As more COVID-19 vaccinations are administered across the U.S., states are starting to relieve some of their pandemic regulations. Limitations such as indoor capacities and mask requirements are being lifted, while social distancing and frequently disinfecting surfaces remain paramount. Statistics as of the end of March revealed that over 128 million total vaccines have been administered to American residents, and that number continues to climb each day.
These positive restriction changes in certain states are proof that we as a society can and will move past this pandemic into a brighter future. Brick-and-mortar retailers will soon be able to fully reopen without limitations and consumers will get back to where they want to be — inside physical storefronts.
An Increase in Indoor Capacity for Businesses
Among the states that have entirely lifted their indoor capacity for retail businesses include Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Texas, and West Virginia. Even though not all states have completely lifted their capacity limitations for retailers, Illinois has increased their maximum capacity to 50 percent, Louisiana retailers can now operate at 75 percent capacity, Maine has increased to 50 percent, North Carolina has increased to 50 percent, and Pennsylvania has increased to 75 percent. Indiana and Washington are creeping on the side of caution, with different capacity restrictions now in place in each county based on the severity of active COVID cases.
Recommended Facial Coverings
Even with indoor capacity restrictions lifted or easing up in certain states, social distancing and increased cleaning methods still remain a high priority in order to keep the pandemic at bay until most of the population is vaccinated. States such as Florida, Hawaii, and Texas have completely lifted their mandatory mask orders and they are now recommended for both patrons and business owners. As more states continue to see a decline in cases, recommended facial coverings will soon be the norm.