States are ranked by cases per 100k population, 1 being most per 100k. Ranking info provided by Becker’s Hospital.

Alabama– Currently, Alabama has documented over 301k cases with a rate of 3,600 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate, although educational institutes, beaches, athletic activities, summer camps, child day care, restaurants, bars, breweries and entertainment venues are all permitted to be open provided that they follow social distancing and sanitation guidelines. Gatherings of citizens are permitted provided the six foot social distancing regulations are followed. This health order is dubbed the “Safer at Home” order and is in effect until at least Dec. 11. Alabama was originally fairly quick to act, implementing their first shelter-in-place order in April of last year. 

Rank: 18

Alaska– Currently, Alaska has documented over 40k cases with a rate of 270 new cases per day. There is no statewide mask mandate, although some cities require them and businesses or workplaces can require them. Although not entirely clear, it appears as though Alaska as a state is not requiring anyone to follow any regulations; however, they are strongly advised to wash hands, wear a mask, maintain social distance, keep social circles limited and get tested if they have symptoms. Individual communities are allowed to have more significant restrictions. 

Rank: 25

Arizona– Currently, Arizona has documented over 424k cases with a rate of 4,000 new cases per day. There is not a mask mandate in Arizona with the exception of in barbershops or cosmetology studios, which has been a rather controversial decision among their rising case numbers. Masks are recommended in numerous other scenarios although not enforced, and they are required in some areas on a county basis. Arizona did observe a shelter-in-place order, which was met with some backlash from local communities. Currently, Arizona is allowing both indoor and outdoor dining, although indoor dining must be limited to no more than 50 people, although that restriction can be bypassed with approval from authorities. 

Rank: 24

Arkansas– Currently, Arkansas has documented over 189k cases with a rate of 2,100 new cases per day. Arkansas has had a mask mandate since mid-July, however there is an exception to the mandate for children who are under 10 years old. Arkansas has not issued any form of shelter in place, although they have released suggested guidelines. These guidelines are not enforced. 

Rank: 16

California– Currently, California has documented over 1.6 million cases with a rate of 35k new cases per day. All persons over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask in the majority of public settings. California went into a shelter-in-place order earlier on and still appears to be under one with the encouragement of residents to only leave home under circumstances of essential errands and business. They are currently allowing counties to do different things depending on the level of severity of COVID-19 in the area; some counties are permitting gatherings with limitations and the operations of some businesses, whereas others are asked to remain in lockdown-esque scenarios until it is safer. 

Rank: 41

Colorado– Currently, Colorado has documented over 293k cases with a rate of 3,500 new cases per day. They have had a state mandate for masks since mid-July, that was just extended until January. Colorado went into their first shelter-in-place in March of this year; however, it has been stated that it is unlikely they will return to another lockdown despite the fact that people are more likely to be exposed to the virus than at any previous time. States experiencing “red levels” of infection are required to close all indoor dining and recreational gatherings in an attempt to avoid another shelter-in-place. 

Rank: 29

Connecticut– Currently, Connecticut has documented over 155k cases with a rate of 1,500  new cases per day. In mid-April a mask mandate for any persons over the age of 2 who could not maintain the social distancing regulations of six feet was released. In March of this year, Connecticut began limiting social gatherings and closing areas such as malls, as well as issuing “Stay home, stay safe” regulations. Most recreational spots and businesses are still open, although it appears that bars are possibly closed. 

Rank: 36

Delaware– Currently, Delaware has documented over 47k cases with a rate of 800 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate, requiring persons kindergarten-aged and older to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor public spaces. Delaware did implement a stay-at-home order in March of this year, but currently most spaces, including religious places, stores and recreational places, are still open under the mask mandate. 

Rank: 35

District of Columbia– Currently, D.C. has documented over 25k cases with a rate of 300 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate requiring that all persons wear masks when coming into contact with other people, for instance in common areas of apartments and businesses. A stay-at-home order was implemented in April of this year. Now, some recreational places are allowed to be open such as museums. 

Rank: 43

Florida– Currently, Florida has documented over 1.1 million cases with a rate of 9,000 new cases per day. There is no statewide mask mandate, a controversial move considering the state’s number of cases, although some counties and cities are requiring masks. Florida implemented shelter-in-place restrictions in the beginning of April, but appear to be well on their way to fully reopening today. All businesses may be open and restaurants are not operating under occupancy guidelines, though individual counties can elect to have stricter rules. 

Rank: 26

Georgia– Currently, Georgia has documented over 553k cases with a rate of 7,000 new cases per day. Georgia does not have a mask mandate, although residents are strongly advised to wear masks in public settings. However, on the city and county level, mask mandates are allowed provided the area is above a certain threshold of infection. A shelter-in-place order was issued and expired in mid-April. Currently the vast majority of recreational spaces and places of business are open such as gyms, religious gathering places and entertainment facilities. 

Rank: 30

Hawaii– Currently, Hawaii has documented over 19k cases with a rate of 50 new cases per day. Hawaii does have a mask mandate, requiring people to wear masks in businesses. They originally introduced a shelter-in-place order in early March, and have added supplementary regulations over time, addressing things such as gatherings, travel and masks. It appears presently that most businesses remain open, but social gatherings are limited to five people. Hawaii is allowing travelers to bypass the 2-week quarantine if sufficient proof of negative COVID-19 test results can be provided, although some islands such as Kauai are still requiring a 14 day quarantine.

Rank: 49

Idaho– Currently, Idaho has documented over 124k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. There is no statewide mask mandate, although masks are encouraged. However, several cities have implemented mask mandates for within their limits. State officials suggest that citizens should stay at home, though there is no official shelter-in-place order. At present, Idaho has left most of its businesses open with the exception of nightclubs, and there is a cap on social gatherings of ten people. 

Rank: 9

Illinois– Currently, Illinois has documented over 863k cases with a rate of 7,000 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate for anyone over the age of 2, if proper social distancing cannot be observed. A stay-at-home order was implemented in March of this year. Presently, dining and entertainment businesses are either closed or are operating under heavy restrictions.. 

Rank: 11

Indiana– Currently, Indiana has documented over 434k cases with a rate of 4,000 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate that follows the same guidelines as Illinois, stating that any person over the age of 2 must wear a mask if proper social distancing cannot be maintained. Back in March, a shelter-in-place order was implemented. Areas are currently designated on a red, orange, yellow scale, which adjusts the number of permitted people at gatherings from a limit of 25 to 100 people respectively. Most businesses and places of recreation are open. 

Rank: 15

Iowa– Currently, Iowa has documented over 258k cases with a rate of 1,500 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate in Iowa that has been in effect since mid-November that requires masks to be worn in indoor spaces where one will be for a period of more than 15 minutes and a six foot distance cannot be maintained. A shelter-in-place order was not put into effect and at present most businesses and recreational areas are allowed to operate. 

Rank: 3

Kansas– Currently, Kansas has documented over 192k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. Inhabitants of Kansas who are older than 5 must wear masks when in public indoor places, although it has been said these regulations are widely unenforced and that counties are permitted to opt out of the mandate as they see fit. A stay-at-home order was observed in mid-to-late March of this year. The majority of businesses and recreational places are open and operational. 

Rank: 13

Kentucky– Currently, Kentucky has documented over 227k cases with a rate of 3,000 new cases per day. A mandate released in July and lasting until at least the New Year requires masks in situations in which the transferring of COVID-19 is likely. Kentucky did not observe a stay-at-home order but rather a safer-at-home order that had laxer restrictions, such as allowing businesses to remain open but having to close earlier. Most indoor dining areas are currently closed, and gatherings max out at eight people. 

Rank: 28

Louisiana– Currently, Louisiana has documented over 272k cases with a rate of 2,500 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate that requires people to wear masks when social distancing of six feet cannot be observed; the mandate went into effect in May. A stay-at-home order was implemented in March, and presently the only thing strictly prohibited is large gathering areas such as amusement parks. Places for dining are only allowed to operate at partial capacity. 

Rank: 22

Maine– Currently, Maine has documented over 16k cases with a rate of 400 new cases per day. Since May it has been mandated that masks are worn within all public spaces, and a shelter-in-place order was put into effect in March. Presently, indoor dining areas such as bars must close by 9 p.m., and the majority of businesses are allowed to operate with some limitations on capacity, as well as a cap of 100 people for outdoor gatherings. 

Rank: 50

Maryland– Currently, Maryland has documented over 239k cases with a rate of 2,500 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate that went into effect in May, requiring those over 5 to wear masks indoors when six feet of social distancing could not be continuously maintained. In March, the state went into shelter-in-place and currently most businesses are allowed to operate with indoor gatherings capped at 50 people. Outdoor gatherings permit up to 100 people. 

Rank: 40

Massachusetts– Currently, Massachusetts has documented over 298k cases with a rate of 4,000 new cases per day. In early November, the same mask regulations that are followed in Maryland were implemented. Although no shelter-in-place order was put into place, non-essential businesses did have to close for a period of time in March. At present, most businesses, with the exception of larger gathering areas such as ballrooms, are allowed to operate with limits on capacity and operating hours. No private indoor gatherings that exceed 10 people nor outdoor gatherings that exceed 25 are permitted. 

Rank: 38

Michigan– Currently, Michigan has documented over 478k cases with a rate of 5,000 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate requiring those over the age of 5 to wear a mask in public settings. Michigan observed a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order that closed non-essential businesses in March. Presently, both indoor and outdoor dining is prohibited although takeout and delivery are allowed. Most places for entertainment are closed and no indoor gatherings may have more than two households present. 

Rank: 32

Minnesota– Currently, Minnesota has documented over 384k cases with a rate of 2,500 new cases per day. In July, a mask mandate that required masks be worn in public spaces by those aged 6 and older went into effect. Masks do not have to be worn in offices/cubicles with walls that extend over one’s head. In March, there were restrictions that advised residents to stay home unless heading out for essential reasons. The majority of businesses are closed, such as indoor or outdoor restaurants, and places such as tattoo parlors must be by appointment or operate at a limited capacity. Private gatherings both indoors and outdoors are prohibited. 

Rank: 10

Mississippi– Currently, Mississippi has documented over 183k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. Mississippi has had an on-again off-again relationship with mask mandates, although currently masks are required in schools and in institutions where close contact can be expected, such as barbershops. Mississippi utilized a shelter-in-place order to limit the operation of businesses to only essential businesses among a few other services such as drive-thru or takeout dining. The regulations called for social distancing to be observed in public areas, and went into effect in early April. Presently in Mississippi, most places of business are operational, with some minor restrictions when it comes to hours of operation and occupancy. Gatherings that take place indoors are capped at 20 people, and outdoor gatherings must not exceed 100 people. 

Rank: 19

Missouri– Currently, Missouri has documented over 373k cases with a rate of 4,000 new cases per day. Masks are recommended and encouraged but there is no mandate or requirement. In April, Missouri enacted a shelter-in-place order that encouraged citizens to not leave their homes but did not bar them from access to essential places of business. Presently, all businesses are permitted to function without restriction, although local authorities are allowed to impose restrictions if deemed necessary. 

Rank: 20

Montana– Currently, Montana has documented over 74k cases with a rate of 700 new cases per day. There is a mask mandate that requires those over the age of 5 to wear masks when indoors or in outdoor gatherings when social distancing is not possible. On March 28, Montana implemented their shelter-in-place order that allowed for only the operation of essential businesses. The only absolute restriction is that assisted living facilities cannot entertain guests or visits. Besides that, Montana is relatively close to reopening; most or all businesses are allowed to operate, with a few minor restrictions on occupancy in areas such as restaurants.

Rank: 7

Nebraska– Currently, Nebraska has documented over 150k cases with a rate of 1,500 new cases per day. In some cities mask mandates are in effect, though masks are only mandated in areas such as salons or barber shops at a state level. Mask usage is encouraged  in dining environments but not required. Nebraska did not observe a shelter-in-place order, although they did advise that residents not gather in groups larger than 10 people. Nebraska has some of the most lax guidelines, permitting restaurants and bars to operate at complete capacity and allowing gatherings at large outdoor venues with up to 10,000 people.

Rank: 5

Nevada– Currently, Nevada has documented over 191k cases with a rate of 2,500 new cases per day. Masks are mandated for those over the age of 9 in public. Nevada experienced a shelter-in-place order that was extended until April 30th, 2020 from its original date, due to the increase in cases. Currently in Nevada, most businesses are open, but areas such as restaurants are running at a greatly reduced occupancy. No private gatherings with more than two households present or more than 10 people are permitted.

Rank: 17

New Hampshire– Currently, New Hampshire has documented over 32k cases with a rate of 600 new cases per day. If you are over the age of 5, you are required to wear a mask when social distancing cannot be observed, regardless of whether the space is indoor or outdoors. Schools serving grades kindergarten through 12 do not have to follow this policy. In late March, New Hampshire issued its first shelter-in-place order that would later be extended until the end of May. Now, New Hampshire is resuming most businesses, with some minor restrictions when it comes to capacity in areas such as gyms.

Rank: 48

New Jersey– Currently, New Jersey has documented over 419k cases with a rate of 3,500 new cases per day. Since July, masks have been required for anyone over the age of 2 in indoor and outdoor spaces alike. On March 21, slightly earlier compared to the majority of other states, New Jersey residents were ordered to stay in their homes under shelter-in-place orders that only allowed them to leave for essential purposes such as grocery shopping. Presently, there are limits regarding gathering sizes (not including larger events such as weddings or funerals) that cap gatherings at 10 people. Other areas, usually places for entertainment, are operating at a greatly reduced capacity.

Rank: 34

New Mexico– Currently, New Mexico has documented over 122k cases with a rate of 1,500 new cases per day. Masks have been required since May, and these regulations include gyms and exercising areas. New Mexico enacted shelter-in-place orders early in the year, and  re-enacted them in November. These restrictions are still in effect, advising people to only leave their house for essential purposes, and limiting places of business’s capacities and operational hours.

Rank: 23

New York– Currently, New York has documented over 834k cases with a rate of 10k new cases per day. Masks are a requirement for anyone over the age of 2 in public when social distancing is not possible. New York was especially hard hit compared to other states, especially during the early stages of the pandemic, and implemented shelter-in-place orders on March 20. As of now, if indoor dining is permitted, it is at 25 percent capacity. The same is true for gyms. Outdoor gathering areas such as zoos are allowed to operate at a slightly greater capacity, and all gatherings regardless of venue are capped at 10 people. 

Rank: 39

North Carolina– Currently, North Carolina has documented over 446k cases with a rate of 5,000 new cases per day. In indoor spaces, masks are required of those over the age of 5, as is true with outdoor spaces if social distancing cannot be maintained. These regulations also apply to gyms and schools. North Carolina enacted stay-at-home orders, although it would appear that local governments were allowed to edit the restrictions based on what they thought best fit the area. As of now, most businesses are allowed to open with greatly reduced capacities.

Rank: 37

North Dakota– Currently, North Dakota has documented over 88k cases with a rate of 350 new cases per day. Masks have been mandated since mid-November when regulations requiring those over the age of 4 to wear masks in indoor spaces if social distancing was not a possibility. There are no reports of  a shelter-in-place order in the state. Presently, most business and recreational venues are open and operating at reduced capacities.

Rank: 1

Ohio– Currently, Ohio has documented over 579k cases with a rate of 8,000 new cases per day. Masks are a mandate for those over 10 when in public where social distancing guidelines could not be followed. Ohio went into shelter-in-place orders in mid-March. Currently, Ohio is under a three-week curfew that is similar to a stay-at-home order, only permitting residents to leave their homes under essential circumstances.

Rank: 33

Oklahoma– Currently, Oklahoma has documented over 241k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. There is no statewide mandate on masks, though some cities have implemented mandates for their limits. Oklahoma enacted shelter-in-place orders in March of this year. Presently, there are almost no restrictions active in Oklahoma, with the exception of slightly reduced business hours for restaurants.

Rank: 21

Oregon– Currently Oregon has documented over 96k cases with a rate of 1,300 new cases per day. Since the beginning of July, masks have been required for those over the age of 5 in spaces where social distancing cannot occur, although masks are encouraged for anyone over the age of 2. In March Oregon enacted shelter-in-place orders that instructed residents to stay home as much as possible. Oregon’s counties are currently distinguished using red, orange and green labels, dependent on the respective dangers of COVID-19 in that county. Each level has strict guidelines that involve the capacity and hours businesses may operate, as well as the size of gatherings permitted. 

Rank: 47

Pennsylvania– Currently, Pennsylvania has documented over 515k cases with a rate of 10k new cases per day. Masks are always required indoors, including private residences where another household is present, as well as outdoors if social distancing cannot be maintained for anyone over the age of 2. Certain counties that were experiencing outbreaks entered into shelter-in-place lockdowns during March of this year. As of right now, most businesses are allowed to operate with minimally reduced capacities. 

Rank: 42

Rhode Island– Currently, Rhode Island has documented over 75k cases with a rate of 1,100 new cases per day. Masks are required in public areas unless social distancing is being followed. In mid-to-late March, Rhode Island announced they had no plans to enter into a shelter-in-place order. Currently in Rhode Island they’ve just completed a two-week pause, and businesses are back to operating at reduced capacities. Recreational gatherings are no longer allowed to occur with more than one household present. 

Rank: 12

South Carolina– Currently, South Carolina has documented over 257k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. There is no statewide mask mandate, stemming from fears of being unable to enforce it, though masks are encouraged. Some cities and counties have implemented mask requirements. South Carolina did not enter in a shelter-in-place order. Presently, restaurants are allowed to function at full capacity provided social distancing guidelines are still enforced. Other larger venues are allowed to operate at partial capacity. 

Rank: 31

South Dakota– Currently, South Dakota has documented over 91k cases with a rate of 400 new cases per day. Masks are recommended but not mandated. South Dakota declined to enter into a shelter-in-place in mid-April, despite cries from citizens among outbreaks within communities. Now, South Dakota is reopening, only advising that sanitation measures be taken and that the most vulnerable populations remain home. 

Rank: 2 

Tennessee– Currently, Tennessee has documented over 472k cases with a rate of 8,000 new cases per day. There is no statewide mask mandate, although some counties have implemented their own mandates. Tennessee began their “Safer at Home” regulations during the end of March, which advised people to stay home as much as possible and prohibited the operation of businesses that could not do so safely, but insisted it was not a formal shelter-in-place order. Presently, the majority of counties have lifted restrictions, and the remaining few counties’ health departments will be in charge of regulating guidelines from now on. 

Rank: 14

Texas– Currently Texas has documented over 1.5 million cases with a rate of 19k new cases per day. Masks are a requirement for those over the age of 10, although counties with very low amounts of active cases can apply to be exempted from these regulations. Texas refused to take a shelter-in-place order in mid-March, although by late March announced that residents should limit interactions with others and should probably only go to essential businesses. However, the governor declined to refer to these guidelines as a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order. As of present, the majority of businesses are allowed to operate at a slightly reduced capacity, which will be reduced further if spikes in COVID-19 occur and lead to more hospitalizations. 

Rank: 27

Utah– Currently, Utah has documented over 237k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. Since early November, masks have been required for those over the age of 2 when not able to be physically distant from a person of a separate household. Utah enacted a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order that was claimed to not be a shelter-in-place order in late March. Utah does not currently have any formal restrictions, just encouraging people to remain safe with limited gathering sizes. 

Rank: 6

Vermont– Currently, Vermont has documented over 5.9k cases with a rate of 60 new cases per day. In Vermont, masks are required for those over the age of 2 who cannot be distant from others or in situations where contact is likely. Vermont created their “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders in early March, which would later be extended until May, with the extension of the state of emergency that had been enacted. Vermont is in the midst of strengthening their restrictions, permitting restaurants to operate at reduced capacity and prohibiting bars from operating altogether. 

Rank: 51

Virginia– Currently, Virginia has documented over 288k cases with a rate of 3,500 new cases per day. Since May, masks have been mandated for those over the age of 10 in public settings. There are exceptions to these regulations in schools and day care facilities. During the end of March, Virginia announced they would no longer be requesting, but rather forcing Virginia residents to stay home and enacted shelter-in-place orders. Virginia is currently attempting to tighten their restrictions; while still allowing restaurants to operate at full capacity, they must close earlier, and all gatherings regardless of indoor or outdoor status must not exceed 25 people. 

Rank: 45

Washington,- Currently, Washington has documented over 212k cases with a rate of 2,000 new cases per day. Washington was early to mandate masks, and has been doing so in both indoor and outdoor public areas for those over the age of 5 since late June. Washington also implemented their shelter-in-place order in late March, a few months before their mask mandate would come along, that only allowed for the operation of essential business to continue. Presently in Washington, the only form of public dining permitted is outdoors, and all indoor gatherings that would exceed one household are prohibited. People may still gather outdoors, but no more than five may gather.

Rank: 46

West Virginia– Currently, West Virginia has documented over 65k cases with a rate of 1,000 new cases per day. Masks are required for those 9 and older in all public, indoor spaces. West Virginia utilized a stay-at-home order that allowed for the continuation of essential services, but prohibited events such as gathering in groups in late March. West Virginia is presently using the color-coded county system other states have been using, which alters the number of people who are allowed to gather depending on how active COVID-19 is in that area. 

Rank: 44

Wisconsin– Currently, Wisconsin has documented over 442k cases with a rate of 4,000 new cases per day. All persons 5 and older must wear masks when in public, indoor spaces as well as enclosed outdoor spaces. These regulations are supposed to last into the new year, however they are currently being contested in court. Wisconsin issued a “safe-at-home” order which essentially acted as a shelter-in-place order, as it closed non-essential businesses back in March. Wisconsin is currently recommending, although not enforcing, all residents to stay at home unless leaving for essential purposes. 

Rank: 4

Wyoming– Currently, Wyoming has documented over 40k cases with a rate of 300 new cases per day. Regulations, which are to go into effect on Dec. 9, will require masks for those 12 and older in public, indoor settings, and all children aged 3 and up are encouraged to wear masks. Wyoming experienced a shelter-in-place order in March. Presently, most businesses are allowed to operate at a reduced capacity, and indoor and outdoor private gatherings alike are limited to 25 people. 

Rank: 8