With all states having at least partially reopened as new COVID-19 cases have seen a slow decline, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released updated rankings for the States with the Fewest Coronavirus Restrictions, as well as accompanying videos.
To identify which states have the fewest coronavirus restrictions, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 14 key metrics. Our data set ranges from whether child-care programs and restaurants have reopened to the presence or absence of a “shelter-in-place” order. Below, you can see highlights from the report, along with a WalletHub Q&A.
Coronavirus Restrictions in New Mexico (1=Fewest, 25=Avg.):
- 17th – Requirement to Wear a Face Mask in Public
- 31st – Reopening of Child-Care Programs
- 28th – Travel Restrictions
- 22nd – Large Gatherings Restrictions
- 42nd – Strictness of “Shelter in Place” Order
- 22nd – Reopening of Non-Essential Businesses
- 46th – Reopening of Restaurants and Bars
Note: Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday, June 8, 2020.
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-fewest-coronavirus-restrictions/73818/
Q&A with WalletHub
How have the recent protests across the U.S. affected states’ reopening plans?
“The recent protests throughout the U.S. could both help and hurt states’ reopening efforts. On the positive side, the protests may prove to people that it’s safer to be outside than they thought, leading to more economic activity sooner. On the negative side, the protests could lead to spikes in COVID-19 cases that might force reopening delays due to public health concerns,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Even if reopening proceeds without delay in a given area, some business owners will face setbacks unrelated to the coronavirus. The rioting that accompanied protests in some cities caused damage to businesses just as they were starting to reopen. Hopefully, damaged businesses can get back on track through insurance or government assistance.”
What should states be most mindful of when reopening?
“States should be most mindful of limiting close contact between residents even as businesses reopen, which means that state legislatures should transition from guidelines on social distancing to laws, such as requiring mask wearing in public places and limiting the number of people per square footage. States can show extra care to vulnerable populations by making sure they are accommodated with free deliveries of essential goods and exclusive hours at all businesses,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Most importantly, state governments need to closely monitor the number of coronavirus cases, prepare for a second wave, and adjust further reopening plans if needed to avoid too much of a strain on hospitals.”
What can citizens do to maintain their safety in the states that have the fewest restrictions?
“In order to stay safe in the states that have the fewest coronavirus restrictions, people can wear masks and gloves in public even if it’s not required, and they can minimize the amount of time they spend around other people,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Employees whose jobs allow for working from home could request that their employers let them do so for another few months, and those who can’t work remotely should make sure their workplaces are cleaned regularly and have measures in place to reduce crowding.”
Why does South Dakota rank as the state with the fewest coronavirus restrictions?
“Two key reasons why South Dakota ranks as the state with the fewest coronavirus restrictions are that it has already lifted all limitations on large gatherings, and it only recommends wearing a face mask in public rather than requiring it like most states do,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “South Dakota is one of only six states that never issued a shelter-in-place order during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is the only state that never mandated a statewide closure of bars and restaurants.”
New York has the most coronavirus cases in the U.S. How has that impacted their restrictions?
“New York ranks as No. 12 for the most coronavirus restrictions in the U.S.,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “New York is in the minority of states that still have a limited statewide quarantine, and it currently allows gatherings of only 10 people or fewer. New York recommends workplace temperature screenings in order to help catch potential cases of COVID-19, too.”
