Documenting America’s Path to Recovery: January 4, 2021

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Ballotpedia staff
Documenting America's Path to Recovery by Ballotpedia

Since our last edition

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

  • California (Democratic trifecta): Health Secretary Mark Ghaly extended the stay-at-home order for the Greater Sacramento region. Restrictions will remain effective until the region’s four-week projected available ICU capacity is equal to or greater than 15%.
  • Georgia (Republican trifecta): On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that first responders, firefighters, law enforcement, and individuals 65 and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine under the state’s distribution plan. Previously, only healthcare workers and residents and staff in long-term care facilities were eligible in the plan’s first phase. 
  • Indiana (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Dec. 31, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the coronavirus public health emergency another 30 days. 
  • Louisiana (divided government): Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) announced the state is starting Phase 1-B of the vaccine distribution plan on Jan. 4. Vaccines are available by appointment at participating pharmacies to individuals over the age of 70 and most healthcare workers not covered in Phase 1-A.
  • Maine (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Janet Mills (D) indefinitely extended an order requiring businesses like restaurants, bars, and indoor and outdoor amusement venues to close nightly by 9 p.m. Previously, the order was scheduled to expire on Jan. 3. 
  • Massachusetts (divided government): On Thursday, Dec. 31, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program had awarded 1,366 grants totaling $67.4 million to help offset the economic burden of the pandemic. It was the second round of program grants. 
  • New Hampshire (Republican trifecta): On Jan. 1, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) extended the COVID-19 state of emergency for an additional 21 days. 
  • Ohio (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Dec. 31, Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud issued an order requiring all residents to stay home between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless engaged in work or essential activities. The order expires Jan. 23, 2021. 
  • Oregon (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Kate Brown (D) changed the Jan. 1-14 risk level classification for Baker County to High Risk. Brown earlier said Baker County would be in the Extreme Risk category. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level, click here. The state’s school reopening metrics, which determine when schools may open, became advisory instead of mandatory on Jan. 1.
  • Pennsylvania (divided government): Gov. Tom Wolf (D) allowed the state’s additional time-limited mitigation measures to expire Jan. 4. Current restrictions on individuals and businesses are the same as they were on Dec. 11, before the time-limited order was implemented. For a list of current restrictions, click here.
  • Washington (Democratic trifecta): On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) extended statewide coronavirus restrictions through Jan. 11. 
  • West Virginia (Republican trifecta): On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced that all elementary and middle schools would reopen to full-time, in-person instruction beginning Jan. 19. Justice also announced that most high schools would reopen unless they are located in counties the Department of Health and Human Resources classified as red. 
  • Wyoming (Republican trifecta): On Saturday, Jan. 2, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) announced he was easing coronavirus restrictions effective Jan. 9. On that day, bars and restaurants will be permitted to resume serving alcohol between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Gyms will also be permitted to hold fitness classes with up to 25 people, up from 10, under the current restrictions.