south carolina travel restrictions

Masks? Gathering limits? Here's the latest COVID-related restrictions throughout the region

On March 5, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his latest executive order, which loosens requirements for wearing face masks inside state buildings and facilities or when not eating or dinking inside restaurants. This followed  his Feb. 26 order that said limits on mass gatherings would be lifted, and bars and restaurants would be allowed to resume selling alcohol after 11 p.m.

The latest executive order still encourages counties and municipalities to implement appropriate ordinances, orders or other measures requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public settings.

Here's a look at the latest local ordinances throughout the Upstate:

Greenville 

Greenville's emergency ordinance for face coverings is still in effect, requiring masks at retail establishments, salons and other personal service businesses within city limits.

"City leaders urge residents and visitors to continue mask up until more groups are able to be vaccinated and the virus is no longer widespread in our community," city spokesperson Beth Brotherton said in a text. 

The city ordinance does not cover restaurants, which are under McMaster's guidelines. 

The governor's office lifted restaurant capacity restrictions in October 2020 and the "last call" order in February, although restaurants are still "strongly encouraged" to: 

• Space indoor and outdoor tables 6 feet apart.
• Limit seating at each table to no more than eight customers and patrons.
• Ensure that customers are able to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of separation from other parties while waiting to be seated.
• Minimize or discontinue services that allow customers to fill or refill their own beverage cups.

Following the governor's announcement Friday, a number of Upstate restaurants were swift to iterate their COVID safety policies would not be changing.

“While we look forward to operating at a Pre-COVID level we think it best to move at a pace that is more in line with recommendations of those in public health,” the owners of The Anchorage and Taxi House Wines wrote in a social media post Saturday .

The restaurant will maintain its 50% capacity limits with distancing and its mask requirement for employees and for guests when not seated at their table, for now.

Owners of Topsoil Kitchen & Market in Travelers Rest also expressed their intention to keep current safety policies in place.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable when they join us for dinner,” the post read. “We will continue to follow the guidelines set out by the CDC including proper spacing and masks when not seated at a table to dine. We are very thankful for everyone that has respected these recommendations to date. We look forward to a day without masks. By continuing to wear them, we hope that day comes sooner.”

Clemson University has not eased up on any of their COVID-related restrictions, which include: 

• Limited capacity at spring sporting events 
• Limits on on-campus gatherings 
• Masks must be worn indoors and when around others outdoors 
• Social distancing is required 
• Students and employees must be tested weekly for the coronavirus 

Pres. Jim Clements announced last week the university is planning for a "mostly normal" fall semester, which all in-person classes and a full stadium for football games. But, plans could change as the university continues to monitor the health and safety of the community, he added.

The City of Clemson relaxed certain aspects of their mask mandate last week (mainly to allow bar patrons to drink while standing), but the law remains in effect until at least April.

The city of Anderson’s mask ordinance is in place through March 27 and requires one reading of a resolution to extend it for another 60 days. An emergency ordinance requiring masks in public was first passed in July and extended through its six-month limit. Council created the new ordinance in January and its next meeting is scheduled for March 22.

Anderson County Council passed a resolution in November encouraging citizens to wear face coverings but long rejected the idea of a mandate.

Spartanburg

The city of Spartanburg's mask ordinance is in place through April 23. The ordinance has been amended four times since its adoption in June and requires employees of restaurants, retail stores, salons and barber shops to wear protective face covers as they interact with the public. 

Can city do more to slow spread of COVID?: Beyond mask rule, not really, Spartanburg leader says

The ordinance language cites penalties for violators: a $25 fine for shoppers not wearing a mask; up to a $100 fine, or a loss of a business license, to owners who don’t enforce the employee piece of the ordinance.

City Manager Chris story said the governor's loosening of mask requirements doesn't negate the city's mask ordinance.

Spartanburg County has no mask ordinance, but passed a resolution  encouraging "all patrons of grocery stores and pharmacies as well as all patrons and employees of all county-owned facilities to wear face coverings where social distancing is not possible." 

More: With no citations issued for mask ordinance, some on Spartanburg City Council want enforcement

Fountain Inn

McMaster's latest executive order has very little local effect in Fountain Inn, City Administrator Shawn Bell said. The city was not among those in the state that adopted a mask ordinance at any point during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the council instead passing a resolution encouraging the use of face coverings in the city by a narrow margin last summer. 

One effect from the new executive order though is that Fountain Inn plans to move forward with its lineup of 2021 special events as originally planned now that gathering restrictions have been lifted, Bell said. 

Travelers Rest

The Travelers Rest City Council extended its emergency mask ordinance another 60 days, through May 10, 2021.

The city's ordinance requires staff of retail and restaurants to wear masks if they're coming in contact with customers and can't be six feet apart. Customers are required to wear masks if they're at a grocery store or pharmacy.

The city has been renewing the ordinance every 60 days since early in the pandemic..

The council can repeal the ordinance at any time, said City Attorney Robert Childs. The emergency ordinances  allow for that because they anticipate you might not need the whole 60 days, he said.

Easley City Council members said on March 8 that the city's mask mandate will stay in place for another month.

The current rule requires the wearing of a face covering at most businesses but included no penalties. After adopting the mandate in December, council members have had two meetings and both times had discussed adding penalties if the pandemic continued to stay as bad or got worse in Easley. There was no discussion of toughening mask rules during the latest meeting. 

While the COVID situation has improved in the last month, Pickens County remains one of the most-affected areas of the state. 

Simpsonville

Simpsonville City Administrator Dianna Gracely said there would be no local effect there from McMaster's latest executive order. The city was not among those in the state that adopted a mask ordinance at any point during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mauldin City Administrator Brandon Madden said the city will continue encouraging the use of face coverings and social distancing inside of city facilities as well as taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Mauldin City Council never adopted a mask ordinance, either, rejecting a potential face covering requirement in a divided vote last July . 

Travel restrictions and advisories in South Carolina

Check the links below to find government advisories 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

• South Carolina
• Travel advice

South Carolina travel advice

Explore our complete guide to South Carolina with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for South Carolina.

• Essential travel guide
• Weather & climate
• Travel health
• Covid live updates
• Travel features
• Top travel deals
• Destinations

South Carolina travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to South Carolina with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Why visit South Carolina?

Considering a holiday to the South Carolina? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2024/2025 escape.

South Carolina tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Recommended for South Carolina

South Carolina deals >>

Back to top

South Carolina weather

The South Carolina weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Columbia .

South Carolina destinations >>

Tiqets: Current special promotional offers

• Save on popular museums, tourist attractions & more
• Book attractions for top destinations in Europe & worldwide
• Browse best promotional offers available by country

View all Tiqets offers

Check the latest travel advice on visiting South Carolina from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for the South Carolina - UK FCDO
• Irish traveller advice for the South Carolina - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
• Canadian travel advice for the South Carolina - Government of Canada
• Safe travel advisories for the South Carolina - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
• Smarter traveller advice for the South Carolina - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around South Carolina.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

Destination Any destination France Germany Greece India Italy Portugal Spain Turkey USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Falkland Islands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Gaza Strip Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam West Bank Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jan Mayen Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA Australia Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela

South Carolina travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to South Carolina with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for the South Carolina - CDC
• Health & vaccinations for the South Carolina - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
• How to stay safe & healthy in the South Carolina - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in South Carolina, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

South Carolina covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in South Carolina with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Travellers' health for the South Carolina - South Carolina Department of Health
• Coronavirus timeline in the South Carolina - Johns Hopkins University
• Latest info on travel to the South Carolina - US Centers for Disease Control

South Carolina travel features

Do you want to learn more about South Carolina? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in South Carolina.

South Carolina FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to South Carolina including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to South Carolina due to Covid-19?

South Carolina is open to fully vaccinated travellers only from the UK. Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination required for arrivals from the UK. Check out South Carolina Department of Health for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from the USA?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from the USA. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to South Carolina from the UK?

The flight time to South Carolina from the UK is typically 11.5 hours .

Flights to South Carolina

What is the time difference between South Carolina and the UK?

The time difference between South Carolina and the UK is UK time-5 hours .

What is the main language spoken in South Carolina?

The main language spoken in South Carolina is English . Learn a language for South Carolina with Rosetta Stone * , Busuu * and Rocket Languages * .

What is the currency in South Carolina?

The currency in South Carolina is the US Dollar ( USD ). Send money to South Carolina with TransferGo * .

Which plugs are used in South Carolina?

South Carolina uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in South Carolina?

They drive on the right side of the road in South Carolina. Find out more about driving in USA with International Drivers Association * .

Transport options for South Carolina

Do you need a visa for South Carolina?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter South Carolina. Check South Carolina visa requirements for all passport holders with iVisa.com * .

Travel advice by country

Country name All countries - summary Algarve Balearic Islands Barbados Canary Islands Croatia Cyprus Egypt Faroe Islands France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Jamaica Madeira Maldives Malta Portugal Spain Turkey UAE UK USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Antarctica French Southern and Antarctic Lands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Puerto Rico Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Virgin Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jan Mayen Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey UK Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA American Samoa Australia Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Midway Island Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Algarve Azores Madeira Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Balearic Islands Canary Islands England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. 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 West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Be inspired

Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from some of the world's best travel writers plus save on your next trip with the latest exclusive offers

We promise not to share your details

Explore holidays in the sun for less

• Beach holidays
• Family holidays
• City breaks
• Summer holidays
• Winter sun holidays
• Holiday offers
• Top travel brands
• Airlines & flights
• Discount hotels
• Airport parking deals
• Jet2holidays
• easyJet holidays
• Love Holidays
• British Airways

More holidays

Airport parking

• Manchester Airport
• Stansted Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Luton Airport
• Birmingham Airport
• Edinburgh Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Glasgow Airport
• Newcastle Airport

More parking

Airport lounges

• Heathrow Airport

More lounges

• Pinterest (1 share)

• Find a Lawyer
• Ask a Lawyer
• Research the Law
• Law Schools
• Laws & Regs
• Newsletters
• Justia Connect
• Pro Membership
• Basic Membership
• Justia Lawyer Directory
• Platinum Placements
• Gold Placements
• Justia Elevate
• Justia Amplify
• PPC Management
• Google Business Profile
• Social Media
• Justia Onward Blog
• Travel Restrictions During COVID-19: 50-State Legal Resources

To stem the spread of the coronavirus, certain states enacted restrictions on interstate and sometimes international travel. These often took the form of a quarantine for 10 or 14 days, which could be either mandatory or advised. A traveler often could avoid or lessen a quarantine requirement by getting tested for COVID-19 shortly before their trip or after their arrival. During the spring and summer of 2021, most travel restrictions were lifted or largely lifted, but a few restrictions and some advisories remain near the end of 2021.

Specific federal rules apply to international travel. US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and people immigrating to the US must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 viral test taken no more than one day before traveling by air into the US, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. (Children under two are exempt.) Other travelers must provide proof of vaccination in addition to the negative test result, unless they are under 18 or fall within certain other exceptions.

The list below focuses on restrictions at the state level. Some county and city governments have adopted their own restrictions, which are generally not covered here. You may want to check the website of your local governing authority to find out about the most recent travel rules that may affect you.

Connecticut

District of Columbia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

New Hampshire

North Carolina

North Dakota

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

West Virginia

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021.

• Staying Safe, Alabama Travel

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although unvaccinated travelers should get tested when arriving in Alaska, and vaccinated travelers may choose to get tested. People with a current positive test cannot travel to Alaska until they are released from isolation by a medical provider or public health agency. Critical infrastructure workers should follow the work plan filed by their employer with the state.

• COVID-19 Traveler Information, State of Alaska
• Arizona Travel Advisories & Tips
• COVID-19 Guidance for Travelers, Arkansas Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a reminder to follow CDC travel guidelines. These include getting tested 3-5 days after entering the state and delaying travel until fully vaccinated. (Unvaccinated people who choose to travel are advised to get tested before and afterward.)

• Travel, California Department of Public Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, but non-essential travel is not recommended for people who have not been fully vaccinated. People who have been fully vaccinated do not need to get tested before or after domestic travel and do not need to self-quarantine. International travelers should get tested 3-5 days after their trip. People who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, or traveling with higher-risk people, should consider limiting their travel. People should not travel if they are sick or have recently tested positive for COVID-19, if they are with someone who is sick, or if they have been around someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

• Travel, Colorado COVID-19 Updates

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although people entering Connecticut should follow travel-related guidance from the CDC and the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

• Connecticut Travel Advisory

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a general advisory to stay home if you are sick.

• Travel Advisory, Visit Delaware

Fully vaccinated travelers (or travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days) may enter the District of Columbia from domestic locations without a quarantine unless they have COVID-19 symptoms. International travelers must provide a negative test before boarding a flight to the US and get tested 3-5 days after travel. Unvaccinated travelers must get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before visiting the District. A traveler who tests positive in the District must complete their isolation before traveling home, and susceptible close contacts must complete a 10-day quarantine. Essential travelers who are unvaccinated must take a COVID-19 test if they have more than one week of notice and must limit their activities in the District. Unvaccinated travelers coming from Maryland or Virginia, or staying in the District for less than 24 hours, are exempt from testing requirements.

• Travel Status Update, Washington, DC

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although there is a general warning not to travel if you are sick or with someone who is sick, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

• Florida COVID-19 Response: Travelers, Florida Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a general warning not to travel if you are sick and a recommendation to practice precautions during travel. The Georgia Department of Public Health provides a set of issues to consider and precautions to take when traveling during the pandemic. People should reconsider international travel, following a US State Department recommendation.

• COVID-19: Travel, Georgia Department of Public Health

Domestic travelers entering Hawaii must use the Safe Travels Hawaii program, which involves creating a digital account, providing details about the trip, and completing a health form. Travelers must undergo a 10-day quarantine unless they upload a vaccination document or a negative result from an NAAT test taken by a Trusted Travel Partner within 72 hours before departing for Hawaii. International travelers entering Hawaii (who are two or older) must show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than one day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days, before boarding the flight.

• Alerts: COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), Hawaii Tourism Authority

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than an advisory to follow CDC guidelines and any applicable ordinances and resolutions.

• COVID-19 Travel Information, Idaho Department of Commerce - Tourism Development

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021. The Illinois Department of Public Health has adopted CDC recommendations and guidance.

• COVID-19 Travel Guidance, Illinois Department of Public Health
• Indiana Coronavirus Updates

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a recommendation to follow CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines.

• COVID-19 Traveler Information, Travel Iowa

A home quarantine is mandated for anyone who has attended a mass gathering involving 500 or more people where they did not socially distance and wear a mask. A quarantine mandate also applies to people who have traveled to certain countries or islands between dates identified in a Kansas Department of Health and Environment policy (linked below), and to people who have traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020. The length of the quarantine can be 7, 10, or 14 days after last exposure, depending on whether the traveler has been tested and the preference of the local health officer. People who have been fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 within the last six months are exempt from quarantine requirements.

• Travel-Related Quarantine Guidelines: COVID-19, Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Non-essential travel is discouraged for people who are not fully vaccinated. International travelers (who are two or older) must show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test performed within one day of their departure. They should get tested 3-5 days after arrival. Unvaccinated international travelers should quarantine for seven days after their arrival. People who are fully vaccinated may travel without testing or quarantine requirements.

• Kentucky Travel Advisory

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a recommendation to follow the latest guidance from the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health.

• COVID-19 Travel Safety Information, Louisiana Travel

No statewide restrictions on domestic travel as of December 21, 2021. International travelers should follow applicable CDC guidelines. Fully vaccinated international travelers do not need to quarantine unless they have symptoms, but testing is recommended 3-5 days after arrival. Unvaccinated international travelers must quarantine for seven days after their arrival and get a COVID-19 molecular or antigen test 3-5 days after their arrival. Even if they test negative, they should complete the quarantine. If they do not get tested, they should quarantine for 10 days. They should avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 for 14 days after their arrival. Any international travelers should isolate if they test positive.

• COVID-19: Travel, Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021. The Maryland Department of Health echoes CDC warnings against travel on cruise ships for everyone and against non-essential air travel for people at increased risk for serious illness.

• Resources for Travelers, Maryland Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021. Travelers seeking recommendations can consult CDC guidance.

• Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Information

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a warning not to travel if you are sick, were exposed to COVID-19, or tested positive for COVID-19. People are advised to delay travel until they are fully vaccinated.

• Travel Safety During COVID-19, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• Travel, Minnesota COVID-19 Response
• COVID-19 Travel Alert, Visit Mississippi

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a general recommendation to check CDC resources and local public health agency orders.

• Travel Updates & Resources on COVID-19, Visit Missouri

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a recommendation to review any local public health guidelines and stay home if you are sick.

• Travel Alerts, Montana COVID-19 Update

No statewide restrictions on domestic travel as of December 21, 2021. International travelers must get tested within 3 days before returning to the US via airline, or provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19. International travelers are also urged to get tested 3-5 days after returning to the US and quarantine for 7 days after travel, or quarantine for 10 days if they do not get tested.

• COVID-19 Traveler Recommendations, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

People should not travel if they have been presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19, are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive and have not yet recovered, or have been potentially exposed to someone who is positive.

• Travel Guidelines, Nevada Health Response

No statewide restrictions on domestic travel as of December 21, 2021, other than a general recommendation to follow CDC travel guidance. People entering New Hampshire following international travel (except essential travel to or from Canada) or travel on a cruise ship should self-quarantine for 10 days after the last date of international or cruise ship travel. The quarantine may be shortened to 7 days if a traveler is asymptomatic and receives a negative result from a COVID-19 molecular test taken on day 6 or 7 of quarantine. Fully vaccinated people and people within 90 days of a prior testing-diagnosed COVID-19 infection are exempt from quarantine after international travel or travel on a cruise ship. However, people not subject to quarantine requirements still should monitor for symptoms and practice social distancing and other public health precautions.

• Out-of-State Visitors, New Hampshire Safer at Home

No statewide travel advisory in effect as of December 21, 2021, but travelers should follow CDC recommendations and federal requirements for international travel.

• Travel FAQs, New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub
• New Mexico Travel Advisory

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a reminder to follow CDC travel requirements.

• New York COVID-19 Travel Advisory

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021. Travelers are urged to follow CDC guidance and US State Department recommendations.

• North Carolina COVID-19 Travel Resources

Unvaccinated people entering North Dakota are advised to get a viral COVID-19 test 3-5 days after travel and quarantine for 7 days after travel, even if they test negative. They should quarantine for 10 days after travel if they do not get tested. Travelers who test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and follow North Dakota Department of Health recommendations. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid being around people who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 for 14 days, even if they get tested. People should not travel if they are sick or have been around someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Fully vaccinated individuals should follow CDC guidance.

• Traveling Into North Dakota, North Dakota Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although Ohio residents are encouraged to carefully review CDC guidance when considering travel.

• COVID-19 Travel Advisory, Ohio Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although people are advised to delay travel until they are fully vaccinated. Travelers should follow CDC recommendations.

• COVID-19 Travel Information, Oklahoma State Department of Health
• Travel Alerts, Travel Oregon

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although travelers should take appropriate public health measures.

• COVID-19 Information for Travelers, Pennsylvania Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, regardless of whether travelers are vaccinated. However, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommends following CDC quarantine and testing guidance. International travelers must follow CDC rules.

• COVID-19 Travel Information for Residents and Visitors, Rhode Island Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a recommendation to follow CDC guidelines. Travelers should consider getting tested and avoid being around people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

• Travelers (COVID-19), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although there may be checkpoints on highways or tribal lands.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Travel South Dakota

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, although everyone is encouraged to follow health and safety practices.

• Travel Safely Amid COVID-19, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than a general recommendation to follow CDC advice and the travel advisories, notices, and recommendations issued by the US State Department.

• Information for Travelers, Texas Department of State Health Services

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than recommendations to follow CDC guidance and consider purchasing travel insurance.

• Utah COVID-19 Travel Guidance

No statewide restrictions on domestic travel as of December 21, 2021. The Vermont Department of Health notes that the CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. People should consider getting tested and taking other precautions if they travel to a location with a high COVID-19 rate. International travelers should check US State Department travel advisories and follow CDC guidance.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Traveling to Vermont, Vermont Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health recommends that people delay travel until they are fully vaccinated, especially if they are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 or visiting someone at higher risk of serious COVID-19. Unvaccinated travelers should quarantine after domestic or international travel. People who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months do not need to get tested or quarantine unless they have symptoms.

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine, and fully vaccinated domestic travelers do not need to get tested either. Fully vaccinated international travelers should get tested 3-5 days after travel. Unvaccinated travelers should get tested 1-3 days before travel and should not travel if they are sick, if they test positive, if they are waiting for their test result, or if they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Unvaccinated travelers should get tested 3-5 days after travel and quarantine for 7 days, even if they test negative. They should quarantine for 10 days if they do not get tested. Also, they should monitor for symptoms and avoid being around people at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for 14 days.

• Travelers - Coronavirus, Virginia Department of Health

No statewide travel restrictions as of December 21, 2021, other than an advisory to comply with CDC travel requirements and recommendations.

• Travelers & Commuters, Washington State Coronavirus Response
• Travel Responsibly, West Virginia Tourism Office

Wisconsin residents are advised to postpone all travel until they are fully vaccinated. People should not travel if they are sick or with someone who is sick, or if they have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days or think that they may have been exposed. Unvaccinated people should avoid travel between multiple private homes within Wisconsin and should avoid going out into the community as much as possible if they travel to an area with few doctors or hospitals.

• COVID-19: Travel, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

No statewide travel restrictions for US travelers as of December 21, 2021, although both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers should follow CDC recommendations.

• COVID-19 Orders and Guidance, Wyoming Department of Health

Last reviewed December 2022

COVID-19 Legal Center Contents   

• COVID-19 Legal Center
• What Employees During COVID-19 Should Know About the Law
• What Employers During COVID-19 Should Know About the Law
• Eviction Bans and Mortgage Relief Legally Available During COVID-19
• Business Assistance Legally Available During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Tax Law Issues Related to COVID-19
• Impact of COVID-19 on Immigration Law
• Debts and Bankruptcy Legal Issues During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Impact of COVID-19 on Legal Proceedings in Criminal Cases
• Divorce, Family Law, and Coronavirus
• Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Injury Lawsuits
• Microschools and Pod Learning During COVID-19 & Legal Considerations
• Funeral Cost Assistance Legally Available During COVID-19
• Coronavirus Legal FAQ
• Coronavirus and Unemployment Benefits: 50-State Legal Resources
• Eviction, Mortgage, & Foreclosure Relief During COVID-19: 50-State Legal Resources
• COVID-19 Restrictions: 50-State Legal Resources
• COVID-19 & Taxes: 50-State Legal Resources
• Elections During COVID-19: 50-State Legal Resources
• Bar Exam Modifications During COVID-19: 50-State Legal Resources
• Court Operations During COVID-19: 50-State Legal Resources
• Mask Mandates During COVID-19: 50-State Legal Resources
• Find a Gov & Administrative Law Lawyer
• Browse Q&A Questions & Answers Related to COVID-19

Related Areas   

• Employment Law Center
• Landlord - Tenant Law Center
• Small Business Law Center
• Related Areas
• Bankruptcy Lawyers
• Business Lawyers
• Criminal Lawyers
• Employment Lawyers
• Estate Planning Lawyers
• Family Lawyers
• Personal Injury Lawyers
• Estate Planning
• Personal Injury
• Business Formation
• Business Operations
• Intellectual Property
• International Trade
• Real Estate
• Financial Aid
• Course Outlines
• Law Journals
• US Constitution
• Regulations
• Supreme Court
• Circuit Courts
• District Courts
• Dockets & Filings
• State Constitutions
• State Codes
• State Case Law
• Legal Blogs
• Business Forms
• Product Recalls
• Justia Connect Membership
• Justia Premium Placements
• Justia Elevate (SEO, Websites)
• Justia Amplify (PPC, GBP)
• Testimonials

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?

Find flights to the united states, find stays in the united states, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

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 .

DHEC is Restructuring

On July 1, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) becomes two separate agencies — the South Carolina Departments of Environmental Services (SCDES) and Public Health (DPH). Additionally, DHEC's retail food program and milk and dairy lab will merge with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture . See our DHEC Restructuring page to learn more.

Search DHEC

English | Español

Vaccination

Updated COVID-19 Vaccination

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available. DHEC recommends that all eligible people 6 months of age and older receive this important, updated vaccine.

COVID-19, Flu & RSV

• Protect yourself
• COVID-19 Variant Surveillance
• Respiratory Disease Watch
• Schools & Childcare Centers

• Get four free at-home COVID tests
• Press Release: Bridge Access Program to Ensure Free COVID-19 Vaccination for Uninsured, and Underinsured Adults
• Video: DHEC, Prisma: Importance of Vaccinations Ahead of Flu, Respiratory Illness Season
• Press Release: DHEC Confirms 2023 Season’s First Flu-related Death in South Carolina

People may experience sudden fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and other symptoms.

Use rapid at-home tests such as those available for pickup at local health departments across the state or talk to your doctor to determine if you are sick with COVID-19.

Treatments and Medications

Antiviral medications are available to treat mild to moderate COVID-19. Start treatment as soon as you have symptoms.

Related Resources

Covid-19 (español).

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Thinking of Traveling in the U.S.? Check Which States Have Travel Restrictions

Some states still have measures in place for visitors, from testing to quarantine requirements.

By Karen Schwartz

This list, updated May 12, will not longer be updated, as many of the states have removed travel restrictions put in place because of the pandemic. The updates for international destinations will continue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can safely travel within the United States, but others are asked to avoid traveling to minimize the chance they will expose themselves or others to the potentially deadly virus.

For those who aren’t two weeks out from their final shot, the C.D.C. asks that they get a viral test one to three days before their departure, and again three to five days after their return. Even with a negative test, travelers are advised to stay home and avoid nonessential activities for a week upon their return. People who don’t get tested should extend that to 10 days, and both groups should avoid others at high risk for 14 days.

People who are fully inoculated do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it, according to the C.D.C. The same applies to self-quarantine.

The C.D.C. offer two useful tools online to help vacationers plan their trips. One site links to state and local restrictions by city, state or ZIP code. The other includes a color-coded map of the infection rate by state , so people can easily see how prevalent the virus is at their destination.

All travelers regardless of vaccination status should keep their guard up and use safety precautions when away from home: wear a face mask in airports and stations, and on planes, trains, and buses, avoid large gatherings and stay at least six feet from others, wash hands frequently and keep hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol in close reach.

Here is a summary of restrictions in the United States for leisure travelers in effect as of May 11, unless otherwise noted. Many states do not apply them to those staying for less than 24 hours. Some municipalities or counties may have more stringent regulations. There are generally exemptions for essential workers who are on the job, including health care workers, members of the military and others, but even they may be subject to some restrictions . Visits for medical care or study are considered essential in some states, but not in others.

International restrictions can be found in our companion story on international destinations that have reopened to American citizens.

There are no statewide restrictions in Alabama.

There are no requirements, however a state advisory says, “Since testing of non-vaccinated travelers is the best means for limiting the spread of Covid-19 virus and variants, it is recommended that non-vaccinated travelers test prior to travel or take advantage of free and optional Covid-19 testing available at primary ports of entry in Alaska.”

An optional online travel portal is the hub for traveler information. Current plans are for the state to start offering free Covid-19 vaccines at some airports beginning June 1.

Some communities have their own restrictions, which can be looked up on an interactive website .

There are no statewide restrictions in Arizona.

There are no statewide restrictions in Arkansas.

The state is recommending people follow C.D.C. guidance , including limiting nonessential travel to those who are fully vaccinated.

Most of California is open to visitors, but regional and local restrictions may be in place. All restrictions, except those for conventions of more than 5,000 attendees, are expected to lift on June 15 .

There are no statewide restrictions. The state is recommending people follow C.D.C. guidance , including limiting nonessential travel to those who are fully vaccinated.

Connecticut

There are no statewide restrictions in Connecticut. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance .

There are no statewide restrictions in Delaware.

District of Columbia

Except for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and asymptomatic, or those who were infected with the virus in the previous 90 days and are fully recovered, anyone visiting for more than 24 hours from a high risk area must get a negative coronavirus test no more than 72 hours before their arrival. If they are staying in Washington for more than three days, they must have another test done three to five days after arriving. If the test is positive the visitor, and any close contacts, must complete their isolation before traveling home. A high risk area is considered any jurisdiction with more than 10 positive cases per 100,000 people per day. The local government isn’t providing a list, but an interactive map put together by The New York Times provides that information.

The order does not apply to travelers from Maryland and Virginia who have not been in a high risk area in the previous two weeks. As of May 2, it also excludes visitors from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Guam, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands.

There are no statewide restrictions in Florida.

There are no statewide restrictions in Georgia.

Travelers ages 5 and older wishing to bypass the 10-day mandatory quarantine on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu must have a negative Nucleic Acid Amplification result from an approved testing site that was taken within 72 hours of the final leg of the trip. Those without a test or with pending test results must quarantine, and test results will not be accepted once the traveler is in Hawaii. The results must either be uploaded online into a mandatory health form or travelers can bring a hard copy when boarding their flight.

In addition to the pre-travel test for trans-Pacific passengers, some counties mandate a second test. The county of Hawaii is randomly testing at least 25 percent of arriving passengers at the airport at no charge. Maui and Kauai counties are requesting another free voluntary test 72 hours after arrival.

Those who were fully vaccinated in the state of Hawaii at least two weeks prior may travel inter-county without pretesting or quarantine. For others, however, there are also testing requirements in some areas for traveling from one county to another. People entering Hawaii County can either have a test 72 hours before arrival, or be tested after entering the county and quarantine until a negative result is received. Visitors to Maui County must have a test 72 hours before arrival and if unvaccinated, take a free rapid coronavirus test upon arrival at Kahului Airport. Alternatively, they may quarantine for 10 days. Visitors to Kauai County may avoid a 10-day quarantine with a pretest, but those who arrive with a pretest approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but not by the state of Hawaii can participate in a “resort bubble” policy that allows travelers at certain hotels to move about the grounds, and then take a virus test on the third day. If the test is negative, the visitor is released from quarantine. There is no inter-island test or quarantine required for Honolulu County.

There are no statewide restrictions in Idaho, but the state recommends following C.D.C. guidelines for isolating after travel.

There are no statewide restrictions in Illinois. However, under an emergency travel order, Chicago has implemented a two-tier color-coded travel system . Domestic travelers who are more than two weeks out from being fully vaccinated are exempt, as are those who tested positive for the virus in the past 90 days, but are beyond their 10-day isolation period and asymptomatic.

Those from the “yellow” areas may enter without quarantine or testing. They include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Those travelers from other areas fall under an “orange” advisory, meaning they are asked to avoid traveling into the city unless they are asymptomatic and two weeks out from their final Covid-19 vaccine. Others who visit must either quarantine for 10 days (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter) or have a negative result from a virus test taken in the 72 hours before their arrival. These higher risk areas are: Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia.

People should travel with a copy of their vaccination certificate or if coming from an orange state, a copy of their coronavirus test result. The list is updated every other Tuesday, with the next update expected on May 18.

There are no statewide restrictions in Indiana.

There are no statewide restrictions in Iowa. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance .

A quarantine requirement applies to residents and visitors who traveled on or after May 6 to certain counties in Colorado, on or after April 22 to Minnesota, on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania, between April 8 and April 22 to Connecticut, on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island, and on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York. It also applies to those who participated in any out-of-state gathering that included 500 people or more where individuals did not wear masks and socially distance by six feet, and to those who were on a cruise or traveled to some international destinations. In some cases, the quarantine period is shorter for those with no symptoms who on the sixth day get a PCR test that comes back negative. They can leave quarantine on the eighth day. Those with no symptoms who opt not to have a coronavirus test can leave on 11th day. States with a diagnosed virus rate three times that of Kansas may be added to a quarantine list. Local health departments may have other restrictions.

There are no statewide restrictions in Kentucky. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance , including avoiding nonessential travel until fully vaccinated.

There are no statewide restrictions in Louisiana.

There are no statewide restrictions in Maine.

There are no statewide restrictions in Maryland.

Massachusetts

Those entering the state, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days unless they had a negative Covid-19 test in the previous 72 hours. Tests can be taken in Massachusetts but people are asked to quarantine until they receive a negative result.

Those who were fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior and are asymptomatic, and those who are recovered but who previously tested positive for the virus more than 10 days but less than 90 days before arrival do not need to obtain a negative pretest nor quarantine. Testing for children 10 years and younger who are traveling with an adult from their household is not necessary, though they should follow the quarantine advisory for the adult they accompanied.

There are no statewide restrictions in Michigan.

There are no statewide restrictions in Minnesota. Visitors are advised to follow C.D.C. guidance .

Mississippi

There are no statewide restrictions in Mississippi.

There are no statewide restrictions in Missouri.

There are no statewide restrictions in Montana.

There are no statewide restrictions in Nebraska for domestic travelers. Those arriving from international destinations are required to follow C.D.C. recommendations.

There are no statewide restrictions in Nevada.

New Hampshire

There are no statewide restrictions in New Hampshire for domestic travelers, although the state recommends people follow C.D.C. recommendations .

A 10-day self-quarantine is in effect for travelers or residents coming from an international destination or travel on a cruise ship. Alternatively, they can get a molecular test for Covid-19 on day six or day seven and if it’s negative, leave quarantine on their eighth day after travel. No quarantine requirement is in effect for those who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and at least 14 days have passed since their second dose, or for those who had a positive result to a PCR or antigen test for the virus in the previous 90 days, but are no longer ill.

Nonessential travel by those who aren’t immunized against Covid-19 is discouraged. Unvaccinated travelers and residents returning after 24 hours or more in any place other than New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware are asked to follow C.D.C. guidance. They are also asked to complete an online survey providing details about where they have been and where they plan to stay.

Those who have been vaccinated and people who tested positive for the coronavirus in the previous three months and recovered do not need to quarantine or be tested again as long as they don’t have symptoms.

People arriving in New Mexico from a high risk state or territory, which is any place other than Hawaii, are advised to self-quarantine for 10 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter, and be tested for the virus at their earliest convenience. Nonessential travel should be avoided.

Asymptomatic domestic travelers may enter New York without mandatory testing or quarantine. However, other than those who are fully vaccinated, or who recovered from Covid-19 in the previous three months, people are asked to voluntarily follow C.D.C. recommendations . Those arriving from international destinations must follow C.D.C. requirements for testing and quarantine.

All travelers entering New York after 24 hours away must complete a traveler health form unless they are arriving from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont.

North Carolina

There are no statewide restrictions in North Carolina.

North Dakota

There are no statewide restrictions in North Dakota. However, the state recommends following C.D.C. guidance .

There are no statewide travel restrictions in Ohio.

There are no statewide restrictions in Oklahoma.

Oregon is urging visitors and returning residents to self-quarantine for 14 days . An exemption exists for those who are asymptomatic and at least 14 days from having been fully vaccinated. Oregonians are discouraged from traveling for nonessential reasons.

Pennsylvania

There are no statewide restrictions in Pennsylvania.

Puerto Rico

Visitors need to present a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Those awaiting test results, those arriving without a test and those arriving with symptoms must quarantine for 14 days or until a negative result is provided to the Puerto Rico Health Department. An online travel declaration form must also be completed.

Rhode Island

Anyone visiting from a hot spot or an international destination must complete a certificate of compliance . Those arriving from a high risk state need to quarantine for 10 days or provide proof of a negative result from a test taken after arrival or in the 72 hours before arrival. People who receive a negative test during their quarantine can stop, although the state recommends the full duration.

The high risk areas are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

Travelers coming from an international destination must quarantine for 10 days, though a negative result from a test taken at least five days after arrival will allow that to be shortened to seven days.

Both domestic and international travelers who tested positive for the virus in the previous 90 days and are fully recovered do not need to retest or quarantine. Similarly, those who were vaccinated at least two weeks before arrival and have no virus symptoms do not need to quarantine.

South Carolina

There are no statewide restrictions in South Carolina, however those returning from travel in the previous 14 days are asked to stay home as much as possible.

South Dakota

There are no statewide restrictions in South Dakota. Some routes entering tribal lands are closed to the general public.

There are no statewide restrictions in Tennessee.

There are no statewide restrictions in Texas.

There are no statewide restrictions in Utah.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Visitors age 5 and older must have a negative coronavirus test taken within five days of arrival and submit the result through a travel portal to obtain permission to enter the country. People who can show a positive test for antibodies taken within the previous four months may submit those. A travel certification will be sent back, and it and the original test result must be shown upon landing. Those who don’t have an acceptable test result must quarantine for 14 days at their own cost or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. They can also get out of quarantine by producing the needed test result.

A C.D.C. rule requires travelers into the United States to show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight does not apply to people going to or from the U.S. mainland and the U.S. territory.

There is no quarantine for domestic travelers, but people who are unvaccinated and arriving from out-of-state must have a negative PCR test within three days of arrival, while Vermonters who leave the state must get a PCR test within three days of their return. Those who are within 90 days of recovering from the virus are exempt from the testing requirements.

International travelers must follow C.D.C. guidance.

There are no statewide restrictions in Virginia, although nonessential travel is being discouraged.

There are no statewide restrictions in Washington. However, the state recommends following C.D.C. guidance

West Virginia

There are no statewide restrictions in West Virginia.

There are no statewide restrictions in Wisconsin but following C.D.C. recommendations is advised. The state’s Department of Health Services recommends Wisconsinites cancel or postpone all travel, including travel within the state, unless they are fully vaccinated.

There are no statewide restrictions in Wyoming.

Follow Karen Schwartz on Twitter: @WanderWomanIsMe .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

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.

Related Articles

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Coronavirus Restrictions In Each State

South: coronavirus-related restrictions by state.

Rachel Treisman

A health care worker (left) administers a coronavirus test at a mobile walk-up testing site at Crandon Park in Miami last month. Lynne Sladky/AP hide caption

A health care worker (left) administers a coronavirus test at a mobile walk-up testing site at Crandon Park in Miami last month.

NPR is tracking coronavirus-related developments in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia so you can read up on your state's COVID-19 response and how it compares to others. This rundown focuses on statewide measures — local jurisdictions may vary.

Part of a series on coronavirus-related restrictions across the United States .

Jump to a state: Alabama , Arkansas , Delaware , District of Columbia , Florida , Georgia , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maryland , Mississippi , North Carolina , Oklahoma , Puerto Rico , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Virginia , West Virginia , other states

What's the big picture?

• Alabama is operating under an amended "Safer at Home" order, which is the second phase of a three-part reopening plan and allows businesses and services to operate subject to safety guidelines. The latest version of the order extends until Dec. 11.
• A statewide mask order requires people to wear face coverings when they are within six feet of non-household members in indoor and certain outdoor public spaces, as well as on vehicles operated by a transportation service.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which shows cases, deaths, tests, recoveries and hospitalizations, is here .

What are the rules for traveling and gathering?

• Non-work gatherings are required by state order to maintain six feet of distance between people from different households.

What's open, and what's restricted or closed?

• Businesses can operate in line with sanitation and social distancing guidelines . Restaurants, bars and breweries can open with limited table seating. Beaches are open with no capacity limits. Athletic activities are allowed, and athletic facilities are open.
• Visitation at hospitals and nursing homes is restricted to one caregiver or visitor at a time. Regular programming at senior citizen centers is suspended, though meals are available through curbside pickup or delivery.
• The latest version of the amended Safer at Home order removes emergency occupancy rates for retailers, gyms and entertainment venues. It also makes an exception to social distancing rules for businesses where people are wearing masks and separated by partitions.

What's the status of K-12 schools?

• The state's dashboard of COVID-19 cases associated with K-12 schools is here .
• School reopening plans vary by district.

What should I know about testing?

• People should get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms, and wait 3-4 days to get tested after known exposure to the virus, state health officials recommend . A spreadsheet of testing site locations and hours of operation is available here .
• State-run laboratories, as opposed to commercial, are prioritizing certain groups for testing . Those include residents of long-term care facilities, hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, first responders and individuals with underlying conditions.

Where can I learn about resources and relief?

• The state's ALtogether website has information about resources for municipalities, businesses, nonprofits and individuals.
• Arkansas has been in Phase 2 of its economic reopening plan since June, allowing most businesses and services to operate in line with safety guidelines. Gov. Asa Hutchinson established a COVID-19 Winter Task Force to make recommendations for the state's response to a surge in cases and hospitalizations.
• A statewide mask directive requires individuals to wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor settings where they are exposed to non-household members and cannot maintain six feet of distance.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which shows cases and other metrics by county, is here .
• A directive issued in March limits indoor and outdoor gatherings to a maximum of ten people, with exceptions for settings including workplaces, places of worship and unenclosed outdoor spaces where social distancing is feasible.
• Businesses and activities including sports can operate in line with health and safety requirements .
• A directive effective Nov. 20 through Jan. 3 requires restaurants, bars and private clubs that are licensed to sell and allow on-premise consumption of alcohol to close by 11 p.m.

Shots - Health News

Tracking the pandemic: how quickly is the coronavirus spreading state by state.

• Information and resources for public school students and families are collected here .
• State health officials recommend anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or thinks they may have been exposed to schedule a test . Tests are available by appointment through Local Health Units . A spreadsheet of testing locations is here .
• Industry-specific resources for businesses, employees and customers are available here . Information about federal and state assistance for businesses is here , and unemployment resources are here .
• Information about mental health resources is here .
• Delaware has been in Phase 2 of its reopening plan since June, and has delayed Phase 3 and tightened restrictions on gatherings and certain businesses in response to an increase in cases.
• Individuals who are in kindergarten and older are required to wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor public settings, including during exercise and in school buildings, bars and restaurants.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which tracks public health metrics including cases and hospitalizations, is here .
• Under guidance effective Nov. 23, indoor gatherings in private homes are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Outdoor public gatherings are capped at 50 people, or up to 250 with a plan approved by public health officials.
• Indoor gatherings outside of homes, such as weddings, political events and religious services, are limited to 30% of the venue's stated fire capacity, up to 50 people.
• In Phase 2 , most businesses and services are operating with occupancy limits and other general and industry-specific requirements.
• Sporting facilities and venues, indoor children's play areas and water parks cannot open unless they create and submit facility-specific plans for observing guidance and limiting capacity.
• Under new restrictions , restaurants can operate at no more than 30% occupancy indoors. Starting Dec. 1, youth sports organizations, teams and venues cannot host or participate in tournaments with out-of-state teams.
• Based on the state's classification system for community spread, schools can operate under a hybrid model of remote and in-person learning. A decrease to "minimal" community spread would allow schools to operate in person, while an increase to "significant" community spread would require buildings to close.
• People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, who have had close contact with a confirmed case, who work certain high-risk jobs or have been referred for testing by their healthcare provider should get tested, according to state health officials, who also recommend that people who do not meet these criteria get tested once a month. Additional testing guidance and information is available here .
• State residents can get tested in person or request at-home testing kits.
• Housing, food, unemployment and other resources are available here . Apply for various benefits here .
• Assistance for small businesses is here .

District of Columbia

• Washington, D.C. has been in Phase 2 of its reopening plan since June, but has tightened restrictions on gatherings and certain businesses as cases surge nationwide.
• People must wear face coverings when they leave their homes "if they are likely to come into contact with another person for more than a fleeting moment," under a mayor's order , with few exceptions.
• The District's COVID-19 dashboards are here . They track cases, tests, hospital capacity, community spread and other metrics that help determine the severity of its restrictions.
• Under Phase 2 adjustments effective Nov. 25, outdoor gathering limits are reduced to 25 people and indoor gatherings must not exceed 10 people. The number of people inside houses of worship at any one time is reduced to 50 people or 50% capacity, whichever number is lower.
• Visitors must get tested within 72 hours of their departure for D.C. and, if staying for more than three days, must get tested again within 3-5 days of their arrival.
• D.C. residents returning from places other than Virginia, Maryland or a designated low-risk state or country must limit their daily activities and self-monitor either for 14 days or for 3-5 days until they get tested and receive a negative result. As of Nov. 23, Hawaii is the only state not considered high risk.
• Most businesses and services can operate, in line with general and industry-specific guidance . Non-essential, non-retail businesses are strongly encouraged to continue teleworking.
• Starting Nov. 25, restaurants may stay open until midnight but must stop on-premises alcohol service, sales and consumption by 10 p.m.
• Gyms, private trainers and other recreation services must suspend all indoor group exercises classes and outdoor group classes of 25 people or more.
• Starting Dec. 14, the maximum indoor capacity of restaurants will be reduced from 50% to 25%.
• Public schools are operating online-only, with students learning at home or in supervised " CARE Classrooms ." Information, resources and updates are available here .
• Residents ages 3 and up experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or with known exposure to the virus should get a test, according to health officials. They encourage individuals to get tested through their health care provider whenever possible.
• People can get tested by appointment at a healthcare provider or walk into public testing sites, as well as request at-home testing. Details about testing options and locations are here .
• Resources for businesses and individuals are available here . Food resources are here .
• All counties have been in Phase 3 of Florida's reopening plan since late September, which allows additional businesses and services to operate with capacity limits. It also suspends all outstanding COVID-19-related fines and penalties applied against individuals.
• There is no statewide mask mandate. A July public health advisory recommends individuals wear face masks in any indoor or outdoor setting where social distancing is not possible.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which tracks metrics including cases, hospitalizations, deaths and positivity rates, is here .
• State public health officials recommend that individuals refrain from social or recreational gatherings of more than 10 people.
• In Phase 3, businesses and recreational facilities can operate without capacity limits, including restaurants, bars, retail, gyms, entertainment venues and personal care services.
• An executive order states that restaurants cannot be limited by local orders to less than 50% of their indoor capacity.
• A September emergency order lifted visitation restrictions on long-term care facilities.
• Families can choose between in-person and remote learning, with the majority of public school students learning in person in the fall. An executive order for the spring semester requires all schools to stay open and enact certain improvements, such as holding educational interventions for students who have fallen behind. Learning resources and other school information is here .
• People can get tested regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms. Information about free public testing sites sponsored by the state and other entities is available here. People with questions about eligibility or access to testing can also contact the state's COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121.
• Information about resources available to individuals and businesses is here . Mental health resources are here .
• Georgia has lifted most statewide restrictions.
• There is no statewide mask mandate, though local mandates are allowed and the governor's executive orders "strongly encourage" individuals to wear face coverings outside of their place of residence except for when eating, drinking and exercising.
• A daily report of the state's cases, deaths, hospitalizations and tests is available here .
• Gatherings of more than 50 people at a single location are prohibited by executive order , if they would need to be within six feet of each other.
• Businesses are open and must follow sanitation and social distancing guidelines . Sector-specific resources are here .
• School plans and operations vary by district. Guidance for districts, and information for students and families, can be found here .
• Testing is available to all residents who request it, regardless of whether they have symptoms, according to public health officials. Information about testing options and locations is here .
• Guidelines for businesses and employers are here . Information about support for small businesses is here .
• Resources for families and individuals are here .
• Kentucky began a phased approach to reopening economic sectors in May. It tightened restrictions on social gatherings, schools and several kinds of businesses in November.
• A statewide order requires people to wear face coverings inside most indoor public spaces, on public transportation and in outdoor settings where physical distancing is not feasible.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which shows cases, deaths and other metrics, is here .
• As of Nov. 20, all indoor social gatherings are limited to a maximum of two households and no more than eight individuals.
• Kentucky's travel advisory recommends a 14-day self-quarantine for any individuals who visited states reporting a positive testing rate equal to or higher than 15%.
• Businesses can operate following universal requirements and sector-specific guidelines .
• Under tightened restrictions effective Nov. 20 through Dec. 13, indoor dining at bars and restaurants is prohibited. Gyms and fitness centers cannot offer group classes and must limit capacity to 33%. Retail stores and personal care businesses must close their seating and waiting areas and limit capacity to 50%. Indoor venues and event spaces, including weddings and funerals, can hold no more than 25 people per room.
• Public and private schools stopped offering in-person instruction on Nov. 23. Middle and high schools will remain remote until Jan. 4. Elementary schools can reopen starting Dec. 7 if their county is not in the red zone and if they follow safety guidance. More information about schools is here .
• Find testing locations here . Drive-through testing at certain locations is available to anyone who wants a test, according to state officials.
• Business-related resources and reopening plans are here . Other assistance and guidance can be found here .
• Louisiana moved back to a modified Phase 2 at the end of November, tightening occupancy limits at certain businesses, decreasing gathering sizes and limiting indoor service at bars and restaurants.
• A statewide mask mandate requires individuals to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and in any public settings where they are near non-household members.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which tracks tests, cases and deaths, is here .
• State orders encourage individuals to avoid gathering with people who are not a part of their household.
• Gatherings at event venues and reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or a maximum of 75 individuals indoors, and 25% capacity or 150 individuals outdoors where physical distancing is not feasible.
• In modified Phase 2 , businesses are encouraged to work remotely when possible. Restaurants are limited to 50% indoor capacity. Bars in parishes above 5% positivity must close for indoor sale and consumption but can open for outdoor consumption at 25% capacity with a maximum of 50 people.
• Gyms, personal care service businesses, movie theaters and non-essential retail businesses can operate at 50% capacity.
• Places of worship can operate at 75% capacity. Sporting events are capped at 25%.
• School plans vary by district. After the state returned to a modified Phase 2, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education authorized localities to choose to continue following the Phase 3 minimum requirements for reopening school facilities.
• State health officials recommend testing for anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. More information about testing locations and turnaround time is here .
• Information about resources and assistance for both individuals and businesses can be found here . Resources for parents are here .
• Maryland is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan , but reimposed certain restrictions on some businesses, gatherings and other activities in November as community transmission worsened. 
• Individuals over the age of five are required to wear masks in public spaces of all facilities and businesses, including any work area where interaction with others is likely, as well as in outdoor areas where social distancing isn't feasible.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which tracks cases, hospitalizations and other data, is here .
• A Nov. 10 public health advisory discourages public and private gatherings of more than 25 people in one location.
• Maryland recommends residents or visitors arriving from out of state get tested either promptly after their arrival or within 72 hours before travel. Residents who travel to a state with a test positivity rate above 10% or with a case rate over 20 per 10,000 in the past seven days should get tested and self-quarantine until they receive their test result. Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. are exempt from the recommendation.
• Most businesses are operating, in adherence with general and sector-specific guidelines .
• An emergency order effective Nov. 11 reduces indoor operations at bars and restaurants to 50%. 
• Starting Nov. 20, all bars, restaurants and venues serving food and alcohol must close between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except for takeout and delivery. Capacity at retail stores and religious facilities decreased to 50%, in line with personal service businesses, gyms and other recreation venues.
• An emergency order prohibits hospital visitation with some exceptions and limits indoor visitation at nursing homes to compassionate care.
• Data about COVID-19 outbreaks associated with schools is here .
• Operational plans vary by district . More information for schools and families can be found here .
• State health officials recommend testing for anyone who suspects exposure, regardless of symptoms, as well as those who are at risk of exposure because of their job. They also advise people to get tested if they have recently traveled or attended large gatherings. Find testing sites here .
• Information about assistance for adults and children is here . Resources for businesses and employers are here .

Mississippi

• Mississippi is under a "Safe Recovery" order, under which all businesses can operate with capacity limits and other restrictions. Executive orders with more restrictive gathering limits and mask requirements apply to many counties through Dec. 11.
• There is no statewide mask mandate, though health officials encourage people to wear masks in public. Masks are required indoors in public places in designated high-risk counties. 
• An interactive map of COVID-19 cases and deaths by county is here , and a dashboard tracking cases, deaths and long-term care facility outbreaks is here .
• Gatherings in certain high-risk counties are limited to 10 people indoors and 50 outdoors where social distancing is not possible.
• A governor's order limits gatherings and group activities to 20 people indoors and 100 people outdoors if individuals from different households are less than 6 feet apart.
• Under the Safe Recovery order, all businesses can operate, with certain services and activities restricted.
• Retail businesses, gyms, restaurants and bars can operate at 75% capacity and in line with other safety requirements . Bar hours are reduced to between 7 a.m. - 11 p.m., and only seated customers can be served.
• Visitation at nursing homes and long-term care facilities is limited to residents receiving end-of-life care, with facilities required to discontinue group social activities and visits.
• Weekly reports of COVID-19 cases and exposures associated with schools are here .
• School guidelines and updates can be found here . Public health guidance for K-12 schools is here .
• Cost of, and eligibility for, COVID-19 testing varies by provider. Free testing is available regardless of symptoms to college and university students, faculty and staff, as well as child care facility workers. Information about testing sites is here .
• Information about unemployment assistance is here . Other resources for workers and business are here , and more COVID-19 relief programs are here .

North Carolina

• North Carolina is paused in Phase 3 of its reopening plan through at least Dec. 4. It tightened restrictions in November, lowering the mass gathering limit and strengthening its face covering requirement.
• An executive order effective Nov. 25 through Dec. 11 expands the state's mask mandate, requiring face coverings in all public indoor settings with non-household members present, regardless of social distancing. It also requires masks to be worn while exercising indoors and at restaurants except for when eating or drinking. Maskless passengers may be denied entry to public transportation, and face covering requirements are newly enforceable against individuals by law enforcement.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, which tracks metrics including cases and hospitalizations, is here .
• Gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, at least through Dec. 4.
• In Phase 3 , businesses and entertainment venues are open with occupancy limits and other safety measures.  Indoor areas of bars and amusement parks are closed.
• An executive order in effect Nov. 25 through Dec. 11 strengthens the mask requirement and requires large retail businesses with more than 15,000 square feet to have an employee stationed near entrances to ensure mask wearing and enforce occupancy limits.
• Alcohol sales for in-person consumption at restaurants and outdoor bars are prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Public schools can choose to open for in-person learning, remote learning, or a mix of both. Guidance for schools and resources for families can be found here .
• Health officials recommend testing for people who have symptoms, close contacts of known cases, populations with higher risk of exposure and/or underlying conditions and people who have attended large gatherings. Find testing locations here .
• Mental health and wellness resources are here . Information about assistance and various human services is here .
• Oklahoma has been in Phase 3 of its reopening plan since June, and imposed stronger safety measures for bars, restaurants and state employees in November after a rise in hospitalizations.
• There is no statewide mask mandate, though state health officials recommend individuals wear face coverings around others. As of Nov. 17, all state employees under the executive branch and visitors to state agency buildings must wear face coverings in common areas and around other people.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, showing cases, deaths and other health metrics, is here .
• Individuals entering the state from an area of "substantial community spread" must wear a face covering in all public spaces and limit their participation in indoor gatherings for 10-14 days, under the "Safer in Oklahoma" policy.
• There are no gathering size limits in Phase 3 , provided groups "consider social distancing."
• In Phase 3 , businesses and services are open with few restrictions, and must follow CDC and sector-specific safety guidelines.
• As of Nov. 19 , restaurants are required to space tables six feet apart unless they are separated by sanitized dividers, and all bars and restaurants must close to in-person service by 11 p.m.
• School openings vary by district, with plans and other resources available here .
• Member station KOSU is tracking school districts with COVID-19 cases here .
• County health department testing appointments are available by phone. Some testing sites may have eligibility requirements. A list of locations is here .
• Information about resources for individuals and businesses can be found here .

Puerto Rico

• After a lengthy lockdown, Puerto Rico began an incremental reopening process in May and gradually eased restrictions on many sectors while leaving an island-wide curfew in place. Officials have since reimposed restrictions , most recently on business occupancy limits, and the curfew will remain in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. until Dec. 11.
• Face masks have been mandatory since May .
• A COVID-19 dashboard with cases, deaths and other health metrics is here .
• Puerto Rico is encouraging essential travel only. Visitors must fill out a travel declaration form, get a molecular-based COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their trip and show proof of a negative test result or else quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their visit, whichever is shorter.
• Under new restrictions announced Nov. 13, businesses including malls, restaurants and retail stores are limited to 30% occupancy, in line with existing limits at movie theaters, gyms and casinos. Religious services and funerals, as well as public pools, are limited to 30% occupancy.
• Public beaches are open only for individual sports. Recreational areas and bars remain closed.
• Officials announced in July that public schools would begin the year virtually. 
• Puerto Rico's Department of Education news and resources can be found here . 
• An interactive map of the island's testing sites can be found here . As of November, free rapid testing is also available at toll booths on weekends.
• Contact information for help lines and human services is at the bottom of this page .
• Information about assistance for individuals is here , information about business assistance is here and federal economic resources are here .

South Carolina

• South Carolina is progressing through its reopening plan , allowing businesses and services to operate with some prohibitions. Guidelines for restaurants and certain other establishments that had previously only been recommended became mandatory in early August, and the governor left those in place but removed restaurant occupancy limits in October.
• There is no statewide mask mandate, but local governments are encouraged to enact their own ordinances, which are available here . An executive order requires face coverings to be worn in state government facilities, restaurants and certain large gatherings.
• State COVID-19 dashboards showing cases, deaths and other health metrics are here .
• Health officials recommend anyone who traveled in the past 14 days stay home as much as possible and wear a mask in public. Individuals who participated in higher-risk activities or think they may have been exposed are encouraged to "take extra precautions" for 14 days upon arrival, including getting tested, .
• A Nov. 25 executive order enacted restrictions on gatherings, limiting their maximum size to no more than 50% of the location's occupancy limit or 250 people, whichever is less. Attendees are required to wear face coverings, and alcohol cannot be sold or consumed at any gatherings between the hours of 11 p.m. and 10 a.m. State approval is required for events larger than 250 people.
• Businesses are open in line with sector-specific guidelines . Those include indoor establishments like restaurants, entertainment venues, and fitness centers, as well as outdoor activities including festivals, playgrounds, attractions and beaches.
• An October executive order lifted occupancy limitations in restaurants statewide, allowing them to operate at 100% capacity with masks required, tables spaced six feet apart and other safety measures in place. The sale and consumption of alcohol at restaurants is prohibited after 11 p.m.
• A dashboard of COVID-19 cases associated with students and school staff is here .
• Reopening plans vary by district. A map showing the operational status of the state's school districts is here .
• State health officials say anyone who would like to get tested should do so, and recommend routine testing for individuals with known exposures or concerns about exposures. They also recommend that individuals who are "frequently out in the community" get tested at least once a month, regardless of symptoms. Find testing sites here .
• A list of state agency resources is here . Information about additional resources and types of assistance for businesses, employers, schools, adults and children are here . Click for information about food assistance , unemployment benefits and senior resources .
• State officials  have lifted  restrictions, including capacity limits, on businesses and gatherings in most of Tennessee's counties. Several counties in the state have locally-run health departments that can act independently. 
• There is no statewide mask mandate, though health officials strongly encourage people to wear face coverings in public places where "close proximity to others is anticipated." A July executive order granted local governments in most counties the authority to issue local mask ordinances, and that has been extended through Dec. 29.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboards, showing cases, deaths and other health data, are here .
• A September executive order removed limits on social and recreational gatherings, encouraging individuals to "exercise good faith judgment" in practicing social distancing tailored to each occasion. It applies to the counties with a state-run health department.
• Businesses are open in line with general and sector-specific guidance under the " Tennessee Pledge ."
• In October, updated guidelines removed capacity limits on attractions and entertainment venues and allowed additional facilities, like playgrounds and unstaffed hotel gyms, to reopen.
• An October executive order removed restrictions on businesses in counties with state-run health departments. It also requires people with COVID-19 or virus symptoms to stay home.
• School opening plans vary by district. The operational status of each district, as well as the numbers of COVID-19 cases associated with schools, are updated on this dashboard .
• Tennessee Department of Education guidance and resources are available here .
• A testing site locator is here . State officials recommend calling non-health department sites in advance.
• Information about resources for individuals, families, educators and businesses can be found here .
• Texas began reopening in May, but reimposed certain restrictions on businesses, gatherings and elective procedures over the summer as cases surged. It has since increased capacity limits for some businesses in lower-risk counties.
• A mask mandate issued in July requires individuals to wear a face covering in public spaces in counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases, with some exceptions.
• The state's main COVID-19 dashboard, which tracks cases, fatalities and other metrics, is here .
• Outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited , unless they have been approved by the relevant city mayor or county judge.
• An October executive order allows most businesses to operate at 75% capacity if they are located in a county with a low number of hospitalizations. Those businesses in areas with high hospitalizations can operate at 50% capacity. Counties with minimal case counts can apply for higher occupancy limits even if they are in higher-hospitalization areas. More information is here .
• Certain sectors and activities do not have occupancy limits, including religious services, child care, recreational sports programs, schools, drive-in entertainment and personal care service businesses that operate with six feet or more between work stations.
• Bars can operate pending local approval if they are located in counties with low hospitalizations, or if their area has been granted higher occupancy limits. They are limited to 50% capacity and patrons can only eat or drink while seated.
• Businesses must abide by general and sector-specific health protocols .
• A state dashboard showing COVID-19 cases in public schools is here .
• Resources and guidance for schools and families can be found here .
• Individuals can use the state's online self-checker to determine whether they should get tested for COVID-19. Testing is offered at public sites and drive-through locations, which can be found here .
• Information about public health and economic resources is here .
• Virginia has been in Phase 3 of its reopening plan since July. In November, it ramped up restrictions, including on gathering size and on-site alcohol consumption, in an effort to maintain its relatively low case count.
• An expanded mask mandate effective Nov. 15 requires individuals ages five and older to wear face coverings in indoor public places; the minimum age had previously been 10.
• The commonwealth's COVID-19 dashboards, tracking cases, hospitalizations, deaths and other metrics, are here .
• As of Nov. 15, indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 25 people, down from 250.
• Health officials recommend people take extra precautions before, during and after traveling.
• Businesses are open in line with mandatory Phase 3 requirements .
• The on-site sale, consumption and possession of alcohol in restaurants and other food and drink establishments is prohibited after 10 p.m.
• Essential retail businesses must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, cleaning and face coverings, with violations newly classified as a misdemeanor.
• A state dashboard showing COVID-19 metrics at K-12 schools is here .
• An overview of the state's education-related resources is here . Information and guidance about school operations can be found here .
• State health officials say people should get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms, had close contact with an infected person or have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider. Find testing sites and events here .
• Resources for individuals and businesses are here .

West Virginia

• West Virginia is progressing through its reopening plan while tightening restrictions on certain activities. It is using a color-coded system to determine the level of restrictions in each county.
• An expanded mask mandate , effective Nov. 14, requires everyone over the age of 9 to wear a face covering in indoor public settings at all times, except for when eating and drinking or alone in a closed room.
• The state's COVID-19 dashboard, showing cases, deaths, positivity rate and other trends, is here .
• Social gatherings are capped at 25 people in counties designated green and yellow , and 10 people in red, orange and gold counties.
• Businesses can operate under sector-specific guidelines listed here .
• A November executive order postponed the start date for all youth winter sports teams and leagues to Jan. 11 and prohibits practices before then. Travel sports are prohibited in gold, orange and red counties.
• Nursing home visitation protocols vary by county according to the color-coded system.
• Indoor live music performances with in-person crowds are prohibited. Outdoor live music performances must restrict crowds to 25% of the venue's capacity or 250 individuals, whichever is less.
• The state uses a color-coded map system to determine the restrictions on schools and school activities in each county. Counties designated green, yellow or gold can hold classes in person or through a hybrid model, while remote-only learning is required for orange and red counties.
• Free COVID-19 testing is available to individuals regardless of symptoms, according to state officials. In-home saliva-based testing kits are also available to residents at no cost. Details about testing sites and locations are here .
• Resources for businesses and workers are here . Information about mental health support is here .

The first version of this page was originally published on March 12. This is a developing story. We will continue to update as new information becomes available.

This is part of a series about coronavirus-related restrictions across the United States .

Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin

South: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

West: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Welcome to the new 511sc.org

MAP OVERLAYS

Driving alerts, traveler information.

SC Ports: Delayed opening of terminals could affect traffic Monday morning

C HARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Transportation is asking drivers to plan ahead for their drive to work Monday morning after the South Carolina Ports Authority announced a delayed opening.

All SC Ports’ marine terminals and inland ports will be delayed until 10 a.m. Monday, according to South Carolina Ports Authority spokesperson Laura Clifton.

The SCDOT advised that traffic delays in and around the area are possible, especially during peak travel periods.

Those who travel on Interstate 526 should plan ahead or seek alternate routes for their morning commutes.

SC Ports made the following announcement Sunday night:

SC Ports is working to resume operations as quickly as possible. Reopening is currently set for 10 a.m. at all terminals. Please frequently monitor this post on scspa.com for updates and confirmed opening time as this is a fluid situation.

SC Ports is working closely with its vendor to swiftly resume operations. We will communicate all updates to our maritime partners, customers and community members as information becomes available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

You could win a trip to L.A. for a special screening of  Enter the Dragon –  Enter by 5/31! See rules.

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

AARP MEMBERSHIP — Limited Time Offer-Memorial Day Sale

Join AARP for just $9 per year with a 5-year membership. Join now and get a FREE Gift! Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

• right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

Staying Fit

Your Personalized Guide to Fitness

AARP Hearing Center

Ways To Improve Your Hearing

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

A Retreat For Those Struggling

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

How to Protect What You Collect

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

Outdoor Vacation Ideas

Camping Vacations

Plan Ahead for Summer Travel

AARP National Park Guide

Discover Canyonlands National Park

25 Ways to Save on Your Vacation

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

TV for Grownups

Best Reality TV Shows for Grownups

Robert De Niro Reflects on His Life

Looking Back

50 World Changers Turning 50

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

Navigate All Kinds of Connections

Life & Home

Couple Creates Their Forever Home

Home Technology

Caregiver’s Guide to Smart Home Tech

AI Technology

The Possibilities, Perils of AI

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

Create a Hygge Haven

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

Your Ultimate Guide to Mulching

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

AARP Smart Guide

How to Keep Your Car Running

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Go to Series Main Page

List of Coronavirus-Related Restrictions in Every State

States have ended covid-related restrictions; several now bar vaccine mandates.

Throughout the  coronavirus pandemic , governors and health departments across the country issued orders and recommendations on the status of schools, businesses and public services. 

With the arrival of  COVID-19 vaccines  in late 2020, the closures, capacity limits and large-scale mask orders that marked earlier phases of the pandemic gave way to vaccine and testing mandates and more targeted face-covering rules, which many states extended or reinstated as the delta and omicron variants spread in 2021 and 2022. As those waves receded, pandemic restrictions largely subsided as well. 

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Some states and local governments maintained vaccination or masking orders for public employees and health care workers into 2023, but almost all such mandates had lapsed by May 11 of that year, when the federal government’s  COVID-19 public health emergency ended . Several states have barred or limited mask and vaccine orders and other requirements through legislation or executive action.

Find COVID-19 Vaccines in Your State

AARP's  53 state and territory COVID-19 vaccine guides  can help you find vaccines near you and provide the latest answers to common questions about costs, eligibility and availability.

At the national level, President Joe Biden's  executive order  requiring  health care workers  and federal executive branch employees to be vaccinated expired May 11, 2023. Another federal order that mandated masks on public modes of transportation, including commercial flights, and in transit hubs such as airports and bus and train stations, also ended that day, but it had not been enforced for more than a year due to a court order.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services formally ended vaccine or testing requirements for staff at long-term care facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid in August 2023.

There are no longer any states with general mask orders. A small number of state and local governments still require face-covering at certain times (such as respiratory illness season) in some high-risk settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes and shelters. Some states direct health care facilities to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  guidance on mask use  in medical settings. In most states, private businesses and venues may require masking or proof of vaccination as a condition for entry.

Here’s a look at each state’s vaccine, testing and mask requirements.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  State law bars local governments, schools and businesses from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for admission or to receive goods or services and grants workers broad rights to get religious or medical exemptions to workplace vaccine mandates.

Gov. Kay Ivey (R) issued an order prohibiting any state executive branch agency from penalizing a business or individual for not complying with President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate.

More information: Check the state public health department’s COVID-19 page .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) issued an order in April 2021 banning all executive branch departments from requiring anyone to provide proof of vaccination to travel to or around the state.

More information: Check the state’s COVID-19 page .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Laws signed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in April and May 2022 prohibit state and local government entities from requiring Arizonans to get a COVID-19 vaccine (government-owned or -operated health care institutions are exempt) and bar state officials from requiring COVID-19 vaccines at schools.

Mask regulations:  Ducey signed a measure in April 2022 banning face-covering orders for minors. School districts and local governments cannot require anyone under age 18 to wear a mask without parental consent. He signed legislation the following month prohibiting mask mandates in buildings run by state or local government.

More information: Check the state health department’s COVID-19 page . 

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) signed legislation Sept. 14 barring state and local government bodies from requiring vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition for employment, entry or provision of services. The measure took effect immediately.

Mask regulations:  Then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed a bill that bans state and local mask mandates, but it was overturned by a state judge in December 2021.

More information: Check the Arkansas Department of Health's COVID-19 page .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A statewide vaccine mandate for health care workers ended in April 2023. A requirement that state employees be vaccinated or undergo regular testing was lifted in September 2022. San Luis Obispo County requires health care workers to get flu shots and be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines during respiratory illness season, defined as Nov. 1 to April 30. 

Mask regulations:  A statewide mask requirement covering health care and long-term care facilities, emergency and homeless shelters, and jails and prisons ended in April 2023.

Several Bay Area and Northern California jurisdictions maintain mask requirements in medical facilities throughout respiratory illness season. Mandates in the city of San Francisco and in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties ended April 30.

More information: Read California’s current safety measures .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  The state Board of Public Health ended a vaccine requirement for health care workers in July 2022. A similar mandate for state employees was repealed the following month.

Mask regulations:  The state dropped its mask mandate for health care facilities in October 2022. A mask requirement for workers at federally regulated long-term care facilities in areas of high COVID-19 transmission lapsed with the end of the public health emergency. Health care workers are directed to follow CDC guidance on face-covering.

More Information: Check the Colorado Department of Health & Public Environment’s  COVID-19 page .

Connecticut

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A vaccine mandate for state employees and staff at schools and childcare facilities ended in April 2022 as most of Gov. Ned Lamont's COVID-related executive orders expired. The state's latest COVID-19 guidance refers people to the CDC's COVID website.

Mask regulations:  A face-covering requirement for health care facilities, long-term care facilities and shelters ended in April 2022.

More information: See Connecticut’s COVID-19 response page .  

Vaccine and testing regulations: Following the end of the federal and state public health emergencies on May 11, 2023, there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements for state employees, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health. Health care and long-term care facilities are encouraged to follow current CDC guidelines for infection control.

Mask regulations:  A mask mandate for K-12 schools and childcare facilities ended March 31, 2022. With the end of the public health emergency, medical and long-term care facilities are no longer under a state mask order and are encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on masking.

More information: Read Delaware’s COVID-19 guidance .  

District of Columbia

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A requirement that District government employees, contractors and interns be fully vaccinated ended April 24, 2023.

Mask regulations:  Face-covering is required in health care facilities when the COVID-19 community level is rated high by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

More information: Read the District’s COVID-19 guidances and resources .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A state law that took effect June 1, 2023, bars businesses, government bodies and educational institutions from requiring COVID-19 vaccination or testing as a condition of employment, entry or provision of services.

Mask regulations:  The same measure bars private and public-sector entities from imposing mask mandates.

More information: Read about Florida’s COVID-19 response .

Vaccine and testing requirements:  Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed an order in August 2021 that prohibits local governments from mandating COVID-19 restrictions such as vaccination requirements for private businesses. A state law in effect through at least June 30, 2023, bars government entities from requiring vaccination as a condition for employment or receiving public services.

Mask requirements:  Kemp's August 2021 order also allows bars local governments from enforcing mask mandates on private businesses without the business's consent. He signed legislation in March 2022 that allows parents to decide whether their children wear a mask in school, even if the local district implements a mandate. 

An indoor mask mandate enforced in Athens and Clarke County during periods of high COVID-19 transmission expired in full Oct. 6.    

More information: Check the state department of health’s COVID-19 page .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Democratic Gov. David Ige’s order that state employees show proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing was lifted March 25, 2022, as were all vaccine, testing and quarantine requirements for travel to Hawaii.

Mask regulations:  Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate, the last in the country, expired March 25, 2022. 

More information: Check the state’s COVID-19 page for updates.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Brad Little (R) signed legislation in April 2023 that prohibits most public and private employers from imposing vaccine mandates on employees. The measure, which took effect immediately, also prohibits government entities, businesses and venues from requiring proof of vaccination as a condition for someone to enter a premises or receive services. 

More information: Check the state’s COVID-19 page for more information.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A requirement that unvaccinated staff at health care and long-term care facilities get tested weekly for COVID-19 was lifted by Gov. J.P. Pritzker (D) in October 2022. 

Mask regulations:  Face-covering is no longer required in health care and long-term care facilities, per Pritzker's October 2022 order. Masks are recommended at facilities in areas of high community spread.

More information: Check the state health department’s COVID-19 page .

AARP NEWSLETTERS

%{ newsLetterPromoText  }%

%{ description }%

Privacy Policy

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed legislation in April 2021 banning state and local governments from requiring vaccine passports.

AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dental insurance plans for members and their families

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A state law enacted in 2021 expands employees’ rights to claim religious or medical exemptions to workplace vaccine mandates. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed legislation in June 2022 barring public and private schools, colleges and universities, and childcare centers from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for attendance.

Mask regulations:  State law prohibits local governments from ordering businesses to impose mask rules. On May 16, 2022, a federal appeals court panel ruled that Iowa school districts cannot issue mask mandates unless they’re needed to comply with other federal or state laws.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed legislation in November 2021 requiring employers that mandate vaccines to allow for a medical or religious exemption.

No current regulations:  There are no state vaccine or mask mandates in force, nor any prohibitions of mandates. 

No current regulations: Then-Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) ended the state’s emergency public health order in March 2022. There are no state vaccine or mask mandates in force, nor any prohibitions of mandates. 

Vaccine and testing regulations:  The state Department of Health of Human Services rescinded a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers in September 2023.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Employees at health care and residential care facilities operated by the state or local governments must show proof of vaccination. Those who do not are "required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment," as determined by the facility, while on the job, under an April 18, 2023, health department order.

Massachusetts

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Long-term care providers and home care workers were required to be vaccinated by Oct. 31, 2021. A vaccine mandate for state government employees was lifted May 11, 2023, in conjunction with the end of the state and federal public health emergencies, as was a similar rule for Boston city employees.

Mask regulations:  Mask mandates covering long-term care facilities, medical facilities, prisons and shelters ended May 11, 2023. Then-Gov. Charlie Baker (R) lifted a statewide mask mandate for K-12 public schools on Feb. 28, 2022.

More information: Read Massachusetts’ COVID-19 updates .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A state budget law enacted in September 2021 prohibits publicly funded agencies from requiring employees or customers to be vaccinated.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A requirement that state employees get vaccinated or submit to regular testing expired in May 2022.

More information: See Minnesota's  COVID-19 response page .

Mississippi

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation in April 2022 that bars state agencies and local governments from imposing COVID-19 vaccine requirements on employees or people seeking services.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Mike Parson (R) issued an order that prohibits state agencies from compelling an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or penalizing a business for noncompliance with federal vaccine mandates. State law prohibits local governments from requiring residents to show proof of vaccination to access public services.

More information:  Check the state health department’s COVID-19 page . 

Vaccine and testing regulations:  In April 2021, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed an executive order prohibiting vaccine passports in Montana. Employers, including private companies, are barred by state law from discriminating based on vaccination status.

Mask regulations:  State law restricts local jurisdictions’ authority to impose mask orders, and Gianforte announced an emergency rule in August 2021 directing schools to allow parents and students to opt out of face-covering mandates.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Legislation signed by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) in February 2022 requires employers to allow for exemptions from workplace vaccine mandates for medical or religious reasons.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A requirement that state employees who aren’t fully vaccinated submit to weekly testing was lifted in March 2022.

New Hampshire

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Most state and local government agencies are barred from imposing workplace vaccine requirements. The prohibition does not apply to government-run medical facilities, including nursing homes, but those facilities must grant employee requests for exemptions on medical or religious grounds under legislation signed in June 2022 by Gov. Chris Sununu.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order in June 2023 ending the state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for workers in health care settings, including long-term care facilities. Murphy had previously lifted a testing requirement for health care staff and testing and vaccine mandates for employees at congregate living facilities such as group homes and prisons.

Mask regulations:  A mask mandate for health care facilities ended in April 2023.

More information: Read New Jersey’s COVID-19 information hub .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  With the end of the state public health emergency on March 31, 2023, and of the federal emergency the following May, there are no vaccine or testing requirements in place. 

Mask regulations:  The state no longer requires masking in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other congregate settings. 

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers was formally lifted in October. A requirement that unvaccinated state employees submit to regular COVID-19 testing ended in June 2022. 

On Feb. 10, 2023, New York City dropped a requirement that current and prospective municipal workers show proof of vaccination. A similar mandate for private-sector workers was lifted the previous November.

Mask regulations:  A state mask mandate for hospitals, nursing homes and other health care settings was rescinded in February 2023. Face-covering is required for staff and visitors at public hospitals, health centers and nursing homes in New York City.

More information:  Read about New York's COVID-19 response and resources .

North Carolina

Vaccine and testing regulations:  There are no longer any vaccine or testing requirements for state employees or health care workers.

Mask regulations:  Health care and long-term care facilities follow the CDC guidance on masking, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

More information:  See the state health department’s COVID-19 guidance .

North Dakota

Vaccine and testing regulations:  State and local governments are barred from requiring employees to be vaccinated. Private employers with vaccine mandates must allow exemptions on the basis of an employee’s medical condition; a recent COVID-19 infection; religious, philosophical or moral objections to vaccination; or agreement to submit to periodic testing. Businesses are prohibited from requiring documentation of a customer’s vaccination status. 

No current regulations:  Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ended the state’s public health emergency in June 2021. There are no state vaccine or mask mandates in force, nor any prohibitions of mandates. 

More information:  Check the state health department’s  COVID-19 page .

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed an order that prohibits state agencies from requiring a visitor to show proof of vaccination to enter public buildings. The order exempts agencies that conduct medical activities requiring patient interaction.

Vaccine and testing regulations: A vaccine requirement for health care workers ended May 11, 2023. A similar order covering school staff expired the following month. A vaccine mandate for state government employees was lifted April 1, 2022.

Mask regulations:  A statewide indoor mask mandate expired March 12, 2022. A face-covering requirement for workers in health care settings ended April 3, 2023.

Pennsylvania

Vaccine and testing regulations:  State health care employees and workers in high-risk congregate-care facilities were required to be vaccinated by Sept. 7, 2021, or undergo regular testing. New hires in such facilities must be vaccinated.

Philadelphia ended vaccine requirements for city employees and health care workers in May 2023. Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, rescinded a vaccine mandate for county employees the same month.

More information: Visit the state department of health’s COVID-19 page .

Puerto Rico

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Pedro Pierluisi (D) issued an executive order in March 2022 lifting workplace vaccine and booster mandates except for those necessary to comply with federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rules.

Mask regulations:  Pierluisi ended Puerto Rico’s general indoor mask order in March 2022 and lifted the mandate for schools and childcare centers the following September. Face-covering requirements in medical and long-term care facilities were lifted May 11, 2023.

More information:  Check the Puerto Rico health department’s  COVID-19 guidelines and protocols (Spanish).

Rhode Island

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Health care workers were required to be vaccinated by Oct. 1, 2021, unless they were medically exempt.

Mask regulations:  Face-covering is required for health care workers who are not up to date with their vaccines when weekly COVID-19 community levels in their area exceed 50 cases per 100,000 people (check the Rhode Island Department of Health’s  COVID-19 data hub ). 

More information:  See the health department’s  COVID-19 information page .

South Carolina

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed legislation in April 2022 that bars the state, local governments and school districts from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for employment or attendance and prohibits places of public accommodation such as hospitals, restaurants, theaters and stores from denying service based on vaccination status. The measure took effect immediately and will remain in force through at least the end of 2023.

Mask regulations:  There is no statewide requirement, and McMaster issued an executive order in May 2021 invalidating local mask orders in effect at the time. A local mandate covering indoor public spaces in in unincorporated parts of Richland County expired in May 2022.

South Dakota

Vaccine and testing regulations:  Gov. Kristi Noem (R) issued an executive order in April 2021 barring state and local governments from issuing or requiring the use of vaccine passports.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  State law prohibits private employers from compelling workers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and from taking “adverse action” or discriminating against those to object to getting vaccinated.

Mask regulations:  Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed legislation in November 2021 restricting local governments’ authority to institute face-covering orders.

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A state law that took effect Sept. 1, 2023, prohibits state and local government bodies from imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The measure does not cover private businesses. 

Mask regulations:  The 2023 law also bars most government entities from mandating mask use to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are exceptions for health care, corrections and juvenile justice centers and residential facilities for people with intellectual or development disabilities.  

Vaccine or testing regulations:  State agencies and public universities are prohibited from requiring proof of vaccination. Private employers with workplace vaccine requirements must allow exemptions for medical reasons, prior COVID-19 infection, or religious or personal beliefs.

Vaccine or testing regulations:  A requirement that state employees get vaccinated or submit to weekly testing was lifted in April 2022.

Vaccine or testing regulations:  Upon taking office in January 2022, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) rescinded his predecessor’s executive order mandating vaccination for state employees.

Mask regulations:  State legislation adopted in February 2022 effectively bars school mask mandates by allowing parents to decide whether or not their children wear masks in public schools and early childhood programs. 

Vaccine and testing regulations:  A vaccine requirement covering employees at most state agencies was rescinded May 11. A similar order for health care and education workers expired Oct. 31, 2022, with the end of the state's COVID-19 emergency order.

Mask regulations:  A general indoor mask mandate was lifted March 12, 2022. A mask order covering health care, long-term care and correctional facilities was lifted April 3, 2023.

West Virginia

Vaccine and testing regulations:  State law prohibits government entities from requiring proof of vaccination as a condition for entering their premises or utilizing services. Employers with workplace vaccine mandates are required to except employees with valid medical or religious exemptions.

More information:  Check the state health department’s  COVID-19 page .

Vaccine and testing regulations: Gov. Mark Gordon (R) issued a directive in May 2021 that prohibits state bodies from requiring proof of vaccination to access facilities and services and encouraging, but not requiring, local governments and private business to do the same.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

More on the Coronavirus

Coronavirus Tele-Town Halls

Coronavirus

State-by-State Guide to Face Mask Requirements

States, cities and counties have largely eased or ended mandates

AARP Value & Member Benefits

Carrabba's Italian Grill®

10% off dine-in or curbside carryout orders placed by phone

AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Hotels & Resorts

Up to 10% off select hotels

ADT™ Home Security

Savings on monthly home security monitoring

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

Get Email Updates from Ballotpedia

First Name *

Please complete the Captcha above

Ballotpedia on Facebook

  Share this page

  Follow Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia on Twitter

You can help empower voters with the information they need when heading to the ballot box. Join the Ballotpedia Society .

Documenting South Carolina's path to recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

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 article contains a general timeline of noteworthy state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic since April 2020. It also includes details on three specific types of state responses to the pandemic:

Statewide travel restrictions

School reopenings and closures, statewide mask requirements.

Additionally, the article includes:

• Noteworthy coronavirus lawsuits
• Diagnosed or quarantined officials and candidates
• 1.1 June 2021
• 1.2 May 2021
• 1.3 April 2021
• 1.4 March 2021
• 1.5 February 2021
• 1.6 January 2021
• 1.7 October 2020
• 1.8 September 2020
• 1.9 July 2020
• 1.10 June 2020
• 1.11 May 2020
• 2.1 Quick facts
• 2.2 Timeline
• 3 School reopenings and closures
• 4.1 Timeline
• 5 Statewide mask requirements
• 6 Noteworthy lawsuits
• 7 Officials and candidates diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus
• 8 Paths to recovery by state
• 9 Other state government responses
• 10 General resources
• 11 See also
• 12 Footnotes

Response news updates

The following section provides a timeline of South Carolina's reopening activity beginning in April 2020. The entries, which come from our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter, are sorted by month in reverse chronological order. The date shown is the day that we wrote about them in the newsletter. They appear exactly as they appeared in the newsletter.

• June 9 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) allowed the statewide coronavirus emergency order to expire June 7. McMaster declared the emergency March 13, 2020.
• May 24 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until June 6.
• May 12 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed an executive order that allows parents to choose whether their children wear a mask in public schools. The order prohibits any local government, state agency, or state employee from requiring proof of vaccination to access government services or facilities. The order also prohibits local governments from using the state’s coronavirus emergency order as a basis for mask mandates.
• May 10 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until May 22, 2021.
• May 7 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state will stop participating in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits programs starting June 30. For more information on the state’s pre-pandemic unemployment benefits programs, click here .
• April 23 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through May 7.
• April 8 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through April 22.
• March 31 : All residents 16 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31.
• March 29 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31.
• March 24 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until April 7.
• The state begins Phase 1b of vaccination on March 8. People aged 55 and older, anyone 16 and older with a high-risk health condition (including cancer, heart disease, and obesity), inmates and correctional officers, and homeless shelter residents and workers are eligible for vaccination.
• Gov. Henry McMaster (R) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order, lifting the requirement for people to wear masks at restaurants and in state office buildings. The mask requirements went into effect Aug. 5. The current emergency order is effective until March 20.
• March 3 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state will start Phase 1b of vaccination starting March 8. The phase will include everyone aged 55 and older, anyone 16 and older with a high-risk health condition (including cancer, heart disease, and obesity), inmates and correctional officers, and homeless shelter residents and workers. McMaster said the state was aiming to start Phase 1c on April 12, which will expand eligibility to anyone 45 or older and all workers the CDC classifies as essential. On May 3, the state is aiming to start Phase 2, which will include everyone age 16 and older.
• Gov. Henry McMaster (R) is lifting restrictions on alcohol sales after 11 p.m. and on mass gatherings starting March 1. The Department of Commerce no longer needs to approve events larger than 250 people. Mitigation strategies (like the previous 50% capacity limit and mask requirement for gatherings of 250 people or more) are recommendations.
• The state House passed a bill 109-3 that would give the legislature more oversight over governors' executive orders. The bill would allow the legislature to review executive orders and extend, amend, or end them after 30 days. If the legislature does not meet to vote on an order, it will last for as long as the governor pleases. Under current laws, the governor can issue executive orders that last up to 15 days, but the legislature has to vote to extend orders. During the pandemic, Gov. McMaster issued new executive orders every 15 days, and the legislature did not have to meet to approve extensions. If the bill becomes law, governors could issue one executive order that would be effective at the legislature’s pleasure. The bill will go to the state Senate for consideration. McMaster says he would support the bill.

February 2021

• February 22 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through March 8.
• Individuals age 65 and older are able to schedule vaccination appointments starting Feb. 8. Previously, appointments were limited to individuals age 70 and older.
• Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Feb. 21.
• February 4 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced individuals age 65 and older will be able to schedule vaccination appointments starting Feb. 8. Currently, appointments are limited to individuals age 70 and older.

January 2021

• January 13 : Individuals age 70 or older can begin scheduling appointments to receive a vaccine starting Jan. 13.
• January 8 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Jan. 22.

October 2020

• October 5 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued an executive order lifting capacity limits on restaurants, effective Oct. 2. Individuals are still required to wear face coverings at restaurants, and the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages after 11 p.m. is still prohibited.

September 2020

• September 1 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced outdoor visitation is permitted at nursing homes that can meet the criteria outlined in the state’s guidance document .
• July 31 : State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced masks will be required in South Carolina public school facilities for staff and students in grades 2-12.
• July 30 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state’s guidance for restaurants will become requirements, effective Aug. 3. The order will require employees and patrons to wear masks at dining establishments, prohibit customers from gathering around bar areas, and limit dine-in to 50% occupancy. McMaster also announced that large gathering venues and events like movie theaters, festivals, auditoriums, and concerts will be able to reopen with mask requirements for attendees. Masks will be required in all state buildings starting on Aug. 5.
• July 13 : On June 11, an order prohibiting restaurants and bars from selling alcohol after 11:00 p.m. took effect.
• June 23 : The state's AccelerateED task force released final guidelines for reopening schools in the fall. Recommendations include mask requirements for students and faculty, social distancing measures, and 50% capacity limits for school busses.
• June 12 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued an executive order allowing bowling alleys to reopen and lifting capacity limits on retailers. The order also declared a new state of emergency.
• May 22 : Attraction facilities in the state began to partially reopen . Eligible businesses include zoos, museums, aquariums, planetariums, historic sites, waterparks, amusement park rides, go-kart tracks, and miniature golf courses. The reopening does not include bowling alleys, nightclubs, spectator sports venues, or movie theaters.
• May 18 : Close-contact businesses (barbershops, salons, spas, and tattoo parlors), gyms, and public pools began reopening on May 18. The businesses must follow state guidelines , including keeping people six feet apart when possible, installing physical barriers at work stations, and putting up signs to remind employees and customers of safety and hygiene practices.
• May 12 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced on May 11 that close-contact businesses could reopen beginning Monday, May 18. Businesses in that category include barbershops, hair salons, gyms, and pools. Businesses that reopen must follow specific guidelines, which include, keeping people six feet apart when possible, installing physical barriers at work stations, and putting up signs to remind employees and customers of safety and hygiene practices.
• May 11 : Restaurants could open for dine-in services under certain conditions Monday, including allowing no more than 50% of posted occupancy inside and spacing tables 6 to 8 feet apart. Gov. Henry McMaster (R) also lifted boating restrictions.

Vaccine distribution

This section contains a table of quick facts on the state’s vaccine distribution plan and a timeline of noteworthy events, including updates on vaccine availability for new groups of individuals, changes to state distribution plans, and much more. If you know of a noteworthy story we are missing, please email us at [email protected] .

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control released a distribution plan on October 16, 2020.

Quick facts

• May 11, 2021 : South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed an executive order that prohibited any local government, state agency, or state employee from requiring proof of vaccination to access government services or facilities. [2]
• March 31, 2021 : South Carolina residents 16 and older became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. [3]
• March 26, 2021 : South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced all residents 16 and older will be eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31. [4]
• March 8, 2021 : South Carolina began Phase 1b of vaccination on March 8. People aged 55 and older, anyone 16 and older with a high-risk health condition (including cancer, heart disease, and obesity), inmates and correctional officers, and homeless shelter residents and workers became eligible for vaccination. [5]
• March 2, 2021 : South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the state would start Phase 1b of vaccination on March 8. The phase was scheduled to include everyone aged 55 and older, anyone 16 and older with a high-risk health condition (including cancer, heart disease, and obesity), inmates and correctional officers, and homeless shelter residents and workers. McMaster said the state was aiming to start Phase 1c on April 12, which was scheduled to expand eligibility to anyone 45 or older and all workers the CDC classifies as essential. On May 3, the state was aiming to start Phase 2, which was scheduled to include everyone age 16 and older. [6]
• February 8, 2021 : In South Carolina, individuals age 65 and older became eligible to schedule vaccination appointments. Previously, appointments were limited to individuals age 70 and older. [7]
• February 3, 2021 : South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced individuals age 65 and older would be able to start scheduling vaccination appointments starting Feb. 8. Previously, appointments were limited to individuals age 70 and older. [8]
• January 13, 2021 : Individuals age 70 or older began scheduling appointments to receive a vaccine in South Carolina. [9]

Schools in South Carolina were closed to in-person instruction on March 15, 2020, and remained closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. To notify us of when schools were allowed to reopen statewide, email us . The timeline below lists statewide responses we tracked.

• June 29, 2021 : At the end of the school year, Burbio reported all schools were in-person in South Carolina . [10] [11]
• April 26, 2021 : South Carolina schools had to start offering in-person instruction five days a week. Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed the requirement into law on April 22. The legislature passed the requirement on April 21. [12]
• Sept. 10, 2020 : At the beginning of the school year, Burbio reported about half of schools were in-person in South Carolina . [13] [14]
• July 31, 2020 : South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Mitchell Spearman announced masks would be required in South Carolina public school facilities for staff and students in grades 2-12. [15]
• June 22, 2020 : Spearman released recommendations on reopening schools in the state. The recommendations included required face coverings for all students and staff, social distancing protocols, one-way hallways, staggered arrivals and dismissals, and buses operating at 50 percent capacity. [16]
• April 22, 2020 : Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through April 30. [17]
• March 24, 2020 : McMaster announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended to April 30. [18]
• March 15, 2020 : McMaster announced the closing of all K-12 schools in the state for two weeks, effective immediately, with the possibility for schools in counties without any cases of coronavirus to remain open. [19]

Does South Carolina have restrictions on travel? No. The quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers expired May 1, 2020. [20]

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. [21]
• 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. [22]

Effective August 5, 2020, the state required masks statewide in restaurants, in state government buildings, and at large gathering venues and events like movie theaters, festivals, auditoriums, and concerts. [23]

On March 5, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order, lifting the requirement for people to wear masks at restaurants and in state office buildings.

Noteworthy lawsuits

Ike’s Korner Grille v. South Carolina : On September 20, 2020, a Spartanburg County restaurant sued the state of South Carolina and Governor Henry McMaster (R), arguing that McMaster's COVID-19 executive orders "are not authorized by the laws of South Carolina and violate the South Carolina Constitution." In its complaint, Ike’s Korner Grille, which received multiple violation notifications for failure to abide by the mandatory safety measures, alleged that the orders posed "the threat of lasting and permanent harm" to its "business and personal liberty by the restrictive micro-managing of operations." The restaurant argued that McMaster’s orders exceeded the statutory time-limit for a state of emergency and unconstitutionally "usurp the legislative power of the General Assembly." A spokesperson from McMaster’s office said, "[The] governor is confident in the constitutionality of the targeted, deliberate and limited measures that have been put in place to help stop the spread of the virus." The suit was filed in the Spartanburg County Court of Common Pleas. [24] [25]

Officials and candidates diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus

The table below lists officials or candidates who have been diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus. The most recent announcements appear first.

Paths to recovery by state

To read about other states’ responses and recoveries, click one of the links below:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Other state government responses

To view previous coverage areas, including changes to 2020 election dates and policies, initial stay-at-home orders, coronavirus-related legislation, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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
• School responses in South Carolina to the coronavirus pandemic
• School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
• COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
• Travel restrictions by state
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named section7
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC511
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC331
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC328
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC36
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC32
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC28
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC23
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC113
• ↑ Burbio rated South Carolina's in-person index at 100. To read more about Burbio's school opening tracker, click here . To read more about Burbio's methodology, click here .
• ↑ Burbio , "Burbio's K-12 School Opening Tracker," accessed Oct. 8, 2021
• ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SC426
• ↑ Burbio rated South Carolina's in-person index between 40-60. To read more about Burbio's school opening tracker, click here . To read more about Burbio's methodology, click here .
• ↑ WYFF , "Masks will now be required for everyone inside a public school facility in South Carolina," July 31, 2020
• ↑ WLTX , "Final plan for reopening South Carolina schools released," June 22, 2020
• ↑ The NewBerry Observer , "Public schools to remain closed for school year," April 22, 2020
• ↑ WISTV , "S.C. governor closes public K-12 schools through April 30," March 24, 2020
• ↑ WBTV , "Official: S.C. Governor to announce closure of all schools due to coronavirus outbreak," March 15, 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
• ↑ South Carolina Office of the Governor , "Gov. Henry McMaster Takes Additional Action to Slow Virus Spread," accessed August 25, 2020
• ↑ Spartanburg County Court of Common Pleas , "Ike’s Korner Grille v. South Carolina: Complaint," September 20, 2020
• ↑ The Post and Courier , "Upstate SC burger joint’s fight against McMaster COVID orders may have broad consequences," September 23, 2020
• ↑ News 19', "SC State senator from Lexington tests positive for coronavirus," September 24, 2020
• ↑ Greenville News , "SC Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette tests positive for coronavirus after attending the Southern 500," September 14, 2020
• ↑ The Post and Courier , "At least 3 SC House members test positive for COVID in early meetings," December 4, 2020
• ↑ WSAV', "SC’s attorney general in isolation after COVID-19 contact," November 18, 2020
• ↑ Post and Courier , "Charleston congressman Joe Cunningham tests positive for coronavirus, March 27, 2020
• ↑ ABC 4 news , "Rep. Joe Cunningham goes into self-quarantine, March 19, 2020
• ↑ The Hill , "House GOP lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19," June 15, 2020
• ↑ ABC News 4 , "SC state superintendent, Molly Spearman, tests positive for COVID-19," January 4, 2020
• ↑ Office of Nancy Mace , "Rep. Nancy Mace Tests Positive for COVID-19," January 10, 2022
• ↑ Live 5 News , "State Rep. Nancy Mace tests positive for COVID-19," June 23, 2020
• ↑ CNBC , "Sen. Chris Coons, seven staffers who traveled with Defense deputy secretary have Covid," December 23, 2021
• ↑ Live 5 News , "McMaster tests positive for COVID-19," December 22, 2020
• ↑ The Lancaster News , "McGarry: I caught COVID during House orientation," December 2, 2020
• ↑ CNN , "Rep. Joe Wilson tests positive for Covid-19," December 16, 2020
• ↑ CNN , "GOP lawmaker tests positive for Covid-19 a week after joining anti-mask requirement lawsuit," August 6, 2021
• ↑ Associated Press , "Graham 1st vaccinated senator to test positive for COVID-19," August 3, 2021
• Pages using DynamicPageList3 parser function
• Coronavirus reopening plans by state, 2020
• Pages with reference errors

Ballotpedia features 489,888 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. Click here to contact our editorial staff or report an error . For media inquiries, contact us here . Please donate here to support our continued expansion.

Information about voting

• What's on my ballot?
• Where do I vote?
• How do I register to vote?
• How do I request a ballot?
• When do I vote?
• When are polls open?
• Who represents me?

2024 Elections

• Presidential election
• Presidential candidates
• Congressional elections
• Ballot measures
• State executive elections
• State legislative elections
• State judge elections
• Local elections
• School board elections

2025 Elections

• State executives
• State legislatures
• State judges
• Municipal officials
• School boards
• Election legislation tracking
• State trifectas
• State triplexes
• Redistricting
• Pivot counties
• State supreme court partisanship
• Polling indexes

Public Policy

• Administrative state
• Criminal justice policy
• Education policy
• Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)
• Unemployment insurance
• Work requirements
• Policy in the states

Information for candidates

• Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey
• How do I run for office?
• How do I update a page?
• Election results
• Send us candidate contact info

Get Engaged

• Donate to Ballotpedia
• Report an error
• Newsletters
• Ballotpedia podcast
• Ballotpedia Boutique
• Media inquiries
• Premium research services
• 2024 Elections calendar
• 2024 Presidential election
• Biden Administration
• Recall elections
• Ballotpedia News

SITE NAVIGATION

• Ballotpedia's Sample Ballot
• 2024 Congressional elections
• 2024 State executive elections
• 2024 State legislative elections
• 2024 State judge elections
• 2024 Local elections
• 2024 Ballot measures
• Upcoming elections
• 2025 Statewide primary dates
• 2025 State executive elections
• 2025 State legislative elections
• 2025 Local elections
• 2025 Ballot measures
• Cabinet officials
• Executive orders and actions
• Key legislation
• Judicial nominations
• White House senior staff
• U.S. President
• U.S. Congress
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Federal courts
• State government
• Municipal government
• Election policy
• Running for office
• Ballotpedia's weekly podcast
• About Ballotpedia
• Editorial independence
• Job opportunities
• News and events
• Privacy policy
• Disclaimers