Since our last edition
What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.
- Arkansas (Republican trifecta): Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced he is allowing the order requiring bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to close nightly by 11 p.m. to expire, effective Feb. 3.
- Idaho (Republican trifecta): Gov. Brad Little (R) signed an order moving the state to Stage 3 of reopening on Feb. 2. The order increased the limit on gatherings from 10 people to 50 people or less. Religious and political gatherings are exempt from the limit but must maintain social distancing. Previously, Idaho was in Stage 2 since Nov. 13.
- Illinois (Democratic trifecta): On Feb. 2, Region 10 (Cook County suburbs) moved out of Tier 1 mitigation into regular Phase 4.
- Missouri (Republican trifecta): Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced the locations for mass vaccination events between Feb. 4-6. Parson also announced partnerships with certain hospitals to support high-volume distribution in each region. The state will select hospitals it identifies as having the capacity to administer at least 5,000 vaccines per week.
- Montana (Republican trifecta): Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) announced 19,500 unused doses of the vaccine will be redistributed from the federal government’s long-term care vaccination program to people in Phase 1B of the state’s plan.
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 Tuesday, Feb. 2, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that face coverings are required for all staff and visitors in NPS facilities and outdoors when social distancing can’t be maintained.
- On Tuesday, Feb. 2, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeffrey Zients announced the federal government would begin sending coronavirus vaccines directly to pharmacies beginning Feb. 11. The first shipment of 1 million doses will go to 6,500 locations. Pharmacies will still need to follow state vaccine distribution plans.