Since our last edition

What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.

• Connecticut (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Ned Lamont (D) issued an executive order requiring travelers from all states except New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island to self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Connecticut, effective Dec. 19. Travelers do not have to quarantine if they received negative test results within 72 hours before or any time after their arrival in the state. Travelers must submit negative test results to the Department of Public Health Commissioner. The order also exempts travelers who tested positive for the virus in the 90 days before arriving in the state who have clinically recovered and submitted the positive test result to the Department of Public Health Commissioner.

• Georgia (Republican trifecta): On Friday, Dec. 18, Gov. Brain Kemp (R) announced the state was directing around $70 million dollars through March 2021 to help hospitals and long-term care facilities care for COVID-19 patients and distribute vaccines.

• Michigan (divided government): On Friday, Dec. 18, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced she was loosening some restrictions on schools and businesses starting Dec. 21. On that day, in-person learning can resume at high schools, and at businesses like movie theaters and casinos can reopen so long as people wear masks and practice social distancing. The restrictions in the new order will remain in effect through Jan. 15. 

• Rhode Island (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) allowed Rhode Island on Pause restrictions to expire Dec. 21. Indoor dining at restaurants and bars can expand from 33% capacity to 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor entertainment businesses can reopen with one person per 150 square feet capacity. Indoor private gatherings are still limited to household members through the holidays.  

• South Dakota (Republican trifecta): On Friday, Dec. 18, Gov. Kristi Noem (R) issued an order extending the statewide COVID-19 emergency through June 30, 2021.  

• Tennessee (Republican trifecta): On Sunday, Dec. 20, Gov. Bill Lee (R) issued an executive order limiting gatherings to 10 people.

Additional activity

In this section, we feature examples of other federal, state, and local government activity, private industry responses, and lawsuits related to the pandemic. 

• On Dec. 18, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to biotechnology company Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Carriers began shipping the vaccine to states over the weekend, with the first doses expected to be administered Monday, Dec. 21.