Documenting America’s Path to Recovery: January 19, 2021

Since our last edition

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

Arkansas (Republican trifecta): The state started Phase 1-B of vaccine distribution on Jan. 18. Individuals age 70 and older and school staff are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Arizona (Republican trifecta): Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced people age 65 and older are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Phase 1B. Previously, the phase made the vaccine available to individuals age 75 and older.

Connecticut (Democratic trifecta): Individuals age 75 and older were allowed to schedule vaccination appointments starting Jan. 18, marking the beginning of Phase 1b. Lamont said other groups included in Phase 1b will be allowed to make appointments once the supply increases and more individuals in the 75+ age group receive vaccines. Frontline essential workers, residents and staff in congregate settings, individuals between the ages of 65 and 74, and individuals with underlying health conditions are also included in Phase 1b. In Phase 1a, the state vaccinated healthcare workers and nursing home residents.

Illinois (Democratic trifecta): The Department of Health adjusted the state’s mitigation metrics to reflect additional hospital staff and capacity. The change allowed regions 8, 9, 10, and 11 to begin operating under Tier 2 mitigation restrictions. Regions 1, 2, and 6 were allowed to move to Tier 1 (the least restrictive mitigation level), and regions 3 and 5 were allowed to resume Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan with no additional mitigation measures. Before the adjustment, the entire state was under Tier 3 (most restrictive) mitigation since November 20, 2020. For more information on what activities are permitted in each mitigation tier, click here.

Florida (Republican trifecta): Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced individuals age 65 and older will be able to receive vaccinations at 67 Publix pharmacies in Palm Beach County, two Publix pharmacies in Monroe County, and seven Publix pharmacies in Martin County. Registration will open Jan. 20, and appointments will start Jan. 21.

Maryland (divided government): The state moved to Phase 1B of its vaccine distribution plan beginning Monday, Jan. 18. In Phase 1B, all residents over the age of 75 are eligible for the vaccine. Additionally, people in assisted living facilities, teachers, daycare providers, and inmates in correctional facilities also become eligible.

Minnesota (divided government): On Monday, Jan. 18, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced the state would open nine sites to vaccinate people 65 and older, school staff and teachers, and child care workers.

Mississippi (Republican trifecta): Gov. Tate Reeves (R) extended the state’s regional mask order and Safe Return order (including the 10-person indoor and 50-person outdoor gathering limits) until Feb. 3.

Missouri (Republican trifecta): Phase 1b – Tier 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan started Jan. 18. It includes individuals age 65 or older and any adult with a high-risk condition (like COPD, cancer, type 2 diabetes, or severe obesity). Previously, Phase 1b – Tier 1 started Jan. 14, making the vaccine available to first responders and public health professionals.

North Dakota (Republican trifecta): The statewide mask mandate expired Monday, Jan. 18. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said he would not renew the mandate on Friday, Jan. 15, citing the decline in COVID-19 cases across the state.

Ohio (Republican trifecta): The next step in Ohio’s vaccination plan, Phase 1B, began Tuesday, Jan. 19. In the first week of Phase 1B, vaccines are reserved for those 80 and older. Beginning Jan. 25, people 75 and older, and those with severe congenital or developmental disorders, become eligible. On Feb. 1, eligibility expands to people 70 and older and K-12 staff and teachers who want to return to in-person learning. On Feb. 8, eligibility expands to people 65 and older.

Vermont (divided government): On Friday. Jan. 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced that people age 75 and older will become eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine when the next phase of the state’s distribution plan goes into effect Jan. 25.

Washington (Democratic trifecta): On Monday, Jan. 18, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that individuals 65 and older are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. He also announced the creation of the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center, a new mobilization effort to administer 45,000 vaccines a day with help from the National Guard and volunteers.

Lawsuits about state actions and policies

Overview:

To date, Ballotpedia has tracked 1,368 lawsuits, in 50 states, dealing in some way with the COVID-19 outbreak. Court orders have been issued, or settlements have been reached, in 431 of those lawsuits.
- Since Jan. 12, we have added seven lawsuits to our database. We have also tracked an additional seven court orders and/or settlements.

Details:

Big Tyme Investments, LLC v. Edwards & 910 E Main, LLC v. Edwards: On Jan. 13, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards‘ (D) authority to order COVID-19-related bar closures and alcohol restrictions. The Fifth Circuit affirmed the decisions of two lower courts, dismissing arguments that Edwards’ order violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Judges James Dennis, a Bill Clinton (D) appointee, Stephen Higginson, a Barack Obama (D) appointee, and Don Willett, Donald Trump (R) appointee, heard the case. Higginson wrote the opinion, and Willett filed a separate concurrence. Edwards said, “None of the decisions I have made for the past 10 months have been easy, especially when it comes to limiting businesses, and I am pleased that another court has upheld what I have always said: that these orders are completely constitutional, legal and necessary to protect public health.” Alexandria attorney Jimmy Faircloth, who represents the bar owners, said the plaintiffs have not decided whether they will file another appeal.

State mask requirements

We last looked at face coverings in the Jan. 12 edition of the newsletter. Since then, North Dakota’s mask requirement expired Jan. 18. For more information, see our entry in Since our last edition above.

Diagnosed or quarantined politicians identified by Ballotpedia

Federal
- Two federal officials have died of COVID-19.
- Fifty-four members of Congress have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Forty-one federal officials have quarantined after possible exposure to COVID-19.
State
- Eight state-level incumbents or candidates have died of COVID-19.
- One-hundred and seventy-five state-level incumbents or candidates have been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Eighty-four state-level incumbents or candidates have quarantined after possible exposure to COVID-19.
Local
- At least five local incumbents or candidates have died of COVID-19.
- At least 37 local incumbents or candidates have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- At least 26 local incumbents or candidates have quarantined after possible exposure to COVID-19.

Since Jan. 12, two U.S. representatives, three state senators, eight state representatives, and one city council member announced positive COVID-19 test results. One state representative announced a self-quarantine.

Details:

On Jan. 12, Georgia state Sen. Mike Dugan (R) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 13, Arkansas state Rep. Milton Nicks Jr. (D) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 13, Arkansas state Rep. Milton Nicks Jr. announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 14, Florida state Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R) announced he would self-quarantine after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19.
On Jan. 14, Texas state Rep. Joe Deshotel (D) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 14, Pennsylvania state Rep. Matthew Bradford (D) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 14, Texas state Rep. Joe Deshotel (D) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 14, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 15, Pennsylvania state Rep. Patty Kim (D) announced she tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 15, Georgia state Sen. Freddie Sims (D) announced she tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 15, Arlington, TX, city council member Ruby Faye Woolridge announced she tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 16, Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 17, Pennsylvania state Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 18, North Carolina state Rep. Brian Turner (D) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Jan. 18, North Dakota state Sen. Terry Wanzek (R) announced he tested positive for COVID-19.