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06/05/2020 As part of their COVID-19 exit strategy, some states have already begun implementing changes, including reopening restaurants. Find out if your state has started opening up eateries yet.
Social Distancing might be the new normal, and if that is the case, restaurants might have to adjust with their seating capacities and the arrangements and decor. But that's a discussion for another day.
Right now, we bring to you the most recent updates that we have curated on the states that have begun reopening restaurants as part of their COVID-19 exit strategy. Most places have restrictions in place, but that is just to keep the safety of citizens in mind. So here's the good news:
Alaska
Can begin to open with 25% capacity and social distancing guidelines.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 04/24/2020
Arizona
May begin to open with social distancing guidelines, limited 10 guests per table, employee symptom screening before reporting to work, and reduced occupancy based on business location.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/11/2020
Arkansas
May begin to open with limited 1/3 capacity, social distancing guidelines, face masks and gloves for employees interacting with patrons, face masks for patrons until food is served, and limited to 10 guests per table. Managers must also conduct health screenings for each employee before reporting to work.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/11/2020
Florida
Under phase one, restaurants may offer outdoor seating with social distancing guidelines and indoor seating at 25% capacity. This phase will not include Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
Georgia
Can open with social distance and hygiene guidelines.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 04/27/2020
Idaho
May begin to open with 50% capacity, limited six guests per table, and tables at least ten feet apart.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/16/2020
Indiana
May begin to open with 50% capacity.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/11/2020
Iowa
Can begin to open restaurants with 50% capacity, social distancing guidelines, and limited guests per table.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/01/2020
Kansas
May begin to open with social distance and hygiene guidelines.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
Louisiana
While Restaurants continue to offer delivery and takeout, outdoor seating may begin to open to the public with strict social distancing guidelines. Indoor dining with table service will remain closed.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/01/2020
Missouri
May begin to open with social distancing guidelines, no communal seating, and limited to ten guests per table.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
Montana
May begin to open with social distancing and reduced capacity. Restaurants must limit to 50% of their normal capacity and tables must be at least six feet apart.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
Nebraska
May begin to open with 50% capacity and limited to six guests per table.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
New Hampshire
May begin to open for outdoor dining with tables at least six feet apart.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/18/2020
North Dakota
May begin to reopen with tables at least six feet apart, limited ten guests per table, and 50% capacity.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/01/2020
Oklahoma
Can open with social distance and hygiene protocols set by the CDC.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/01/2020
South Carolina
May open for outdoor dining with tables at least eight feet apart, limited eight guests per table, and hygiene guidelines.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
Tennessee
Can begin to open with 50% occupancy and social distancing guidelines.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 04/27/2020
Texas
Can begin to open with 25% capacity.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/01/2020
Utah
May begin to open social distancing guidelines and limited six guests per table.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/01/2020
West Virginia
May open for outdoor dining with social distancing guidelines and limited six guests per table.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: 05/04/2020
Wyoming
Wyoming is allowing counties to submit reopen plans to state officials for approval. Once approved they will be able to carry out their individual plans. Outdoor dining for restaurants and bars has been approved in Natrona, Park and Sheridan counties. Indoor dining was approved in Lincoln and Washakie counties. Each plan contained guidelines to keep tables at least six feet apart, limited six guests per table, and face masks for employees.
Date When Sit Down Restaurants Can Open: Rolling Basis (Phased)
We will keep the list updated as and when new announcements or official notices are released by other states. If we have happened to miss out on your state, please do not hesitate to let us know and we will update it here.
Thanks to Berman and Company for compiling the information together, where we have sourced this information from.
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