COVID-19-Related Orders And Legislation Governing Business Operations, Limiting Liability And Expanding Workers' Compensation Coverage

At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the vast majority of states across the country implemented "stay at home" orders requiring the closure of, or severely restricting, nonessential business operations. States gradually relaxed these restrictions over the subsequent months and issued phased "reopening" orders which outlined limitations and safety requirements for businesses to resume in-person operations. Most recently, several states have paused reopening or even reimposed restrictions on businesses in response to surging infection numbers. In addition, many jurisdictions have enacted legislation or issued orders shielding businesses from COVID-19-related tort liability or expanding workers' compensation laws to allow for coverage of COVID-19-related claims. Included in this chart is a link to each state's respective orders and guidance. Links to known local orders are included as well but are updated only once per week.