Roadmap to Reopening – COVID-19 Restrictions to be Eased

Starting on Monday, May 4, some of the restrictions that are in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 will begin to ease.

Owing to a overall lower number of daily cases for much of the latter half of April, public health officials are beginning to ease restrictions by allowing non-essential retailers and health care providers to open.

This includes hair salons, museums, art galleries, restaurant patios and campgrounds.  Also back are non-urgent surgeries and diagnostic tests.

These businesses will still have to adhere to the physical distancing rules that have been present since the onset of the response to the coronavirus.  Additionally, businesses will be limited to half the number of occupants compared to what is normal for them.

Future openings will include dine-in areas of restaurants, nail salons, film production and non-contact sports for kids.  This second-stage will not roll out any earlier than June 1.

Farther off are events like concerts, major sporting events and summer festivals.  Those types of gatherings will not be permitted before September.

While some restrictions are being eased, others remain.  Public gatherings are still limited to 10 people and non-essential travel is still discouraged.