Lifting coronavirus lockdowns: More than half of states are making moves to reopen. See the list.

More than half of states have announced plans to relax social distancing restrictions aimed at not only curbing the spread of the coronavirus, but also bringing the faltering economy back to life.

Some states have simple plans. Others are more ambitious.

Georgia was one of the first states to enact aggressive plans to ease stay-at-home restrictions over the objection of some local officials and even President Donald Trump. Gov. Brian Kemp allowed gyms, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons, and massage therapists to reopen April 24. Restrictions on in-person religious services, restaurants and theaters were all also relaxed.

Yet, while Trump criticized Kemp, he lauded Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a tweet Tuesday morning for a "great job being done." Abbott unveiled his plan Monday that will see all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls open Friday at a 25% capacity level, just one week after Kemp's plan went into effect.

Most states, however, have favored a more gradual approach. Many announced in recent days a framework for reopening, often with tentative dates or benchmarks where restrictions may be relaxed.

Leaders around the country have expressed concern that opening too soon could allow for a deadly second wave of virus spread, causing further damage to the United States' already battered economy.

“Unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery, economically, is not going to happen,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top authority on infectious diseases, said.

Trump, who announced guidelines April 16 for states to start opening their economies, has pushed to relax the U.S. lockdown by May 1, a plan that hinges partly on more coronavirus testing.

Several states announced plans to coordinate their response with neighbors: California is moving forward in coordination with Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada; governors from Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have also announced plans to form a joint task force.

Here is how all 50 states – plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. – are making moves to roll back social distancing regulations. We will keep this file updated as measures are announced:

Alabama

On April 28, Gov. Kay Ivey outlined her "Safer At Home" order, which goes into effect 5 p.m. April 30, immediately after Alabama's stay-at-home order expires.

The new order allows all retail businesses to open at 50% of their occupancy levels and abide by social distancing and sanitation measures. Beaches will open, but gatherings will be restricted to fewer than 10 people and visitors must observe 6 feet of distance from each other.

Restaurants, bars and breweries will remain limited to take-out, curbside or delivery.

And night clubs, theaters, bowling alleys, gyms and fitness centers, hairs salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors and other close-contact service providers will remain closed. Churches will stay closed and are encouraged to provide drive-in or online services.

"Safer At Home" expires 5 p.m. May 15.

Alaska

On April 24, Alaska began allowing restaurants to resume dine-in service and retail shops and other businesses to reopen, all with limitations, under an initial phase of a plan to restart parts of the economy.

Personal care services, like barber shops and nail and hair salons, were allowed to reopen Monday, as were restaurants. However, all are operating under strict guidelines intended to guard against spreading the virus.

Anchorage, the state's largest city, waited until April 27 to slowly began reopening.

Gatherings have been limited to 20 people, or 25% maximum capacity, whichever number is smaller and can now include guests from other households. Social distancing, however, must be obeyed.

Religious services must also follow the gathering guidelines.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy and health officials have issued a number of health orders as a part of the phased Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan.

Arizona

Gov. Doug Ducey on April 29 extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 15, with some businesses reopening on a limited basis as early as May 4.

A week earlier, on April 22, Ducey had announced that hospitals and outpatient centers could resume elective surgeries on May 1.

Retailers can start to reopen May 8 as long as they follow safety protocols like reducing occupancy, enforcing physical distancing requirements and expanding sanitation measures. On May 12, restaurants could start providing dine-in services.

Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced April 22 the state wold begin lifting restrictions on elective medical procedures; that went into effect April 27. Hutchinson has said he hopes to begin lifting some other restrictions May 4.

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom said on April 28 that students may return to their schools during their normal summer to compensate for lost classroom time.

He also noted that some business sectors, such as retail and manufacturing, may be able to open within weeks if the state's testing capability grows and case numbers slow. But other businesses such as hair salons will take longer. Large gatherings such as concerts still remain out of reach, he said.

Earlier, Newsom said on April 22 that California was not prepared "to open up large sectors of our society" but made the first modification to the state's stay-at-home order with the resumption of "essential" surgeries.

Meanwhile, some San Diego county beaches began reopening for exercise on April 27. A patchwork of local beach regulations in Southern California has spawned confusion as officials attempt to avoid overcrowded beaches while still increasing access to the coast.

Colorado

One week before the state's stay-at-home order lifted April 27, Gov. Jared Polis announced the next phase, called "safer at home": The goal is for Coloradans to maintain 60%-65% social distancing, and vulnerable residents should continue to shelter in place.

Polis said the state will work with nonessential businesses on guidelines to phase in reopening beginning May 1. On May 4, nonessential business offices can reopen with half the usual staff to allow for social distancing.

Personal services – such as hair salons, dog groomers and tattoo parlors – can reopen with strict guidelines in place. Retail opened for curbside April 27; there will be phased-in opening for in-person operations beginning May 1. Gyms remain closed.

Schools will remain closed, and bars and restaurants will not immediately reopen.

On April 27, Colorado also joined California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada in the Western States Pact, a coalition that shares aligns reopening plans with other states in the region.

Connecticut

On April 10, Gov. Ned Lamont extended that state's stay-at-home order through May 20 and cautioned that gradual reopening may be even later than that, citing the need for increased testing.

Delaware

Reopening the state will happen in phases, according to an April 23 statement from the Gov. John Carney. The state doesn't want to fully reopen its economy yet because it wants to avoid a resurgence in new cases.

Reopening would start with opening up certain sectors such as restaurants, gyms, theaters and churches, while still requiring social distancing in those places. Schools and bars would likely not be among the first to reopen, and people would still be asked to work remotely if they can.

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis said April 29 he is easing back on Florida’s month-long shutdown. The first phase will go into effect May 4, but will exclude Miami-Dade, Broward and West Palm Beach counties.

Elective surgeries can resume, restaurants can offer outdoor seating with six feet of social distance and indoor seating must be at 25% of normal capacity. Indoor retail businesses can operate at 25% indoor capacity. Bars and gyms would remain closed; Schools will remain in distance learning. DeSantis has said he has no plans to reopen movie theaters.

DeSantis urged everyone to continue observing social distancing, avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people and wearing face masks in situations when physical distance is difficult to achieve. He also recommended that Florida’s most vulnerable population, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, remain sheltered in place.

DeSantis gave some municipalities the green light April 17 to reopen beaches with restricted hours for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing. In Jacksonville, people enthusiastically flocked to beaches when they reopened, drawing criticism on social media. DeSantis said schools would remain closed through the end of the academic year.

Georgia

Gyms, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons, massage therapists wereamong businesses allowed to reopen in Georgia on April 24, less than a month after the state forced them to close amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In-person religious services resumed over the April 25-26 weekend, and restaurants and theaters reopenedon April 27 with "specific social distancing and sanitation mandates."

Hawaii

On April 25, Gov. David Ige announced that he would be extending the state's stay-at-home directive and mandatory quarantine for travelers entering Hawaii through May 31.

Ige did say that beaches could be used to access oceans for outdoor water exercise like swimming and surfing and for "running, jogging, or walking on the beach, so long as social distancing requirements are maintained."

The latest order indicates that elective surgeries can resume "as each facility determines to be appropriate."

Idaho

Gov. Brad Little announced on April 23 a four-phase plan to begin on May 1 for restoring normal activity in Idaho. His stay-at-home order remains in effect until April 30. Little didn't say if that will be extended.

Little’s plan will begin with similar conditions to his stay-at-home order with both public and private gatherings to be avoided. Churches and almost all retail shops could open as long as they follow strict physical distancing guidelines and other protocols.

Little has allowed some businesses to reopen if they could offer curbside service and ensure social distancing.

Illinois

Before his stay-at-home order was set to expire at the end of April, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced April 23 that he would be signing an extension that runs through May 30.

Under the new order, masks would be mandatory for all residents above the age of 2 in public spaces. State parks will begin to open, although social distancing measures must be obeyed. Retail stores not currently deemed essential will be allowed to fill orders for delivery or pick-up. And Illinoisans forced to postpone surgeries and medical tests will be able to begin rescheduling some of them.

But on April 27, a judge in southern Illinois ruled that Pritzker's stay-at-home order exceeds his emergency authority and violates individual civil rights, according to the Associated Press. The judge sided with Republican Rep. Darren Bailey, who sought a temporary restraining order against the Democratic governor's executive order.

Pritzker promised “swift” action to overturn the judge's order, which applies only to Bailey but allows other individuals and groups to challenge the order.

Indiana

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said routine care like dentist's offices, abortion clinics, dermatology offices and veterinary clinics reopened on April 27.

Holcomb's latest order went into effect on April 20 and ends on May 1. All of the policies regarding staying at home except for essential activities are still in place.

Holcomb has said he'll consider factors like the rate of spread of the novel coronavirus in Indiana, testing and tracing capabilities, hospital capacity and social distancing practices when deciding when and how to reopen to state.

He's aiming to start re-opening the economy in early May, but the governor won't give a specific date and has stressed that it will happen in phases. Holcomb is working with officials from six nearby states — including Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky — to coordinate strategies.

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds said April 27 that select businesses in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties can resume operating, with limited capacity, starting May 1.

Those include restaurants, fitness centers and retail stores, which must obey 50% limitations on normal operating capacity. Social, community, recreational and leisure sporting events can open with limits to 10 people and spiritual and religious gatherings must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Malls can also open at 50% operating capacity, but must keep play areas and other common seating areas, such as food courts, closed.

Reynolds also said on April 24 she will allow elective surgeries and farmers markets to open with some restrictions. She described it as a first step in a long process of reopening Iowa's economy.

Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order April 16 that extended the state's stay-at-home directive through May 3.

Calling it the "biggest frustration" she had, Kelly said April 23 the state was "nowhere near where we need to be with testing supplies" and added that the shortage could lengthen the time the stay-at-home remains in place. Kelly supports a phased economic reopening following widespread testing and contact testing.

Kentucky

Gov. Andy Beshear announced on April 28 the 10 steps he wants Kentucky businesses to take before opening their doors.

Among those requirements, businesses should enforce social distancing, limit face-to-face meetings and provide sanitizer/hand wash stations. Beshear asked businesses seeking to reopen to submit plans for how they can operate while abiding by federal guidelines

Beshear also announced that Kentuckians will be asked to wear face masks in public, effective May 11. This applies to people working in every area that has reopened at that time, workers in essential businesses and people anytime they go in public where they will be around other people.

More details about phased reopening plans are expected in late April.

Beshear also announced an initial phase of resuming hospital services such as diagnostic and radiology procedures.

Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards has extended his stay-at-home order through May 15, citing recent coronavirus case or hospitalization spikes in regions like Acadiana, Baton Rouge and Monroe as evidence the state's infection rate remains dangerously high.

Most businesses closed under the current order like dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, barber shops and spas won't be able to reopen when the governor's current order expires April 30 and that churches will be limited to 10 worshipers if they open.

Maine

On April 28, Gov. Janet Mills announced that she will extend a stay-at-home order through a modified order that goes into effect May 1.

Stage 1 of the order still prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people and mandates all who enter the state to quarantine for 14 days. And when out in public when social distancing is difficult to observe, it requires the use of cloth face coverings.

Provided that social distancing measures and proper hygiene are observed, hair salons, pet grooming, drive-in movie theaters, auto dealerships and car washes can reopen on a limited basis.

Religious institutions will be restricted to drive-in, stay-in-your-vehicle services.

The order also allows certain outdoor recreational activities like hunting and fishing to resume.

Called “Stay Safer at Home,” the order will run through May 31.

Maryland

Gov. Larry Hogan said April 24 that Maryland could be ready by early May to begin phase one of its three-phase recovery process.

Maryland isn't ready to lift restrictions right now, but the governor said he's optimistic.

Phase one: Lifting the stay-at-home order, reopening many small businesses and restarting low-risk community activities

Phase two: Allow for a larger number of businesses to reopen, including restaurants and bars, with significant safety precautions in place.

Phase three: Begin permitting larger events and lessening restrictions even further.

“If we try to rush this and if we don't do it in a thoughtful and responsible way, it could cause a rebound of the virus, which could deepen the economic crisis, prolong the fiscal problems and slow our economic recovery,” Hogan said.

Massachusetts

Gov. Charlie Baker announced April 28 that the state's stay-at-home advisory will be extended until May 18.

"If we act too soon, we could risk a spike in infections that could force our state to revert to serious restrictions again,” Baker said. “This scenario would be far worse for our economy, and for our communities, and for our people.”

The order had been set to expire May 4.

Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order April 24 that extended the Michigan stay-home order to May 15 while relaxing some restrictions.

Among the changes, the order:

Allows certain businesses that had been closed, like plant nurseries and bicycle repair shops, to reopen, but under social distancing guidelines.

Permits some outdoor activities, including motorized boating and golf, to resume, though the use of golf carts still is prohibited.

Says businesses which had been restricted or closed because they were deemed to provide nonessential items can reopen, but only for curbside pickup or delivery. And it allows large retailers to reopen certain parts of their stores, like their garden centers or paint sections.

Minnesota

Some businesses are now able to reopen will be able to reopen under an executive order signed April 23 by Gov. Tim Walz.

The order will allow "industrial, manufacturing and office-based businesses that are not customer-facing to return to work beginning on Monday," with conditions, Department of Employment and Economic Development Steve Grove said during the conference.

Another executive order closed schools in Minnesota through the end of the school year.

Previously, on April 17, Walz signed an executive order that reopened outdoor recreational businesses, including golf courses, bait shops, public and private marinas and outdoor shooting ranges. The order went into effect the following day and requires residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mississippi

Gov. Tate Reeves on April 24 issued a new executive order for Mississippians that he calls "Safer-at-Home," which allows most retail stores to open with certain guidelines, but keeps other businesses closed.

"We are starting to reopen out economy," he said. "But we are not slamming the door wide open. It's not a light switch that you turn on and off. It's a dimmer."

The new order took effect at 8 a.m. April 27 and will remain in effect until May 11.

It allowed clothing, gift and other retail locations to open, but owners and managers must take precautions such as sending home sick employees, wearing masks in common areas, using proper sanitation procedures, providing hand sanitizer for customers and limiting the number of customers at any given time.

Reeves said the businesses that won't be allowed to open are ones that generally involve close, interpersonal contact, such as movie theaters, museums, casinos, entertainment venues and gyms.

Missouri

On April 27, Gov. Mike Parson announced the first phase of the "Show Me Strong Recovery" plan that will allow all Missouri businesses to open May 4, provided social distancing requirements are followed. Proper hygiene and hand washing is also encouraged.

“Opening these businesses is going to look very different for a while, but I’m confident Missourians will abide by the guidelines as we move forward,” Parson said.

For businesses of less than 10,000 square feet, number of employees should be limited to 25% of the maximum capacity, while that figure drops to 10% for retailers of 10,000 square feet or more.

The state's stay-at-home order expires May 3.

Montana

On April 22, Gov. Steve Bullock announced a phased reopening plan that allowed church services to resume April 26 and retail businesses on April 27 "if they can adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing."

Restaurants, casinos, bars, breweries and distilleries can open May 4 with limited capacity. Schools will can return to "in-classroom teaching delivery at the discretion of local school boards" on May 7.Montana public schools are mostly not taking Bullock up on the offer to resume classes.

Nebraska

Gov. Pete Ricketts on April 29 announced plans to ease coronavirus restrictions in Lincoln and other parts of Nebraska, including some of the state's least-populated counties, even though the number of confirmed cases has surged.

Ricketts said he will extend the state's current public health restrictions in the Lincoln area through May 10, and will then relax them to match the less stringent rules that are set to go into effect in Omaha on Monday. The Lincoln-area restrictions were originally set to expire on May 6.

Nebraska's current statewide restrictions prohibit restaurants from offering dine-in services and have forced the closure of salons and tattoo parlors. They also limited day care centers to allow no more than 10 children in one room.

The new, lighter rules will allow salons, tattoo parlors and restaurant dining rooms to reopen with limits on the number of people who can be present. Restaurant employees will have to wear masks, and dining groups will have to be seated at least 6 feet apart. Day cares will be allowed to have up to 15 children per room.

Nebraska is one of the handful of states without a formal stay-at-home order, although many of the restrictions Ricketts imposed are similar.

Nevada

Gov. Steve Sisolak plans to extend a stay-at-home order set to expire on May 1, even as he eases other coronavirus-prevention measures first imposed on Nevada businesses last month.

The first-term Democrat has debuted a “framework” for recovery that would allow for the limited reopening of gyms, certain restaurants and some outpatient surgery facilities. He said those operations could look forward to unlocking their doors once the state has, among other things, seen a 14-day decline in positive COVID tests and hospitalizations.

More specifics on his plan to ease restrictions are expected before May 1.

Sisolak has said Nevada schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

On April 27, Nevada also joined California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado in the Western States Pact, a coalition that shares aligns reopening plans with other states in the region.

New Hampshire

Gov. Chris Sununu issued a stay-at-home mandate that is set to expire May 4. But on April 24, he extended a state of emergency declaration through at least May 15, saying the outbreak has "expanded significantly."

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy announced April 29 that state and county parks and golf courses can reopen as soon as May 2.

Murphy eased closures that he put in place April 7, opening all state parks and giving counties and golf course operators the discretion to open their parks and courses this weekend.

On April 27, Murphy laid out a "road map" for restarting New Jersey's economy with a series of public health benchmarks that indicate the state is many weeks away from returning to any semblance of normal life.

Reopening is still an aspirational prospect and the stay-at-home order Murphy issued five weeks ago will remain in effect "until further notice," he said. Given the sustained deaths and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 and the lag in testing capacity, Murphy acknowledged that he doesn't know when the state will be able to "start this journey" of reopening.

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 22 presented criteria the state would use to determine if the state's hospital system had the capacity to allow business to resume in phases.

Some nonessential businesses would reopen in the first phase while gatherings would still be prohibited. In subsequent phases, more business would be allowed to reopen while requirements for physical distancing and limits on gatherings would remain in effect.

No dates have yet been set for when those phases may begin, but Grisham has said the state is likely to extend major social distancing and business restrictions through May 15

New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said April 29 that he would sign an executive order authorizing the resumption of elective surgeries in all upstate New York communities except for Erie County. Cuomo said April 27 that he would extend the "New York State on PAUSE" plan in regions most-impacted by the virus beyond May 15, the date by which the stay-at-home restrictions were to be lifted.

Areas not as severely impacted may see a gradual easing of restrictions. The businesses that could open first are construction and manufacturing, Cuomo said.

He added that the state would "be smart about it" and would follow CDC guidelines that recommend states show a 14-day decline in cases and would consider continued social distancing and face mask measures.

On April 18, New York joined Connecticut and New Jersey in opening up their marinas, boatyards and boat launches for recreational use.

The state updated its guidance for golf courses, opening the door for public and private courses to open. Golfers will have to walk the course and carry their own bags without a motorized cart, according to Dani Lever, Cuomo's communication director.

North Carolina

The state's stay-at-home order will extend through May 8, Gov. Roy Cooper announced April 23. When trends improve, the state will use a three-phase approach to gradually ease restrictions.

"If our infections spike or our benchmark trends start to move in the wrong direction, we may have to move back to a previous phase to protect public health," Cooper said.

In phase one, a stay-at-home order remains in place, but people can leave home for more commercial activities (including shopping at certain retail stores). Among the other changes in the first phase: Gatherings would be limited to no more than 10 people but parks can open, subject to gathering limits.

North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum unveiled guidelines April 28 for reopening certain businesses that have been closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Burgum had ordered all bars, restaurants, barber shops, beauty salons and health clubs shut down until April 30.

Burgum said it's unlikely that he will extend the order because he believes the state has made significant strides in containing the spread of COVID-19, even though the number of confirmed cases is still rising.

Ohio

On April 27, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled his plan to reopen Ohio's economy in several phases.

Starting on May 1, health care procedures and operations that don't require an overnight stay can resume, as can dental visits and trips to the vet. On May 4, construction, manufacturing and distribution business can reopen. And on May 12, consumer and retail business can reopen.

All businesses that reopen must provide face coverings for employees, conduct health assessments to ensure workers are "fit for duty," practice proper hygiene and social distancing, clean workplaces throughout the day and limit capacity to a maximum of 50% of the normal amount.

Some businesses like restaurants, day cares, schools, bars, theaters and gyms will remain closed.

Oklahoma

Gov. Kevin Stitt enacted a plan called "Open Up and Recover Safely" April 22 that allowed personal care businesses to open April 24 by appointment only.

These include hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and pet groomers and must follow sanitation and social distancing guidelines. Customers are encouraged to wait in their cars until the time of their appointments.

Churches will open May 1 "if they leave every other row or pew open" and follow social distancing measures. Restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and tattoo parlors (by appointment only) can also open May 1.

Oregon

Starting May 1, Oregon medical providers can resume non-urgent medical procedures, Gov. Kate Brown announced April 23.

Brown had ordered providers to stop doing non-emergency procedures in an effort to preserve hospital space and protective gear like gowns, masks and gloves to care for COVID-19 patients.

The move is what Brown calls a "step forward" as the state ponders loosening some restrictions meant to limit the spread of new cases of COVID-19.

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Wolf announced on April 22 a three-phase, color-coded plan that will be used to reopen the state's counties in the coming weeks; select restrictions could be lifted in some areas as soon as May 8.

He said several metrics will be used to move counties from red, yellow or green status.

"Red, obviously, is the phase we are in right now," Wolf said. "The move to yellow and green will be data-driven, evidence-based decisions. Right now we are looking at counties that have under 50 cases per 100,000 individuals over the course of 14 days to return to work."

Wolf said the move to yellow would lift stay-at-home restrictions in favor of aggressive mitigation and would open in-person retail, although curbside and delivery is preferable. Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities and all entertainment would remain closed. Restaurants and bars would be limited to carryout and delivery.

Wolf also announced that he will reopen construction in the state beginning on May 1, moved up from May 8.

After state liquor stores were closed in March, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is now allowing select stores to offer curbside delivery.

Previously Wolf signed a bill to allow online notary services so online auto sales can resume.

Puerto Rico

A medical task force appointed by Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced submitted recommendations on April 25, suggesting that Puerto Rico abide by strict social distancing and hygienic measures for 18 to 24 months, absent of a vaccine or proven treatment for the virus.

The task force recommends a gradual reopening in four stages, broken down by the infection rate per industry. In the first tier are construction, mining, computing, agriculture and manufacturing. Rather than provide specific target dates for the stages, it recommended enacting each by monitoring the rate of transmission on the island.

On April 11, Vázquez Garced extended a lockdown order through May 3. It allows residents to leave their homes only from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for essential activities. After 9:00 p.m., a daily curfew goes into effect until the following morning.

Rhode Island

If Rhode Islanders continue their adherence to coronavirus-containment measures, Gov. Gina Raimondo hopes to be able to lift her existing stay-at-home order on May 9, Raimondo said April 27.

That would begin the first part of a multi-phase process over the next many months aimed at reviving the economy and restoring life to something resembling normal.

Raimondo on April 22 announced plans to roll out a staged reopening of parks and beaches in the coming weeks, citing encouraging virus statistics.

“It is my hope that we will be able to enjoy our parks and beaches in some form or fashion in the month of May,” she said.

South Carolina

Gov. Henry McMaster on April 27 extended South Carolina's state of emergency order to mid-May.

The extension allows McMaster to continue issuing executive orders as the state responds to the coronavirus pandemic. McMaster has begun to ease orders on some businesses and outdoor recreation while keeping others — including a stay-at-home order — in effect.

McMaster announced a plan April 21 called "Accelerate South Carolina" to "stomp on the gas" and reopen certain sectors of the economy.

Clothing, department, furniture, jewelry and sporting goods stores, as well as florists and flea markets can reopen but will be forced to operate at reduced capacity. The closure on beaches will be lifted, though it will be up to local officials to decide on the reopening of specific beaches.

The order still encourages social distancing directives to be followed. Barber shops, beauty salons, bingo halls, gyms and nightclubs must remain closed for now.

South Dakota

Gov. Kristi Noem unveiled in late April a "Back to Normal Plan" for businesses and residents for the next phase of the coronavirus response.

The plans lays out actions for South Dakota residents, employers, schools and health care providers once four criteria categories are met, including a downward trajectory of documented coronavirus cases for 14 days in an area with sustained community spread.

However, some South Dakotans will never be able to return to normal because they've lost a family member to coronavirus, Noem said, adding, "My heart breaks for them."

Noem had not issued a stay-at-home order, but had placed some statewide restrictions.

Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee on April 29 told lawmakers he planned to reopen salons and barber shops May 6, the latest in a string of restrictions to be loosened in the state.

Details of business restrictions in the order, which also continued the state of emergency in Tennessee, apply to all but six counties in the state. Those counties, which are home to the state's larger urban areas, are following the guidance of their respective health departments which are operated locally, and not by the state.

Previously Lee allowed for the to reopen restaurants on April 27, many retailers on April 29 and gyms on May 1, each of which which came with rules on limited capacity and suggested guidelines.

The all-clear to reopen those businesses does not apply to Tennessee's largest cities, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and others.

On April 28, Lee issued an executive order extending the closure of bars and close-contact businesses through the end of May.

Texas

On April 27, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he will let his stay-at-home order expire April 30 and signed Phase One of his Open Texas plan that will see many business reopen.

On May 1, all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls can open, but must operate at a 25% capacity level from their listed occupancy. Public areas inside malls like food-courts and play areas must remain closed.

Outdoor sports like golf and tennis can resume, as long as four people or fewer are participating in the event and social distancing is followed.

Through Phase One of Abbott's plan, public swimming pools, bars, gyms, cosmetology salons, massage parlors, bowling alleys, arcades and tattoo and piercing studios will remain closed.

Abbott announced executive orders April 17 that mandated all schools, public and private, to remain closed for the rest of the school year.

Utah

Starting May 1, Utah is moving from a "red" to "orange" phase of Gov. Gary Herbert's proposal to gradually scale back restrictions.

The state will allow gatherings of up to 20 people, and most businesses, including dine-in restaurants, will be allowed to open as long as they follow specific guidelines spelled out in the state's plan.

Every household in the state also has a chance to order face masks from the government. The program, which he dubbed "A Mask for every Utahn," was unveiled as Herbert announced an official step back from the state's most stringent stay-at-home orders.

Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott said on April 24 he will allow small crews of five workers or less to work outdoors or in unoccupied structures.

Scott is also allowing manufacturing and distribution businesses to open with a maximum of five employees or fewer staying 6 feet apart. Outdoor garden centers and greenhouses will also be allowed to open with some restrictions.

For businesses that are already open using curbside service, Scott asked them to continue to operate with the minimum number of people.

On April 17, Scott announced plans to reopen some businesses – under restrictions – on April 20. Farmers markets can reopen in limited capacities, starting May 1.

Virginia

Gov. Ralph Northam on April 29 announced that elective surgeries and dental procedures can resume May 1. Veterinarians will also be allowed to see non-emergency pets, Northam said.

Northam has said the state’s stay-at-home order, in effect through June 10, could be changed and has not outlined a specific timeline for reopening businesses.

During the first phase, social distancing will continue, teleworking will be encouraged and the state will still recommend wearing face coverings in public.

Northam plans to ease restrictions in all regions of the state at the same time.

Washington

Fishing, hunting and golfing can resume on May 5 in Washington, at which time people can also return to state parks and other state lands for day trips, Gov. Jay Inslee announced April 27.

Inslee on April 24 announced a plan that allows existing construction projects to resume as long as strict coronavirus social distancing protocols are in place.

On Wednesday, Inslee said the state will extend its stay-at-home order implemented to fight the coronavirus beyond May 4 — the date through which the current directive is in place.

Washington, D.C.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on April 23 the formation of a task force, the Reopen D.C. Advisory Group, that will issue recommendations in May on the timeline to ease restrictions. To accelerate the process, Bowser said the city would look to hire several hundred contact tracers.

Bowser said the District will be "deliberate and strategic" in its plans, until a stay-at-home order lifts May 16.

West Virginia

West Virginia churches, small businesses and restaurants with outdoor seating are set to reopen in early May as the state reached a coronavirus testing benchmark that Gov. Jim Justice recently loosened.

April 29 marked the third day in a row that the state's positive test rate stayed under 3%, allowing the state to enter week two of the Republican governor's plan to lift virus restrictions.

Wisconsin

In late April, Gov. Tony Evers allowed several restrictions to be loosened.

On April 27, Evers said businesses that can offer services "free of contact with customers" like dog groomers, upholsterers and lawnmower repair shops can open April 29. And on May 1, 34 state parks and forests may open under special conditions. The openings come with attendance limits and reduced daily hours, while facilities like public restrooms, shelters and playgrounds will remain closed.

Outdoor recreational vehicle rentals like those who deal with boats, golf carts, kayaks and ATVs can also open April 29, as can automatic or self-service car washes.

"This order means that every business across our state can do things like deliveries, mailings, curbside pick-up and drop-off, and it's an important step in making sure that while folks are staying safer at home, they can also continue to support small businesses across our state," Evers said.

Evers has extended the state’s stay-at-home order closing most nonessential businesses until May 26.

Wyoming

Wyoming will ease some of its coronavirus restrictions on May 1, with barbershops, gyms, nail salons and child care centers among the businesses that will be allowed limited re-openings, Gov. Mark Gordon said.

The changes announced April 28 replace health orders that are set to expire April 30. They are the first steps in the Republican governor's plan to restart the state economy.

Gordon also said Wednesday that Wyoming residents would be allowed to camp at state parks starting May 15.

In a news conference, Gordon described the measures as a “methodical, measured approach moving forward.”

Contributing: Savannah Behrmann, Grace Hauck, USA TODAY; Natalie Allison, Nashville Tennessean; Stacey Barchenger, Bergen Record; Teresa Boeckel, York Daily Record; Lisa Kaczke, Sioux Falls Argus Leader; Dustin Racioppi, Bergen Record; Sady Swanson, Fort Collins Coloradoan; The Associated Press