Weekly Policy Update
CVKey Project is a multidisciplinary team working to help communities reopen responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic without compromising privacy.
Our policy team colleague, Matt Witt, has been curating essential weekly policy updates to share internally, but we believe their content is valuable to any reader. We hope you find this summary of state COVID-19 policy changes informative and helpful, and maybe even a little bit hopeful.
Arizona — Gov. Doug Ducey (R) extended an executive order that adds 365 days to a driver’s license expiration date. The executive order runs through March 2021. The reason for the initial order was to eliminate the need for residents to visit DMV offices for license renewals.
California — On Aug. 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) released a new color-coded reopening plan. Counties will be classified as one of four colors based on coronavirus spread in each county. Different business restrictions will apply to each of the color levels.
Colorado — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a draft of a color-coding system for reopening by county. The system includes five colors (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue) ranging from “stay at home” (red) to “protect our neighbors” (blue).
Connecticut — On Aug. 31, schools were allowed to reopen for in-person instruction. Schools in the state were initially closed on March 16.
Delaware — Gov. John Carney (D) announced that some beach bars could reopen for Labor Day weekend. Patrons must be socially distanced, order food, and make reservations. The reopening will take effect in ten coastal towns.
Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed an order reopening long-term care facilities to visitors. All visitors will be required to wear a mask and pass a temperature check and screening for coronavirus symptoms.
Hawaii — Inter-island and out-of-state travelers will be required to fill out a Safe Travels application online starting Sept. 1. The online forms will be the same as the paper Safe Travels forms travelers previously had to complete.
Indiana — The state Board of Education voted to update the definition of “virtual student” for use in the state’s school funding formula. As a result, students who opt for virtual learning during the pandemic will still count in a school’s funding formula.
Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced the reopening of the Iowa Small Business Relief Program for bars closed in six counties by Reynolds’ executive order last week. Affected businesses may be eligible for a one-time $10,000 grant.
Maine — Gov. Janet Mills (D) extended the coronavirus state of civil emergency through Oct. 1.
Maryland — Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that the state would enter Phase Three of reopening on Sept. 4. Retail stores and religious services will be allowed to increase capacity to 75 percent. Outdoor entertainment venues may reopen with a capacity of 250 people. Indoor entertainment venues may reopen at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people.
Massachusetts — Gov. Charlie Baker (R) signed an executive order allowing already-licensed after-school and out-of-school programs to operate during the school day.
New Jersey — Gyms and some indoor amusement facilities will be able to reopen starting Sept. 1. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) also announced indoor dining services and movie theaters will be able to reopen starting Sept. 4.
New Mexico — Health Secretary Kathyleen Kunklel extended the state’s stay-at-home public health order and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state’s emergency executive order. Both orders are effective through Sept. 18.
Oklahoma — On Aug. 28, Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) issued an emergency order extending the statewide state of emergency for 30 days.
Rhode Island — Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) announced every public school district in the state except Providence and Central Falls will be permitted to resume in-person instruction when schools reopen for the 2020–2021 academic year. Raimondo also signed an executive order extending Phase III of the state’s reopening plan.
Tennessee — On Aug. 28, Gov. Bill Lee (R) extended the statewide state of emergency through September 30.
Vermont — On Sept. 1, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development issued new guidance that requires student athletes to wear face coverings during games and practices when social distancing isn’t possible. The guidance takes effect Sept. 8.
West Virginia — On Sept. 2, Gov. Jim Justice (R) closed bars in Monongalia County, two days after allowing them to reopen. He first closed bars in Monongalia in July following a spike in coronavirus cases in that area. Justice did not provide a timeline for when bars can reopen.
GOOD NEWS
Even during this time of hardship, there is good news to share.
This week’s story: Class is in session! A Des Moines high school biology teacher shares his daily lessons using #sidewalkscience.
