US - ALABAMA: The “Safer at Home” order begun on 30th April and will run until May 15th. Under the new order, businesses may open subject to sanitation and social-distancing guidelines, though certain higher-risk businesses and activities will remain closed. All retail stores can reopen subject to a 50 percent occupancy rate limit in addition to social-distancing and sanitation rules. Beaches will reopen but with a ban on any gatherings of 10 people or more and with the required separation of six feet.
• US - ARIZONA: On April 30th, Governor Doug Ducey announced that the state’s stay-at-home order would be extended to May 15th, with modifications. A new “Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected” policy will allow retailers not classified as an essential business to operate beginning May 4th through delivery service and other means that do not entail in-store sales. On May 8th, non-essential retailers can sell items to customers in-store.
• US - FLORIDA: Governor DeSantis announced certain businesses across the state can reopen on May 4th. Restaurants and retail spaces can admit customers but only at 25% capacity, and people must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• US - INDIANA: Governor Holcomb announced that phase two of his plan to reopen the state would begin May 4th for most counties. Under phase two, limited types of retail and commercial businesses can operate at 50% capacity and mall common areas can have 25% capacity. Masks are recommended in public and when around other people. Phase two will begin later for the following counties: Marion (May 11th), Lake (May 11th) and Cass (May 18th). Churches may reopen statewide on May 8th following social distancing guidelines.
• US - KANSAS: Governor Kelly announced that phase one of her plan to reopen the state would begin May 4th. Under phase one, limited types of businesses will be allowed to reopen if social distancing and cleaning can be followed, and mass gatherings of more than 10 will be prohibited.
• US - KENTUCKY: Governor Andy Beshear announced that car dealerships, construction, and pet grooming businesses may reopen on May 11th. Horse racing will also return to Churchill Downs, but without visitors. On May 20th, retail shops and churches may reopen with social distancing guidelines in place. On May 25th, salons and barbershops may reopen, and social gatherings of up to ten people can take place.
• US - LOUISIANA: Governor John Bel Edwards extended the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15th.
• US - NEVADA: Governor Steve Sisolak extended the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15th. As from May 1st, all retail businesses have been allowed to operate under curbside commerce models, drive-in services are being permitted for places of worship so long as people remain in their vehicles and social distancing is maintained, and restrictions will be relaxed on outdoor activities.
• US - NEW JERSEY: As from May 2nd state parks and forests have been reopened and county parks and golf courses have reopened under restrictions.
• US - NEW YORK: As from May 1st the state’s schools and colleges remain closed for the remainder of the academic year and will continue distance learning. A decision on summer school will be announced at the end May.
• US - NORTH DAKOTA: As from May 1st, businesses and restaurants began reopening under detailed operating protocols varying by industry.
• US - PENNSYLVANIA: As from May 1st, Governor Wolf announced 24 counties in the northwest and north-central regions of the state could move to a reopening phase on May 8th. Guidance for businesses permitted to reopen on May 8th will be announced on May 4th.
• US - SOUTH DAKOTA: Governor Kristi Noem has encouraged schools and businesses to allow limited gatherings but cautioned people to continue to maintain social distancing. She advised businesses to open while taking precautions including temperature checks.
• US - TENNESSEE: Mayor Cooper extended Nashville’s Safer at Home Order until at least Friday, May 8th. All non-essential businesses must remain closed. Residents must also wear a mask or face covering and maintain six feet of separation from others when in public.
• US - WASHINGTON: Governor Inslee extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 31st.
• US - WEST VIRGINIA: “Week 1” businesses in the state’s strategic reopening plan resumed operations on April 30th. If the state sees three consecutive days of positive cases below 3%, “week 2” reopening will begin May 4th.
• US - WYOMING: Barbershops, nail salons, and gyms reopened with specific restrictions on May 1st.
• Mexico: Mexico’s economic activity dropped 1.6% in the first quarter compared to the final three months of 2019, plunging the country deeper into a recession that predated the pandemic, according to a report released Thursday by INEGI, the government statistical agency. Federal government has confirmed that all municipalities with no COVID 19 cases will slowly return to normal activities on May 17th.
• Brazil: Possible quarantine extension in Sao Paulo with more restriction due to the increasing cases, was decreed the first lockdown in Brasil ( Maranhão State – including specifically 04 cities – for ten days).
• Peru: An increase in COVID cases of 9% but so far, no lockdown announcement has been made. Government-approved 25% amount for collection on the retirement fund.
• Hong Kong: The Government will roll out a scheme soon to exempt business people with manufacturing activities on the Mainland from the compulsory quarantine, provided they have a genuine need to make cross-boundary trips in the interest of Hong Kong's economic development. Furthermore, Hong Kong has adopted a phased approach in assisting the return of the first batch of about 300 residents stranded in Pakistan on 30 April.
• Korea: The Korean Government has decided to extend its social distancing campaign which was introduced 22 March until 6 May and stressed the importance of this measure to further contain COVID19 at stable pace. KCDC also pointed out that even though the number of new confirmed cases has been small recently , loosened social distancing could result in an increase of contacts, which in turn lead to rapid surge of confirmed cases. Nightlife and entertainment venues are recommended to refrain from operating as much as possible. All schools have been now implementing virtual online class to maintain social distancing and continue efforts to prevent further infection as much as possible since April and official announcement specifying the date of a school opening for students bringing back to the class will be made early May.
• Japan: Japan Central Government will decide the extension of the nationwide State of Emergency on 4 May. Government advises to stay home and reduce people contacts including commutes. The Government has been finalizing the relief measures to support business and people livelihoods for sustainability including cash handout to citizen amid the Pandemic. Apart from outlets for necessities, majority of retailers remain closed upon the State of Emergency.
• New Zealand: New Zealand moved back down to level 3 (from level 4) lockdown on April 27. Alert level 3 will be held for two weeks and then Cabinet will assess whether to move down another level.
• Australia: The Australian Border Force (ABF) has released Australian Customs Notice No. 2020/20 which provides a Free rate of customs duty for the period of 1 February 2020 to 31 July 2020 for hygiene or medical products imported to treat, diagnose or prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
• India: India has extended the nationwide lockdown for a further two weeks. It was set to end May 3 but now it has been extended to May 17. The extension will however see some relaxations which will be regulated based on the spread of the virus in the districts, identified as red (hotspot), green and orange zones.
• Hungary: The Corona peak expected by 30 April . There will now be a gradual reopening. In the first phase, stores smaller than 400 square metres that are currently closed could reopen early in May to be followed gradually by cafés and restaurants, while commercial accommodations may be allowed to reopen. Larger general stores selling household goods, units of chains typically found in malls, and major furniture or sports retail units could be allowed to fully reopen by the end of May, depending on how Hungary's healthcare situation develops after the pandemic peaks. Major events including fairs and festivals will not be held before the end of the summer months.
In addition, the current time window of 9-12 a.m. reserved for citizens above 65 to do their shopping will be reduced to two hours and will end earlier. Masks are mandatory in Budapest on public transport andshops.
You can also find the latest updates on Americas HERE.