourians.”

In order to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Governor Parson’s order includes specific guidance for staying home, social distancing, businesses and employees, schools, restaurants, firearm sales, and state government buildings. 

The order will be followed throughout the state and enforced by all local and state health authorities. Local public health authorities are directed to carry out and enforce the provisions of the Order by any legal means.

Montana 

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Thursday, March 26 announced that he's ordering the state’s one million residents to stay in their homes in a stepped-up effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

The stay-at-home order was extended through April 24. Under it, people will be allowed to leave home to shop for necessities such as food, to seek medical care and for outdoor activities — as long as they stay 6 feet apart from one another — among other exceptions. Essential activities, services and businesses will be allowed to continue uninterrupted.

Nevada

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak is extending his order closing the state's casinos, schools and non-essential businesses by two weeks, keeping the state's hospitality industry and most other business shuttered until the end of April.

The new order mirrors national social distancing guidelines that President Donald Trump decided over the weekend to extend until April 30 to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

New Hampshire 

New Hampshire's governor announced on Thursday, March 26 that the state would be issuing a stay-at-home order starting. The stay-at-home order is in effect until May 4, 2020. 

Gov. Chris Sununu reiterated on Twitter that it is not a "shelter in place" order and stressed that residents can still leave their homes for essential reasons. 

New Jersey

New Jersey's stay at home order went into effect on Saturday, March 21 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Gov. Phil Murphy expressed anger Sunday at reports of people in New Jersey ignoring his stay-at-home order and warned, “We're going to take action."

Saying he wanted “no gatherings of any kind," Murphy acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing such an order in every part of the state but said he wanted people to “stay home, period."

New Mexico 

New Mexico's stay at home order went into effect on Tuesday, March 24 and will remain in effect until further notice. 

The announcement marked a sharp change in tone by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who said too many people were engaging in unnecessary, risky social interactions that could lead to a spike in coronavirus infections that might overwhelm the health care system and make it impossible to attend to acute cases with respiratory problems.

“We want to not have the unmanageable spike in cases,” she said. "The only way that we do that is putting orders like this in place."

New York

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, which is, in essence, a stay-at-home order for the state. 

Cuomo's order said all non-essential businesses had to be closed by 8 p.m. Sunday, March 22 and added new restrictions for residents. 

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North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced a statewide mandate to prohibit non-essential travel and operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The statewide 'stay at home' proclamation has ordered residents to suspend all unnecessary travel through April 29.

The governor put things bluntly on Twitter, explaining what the order means is "Stay at home. That's it, that's the tweet." 

Ohio

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a stay-at-home order Sunday, March 22 for all Ohioans. 

"We haven't faced any enemy like we are facing today in 102 years," DeWine said a press briefing. The order took effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 23 and remains through May 1. Officials will reassess the situation at that time. 

The stay-at-home order still allows for citizens to leave for the following reasons: health and safety, necessary supplies and outdoor activity. 

RELATED: Northeast Ohioans share signs of hope and support

RELATED: Poll: Nearly 80% of Ohioans approve of Gov. DeWine's response to the coronavirus pandemic

Oklahoma 

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a statewide "Safer at Home" order for adults over the age of 65 and vulnerable individuals with serious underlying medical conditions until April 30. 

"The best way to slow the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19 is through aggressive testing and tracing, as well as continuing to practice social distancing,” said Gov. Stitt. “I know how much these decisions affect people, but this is the right time to take these steps in order to protect our health care workers, our hospital systems and each other. These next few weeks are critical, and it will take all of us doing our part to stop the spread in Oklahoma.” 

The order closed all businesses not identified as being within a critical infrastructure sector, like gyms, salons, massage parlors and movie theaters.

Oregon

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued strict orders on Monday, March 23 to shut down non-essential businesses and constrain social and recreational gatherings.

The move, which lists violations as a Class C misdemeanor, forces closure of businesses like arcades, barbershops, hair salons, gyms and fitness studios, skating rinks, playgrounds, theaters, sports facilities and yoga studios.

Businesses that remain open must implement social distancing guidelines, keeping customers at least six feet apart. Employers must give their employees the opportunity to work from home. The order does not affect families in homes.

Read the complete executive order here.

RELATED: Oregon, Washington officials fighting to get medical supplies as emergency stashes run dry

RELATED: Who do I call if my workplace is violating Gov. Brown's stay home order?

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf initially issued a "stay at home” order for seven counties in the state to help stop the spread of COVID-19. On April 1, it was expanded to include the entire state.

The order will be in place until April 30.

“We appreciate the shared sacrifice of all 12.8 million Pennsylvanians; we are in this together,” Wolf said in a statement. 

Residents may leave their homes for a number of reasons that include working at a business that’s still open, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, visiting a doctor, caring for a relative or heading outside to exercise. Police will continue to focus on informing residents of the order rather than on enforcement, according to the governor's office.

The order has several guidelines about what is allowed and not allowed for the specific counties. Click here to read more.

RELATED: Update on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania for Wednesday, March 25

Rhode Island

Gov. Gina Raimondo issued a statewide stay-at-home order on March 28, which is scheduled to last until May 8. 

The order also prohibits all gatherings of more than five people and orders anyone going to Rhode Island for a non-work-related reason to self-quarantine for 14 days.  

Tennessee

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee strengthened a stay-at-home order after initially resisting a statewide mandate despite pleas from the medical community that more robust action was needed to confront the coronavirus.

Lee, a Republican, said that a recent uptick in “movement around the state” forced him to order individuals to avoid all non-essential travel until April 14 because of the global pandemic.

Previously, the first-term governor had only “strongly urged” people to stay home, saying he was stopping short of a statewide mandate to “protect personal liberties.”

However, Lee's newest order does not include a strong enforcement mechanism. Instead, Lee said during a media briefing that it'll be up to individual law enforcement agencies to decide how to implement the order.

Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott says “shelter-in-place” or “stay-at-home” are not good terms to use when describing an executive order issued on March 31.

But he is telling Texans to stay home except for when conducting essential business.

“I’m establishing essential services and activities protocol,” he said at a news conference. He said his order would be in place through April 30.

He directed Texans to an online list of essential services as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Texas is the largest station in the nation without an official stay-at-home order in place, according to the New York Times.

Abbott said, “To the extent that any county or local jurisdiction has any rule that’s inconsistent with this executive order, it is overridden in this executive order.”

Collin County is one of the only urban counties in North Texas allowing non-essential businesses, such as furniture stores and clothing boutiques, to remain open.

Utah

Governor Gary R. Herbert issued a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” directive to all Utahns.

Utahns are expected to stay home whenever possible. The directive includes specific instructions for all individuals, as well as high-risk individuals -- 60 years and older and those with serious underlying medical conditions, and children. The directives regarding hygiene, gatherings, travel, and outdoor recreation are effective immediately. 

The order has been extended to the end of April.

Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday, March 24 ordered in-person operations of non-essential businesses to close and Vermonters to stay home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“I want to be very clear about this: We need everyone to limit activities outside of the home and to practice social distancing at all times to slow the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus,” he said in a written statement.

All businesses and not-for-profit entities not exempted must suspend all in-person business operations, the governor said. Online or phone operations, or sales through curbside pickup or delivery only, can continue, he said. Grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and health care operations and news media are exempt.

The order was extended through May 15.

Virginia

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has announced a mandatory stay-at-home order effective March 30 until June 10. 

The mandatory stay-at-home order would still allow for people to leave their homes for certain essential activities like shopping for food and seeking medical treatment.

“We are in a public health crisis, and we need everyone to take this seriously and act responsibly,” Northam said. “Our message to Virginians is clear: stay home.

Washington

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home order to fight coronavirus spread on Monday, March 23.

Essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies will stay open. 

People can still go outside for walks, but must maintain a social distance of six feet. Inslee said there's no reason people should rush the stores. Everyone is encouraged to buy what they need when they need it. 

The order is for Washington residents to "Stay Home and Stay Healthy" in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus in the state.

However, on April 2, Inslee extended orders to keep non-essential businesses closed and most of the state’s residents home through May 4, saying that social distancing measures must remain in place an additional month in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

RELATED: Gov. Inslee extends Washington stay home mandate through May 4

Washington, DC

Following the lead of the surrounding states, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued a stay-at-home order to help slow the spread of coronavirus across the District. The order goes into effect Wednesday, April 1. The order will remain in place through April 24.  

RELATED: DC issues Stay-At-Home order: Here's what you can leave your house for

“Our message remains the same: stay home,” said Mayor Bowser. “Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family, and our entire community from COVID-19. Many people want to know how they can help right now, and for most people this is how – by staying home.” 

West Virginia 

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice issued a statewide stay-home directive and ordered nonessential businesses to close.

The order, which allows people to go out for food, medicine and other important items, went into effect at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 Justice said in a news conference. He didn't set an end date.

“A stay-at-home order is not martial law,” the governor said. “It’s not we’re shutting down the state borders. It's not we’re closing down bridges and roads."

"Let me tell you what it is: You can leave your home to perform or receive essential services, or if you work at an essential service business. It means you can leave to obtain food. It means you can do outdoor activities.”

Wisconsin 

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued a "Safer at Home" order effective Wednesday, March 25 until 8 a.m. on Friday, April 24.

"Over the past few days, I’ve talked with public health experts and with business leaders and local elected officials around the state. Overwhelmingly the response I heard is that we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin," Evers tweeted. 

While the official order had not yet been released, Evers tweeted that essential workers would continue to be allowed to travel to and from work and residents can still go out for essential reasons. 

RELATED: Read the full Wisconsin 'safer at home' order

The Associated Press contributed.

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