Public Gathering Restrictions By State

As restrictions on public gatherings and business operations vary from state to state, it can be quite a task keeping up with them all. Thankfully, we did you a favor and compiled a comprehensive list of business and event restrictions by state all in one place. 

The following list was updated on December 9th, 2020. Already, some of these restrictions may have changed or expired, so we’ve included links to government pages for the most current up to date information.

‍Alabama 

As of November 5, 2020,  the state’s more recent “Safer at Home” order allows entertainment ventures to operate as long as they follow the COVID-19 social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. Under this Safer at Home order, there are restrictions on occupancy rates for retailers, gyms and fitness centers, and entertainment venues. Get the most recent updates on Alabama event restrictions here: COVID-19 News and Resources - Office of the Governor of Alabama

Alaska

You do not need to ask the state permission to host a public event, and the state is neither approving nor disapproving gatherings. The government recommends that event organizers develop a plan to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, citing CDC guidelines to help build said plan. According to the state, event planners should consult with the local community to conduct an event. Some cities may have restrictions or application requirements for events that must be honored. Get the most recent updates on Alaska’s event restrictions here: COVID-19: Gatherings and Events

Arizona

Large gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, but local authorities can approve them if certain safety precautions are met. Under the most recent guidance, most businesses can operate at a limited capacity. Bars and gyms are asked to close until further notice. Get the latest updates on Arizona’ event restrictions here: Executive Orders- Office of the Arizona Governor

Arkansas 

With approval by the state, indoor and outdoor entertainment venues can hold events of up to 66 percent capacity. For gatherings of 100 people or fewer, no approved plan is required. Everyone age ten or older must wear a mask, whether indoors or outdoors, if they are with non-household members and if social distancing cannot be maintained. Get the latest updates on Arkansas event restrictions here: COVID-19 Directives, Orders, & Health Guidances |Arkansas Department of Health

California

A Regional Stay at Home Order, issued December 3, goes into effect when a region’s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15 percent. The order, currently affecting 77 percent of California residents, states that residents must stay at home for three weeks, except for essentials such as food or medication, or to exercise outdoors. The order prohibits private gatherings of any size. Businesses such as bars and breweries must close, while restaurants cannot offer indoor or outdoor dining, but may continue takeout and delivery services. Get the most recent updates on California event restrictions here: COVID19.CA.GOV

Colorado

Personal gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Under the state’s Safer-at-Home order, counties fall into three levels. Level 3, the most restrictive, permits restaurants to operate at 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 50 people. Gyms, fitness centers, and personal care businesses can operate at 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 25 people, with retail stores allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity. No counties are currently at Level 3. Under Level 2, most businesses can bump up operations to 50 percent capacity. Gyms remain limited to 25 percent capacity, but with a new maximum of 50 people. Under Level 1, the least restrictive, businesses can continue to operate at 50 percent capacity, but with a larger maximum cap.Get the most recent updates on Colorado event restrictions here: Personal gatherings limited to ten people, no more than two households | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

Connecticut 

Restaurants are permitted to increase dine-in services from 50 to 75 percent capacity. Personal-service businesses and libraries can also operate at 75 percent capacity. Indoor performing arts centers can reopen at 50 percent capacity, with 6-foot spaces between parties. Indoor gatherings at private residences are capped at 25 people; other indoor events (like weddings) are capped at 100 people, including staff. Outdoor gatherings of up to 150 people are allowed. Get the latest updates on Connecticut event restrictions here: Latest Guidance

Delaware

Gatherings for weddings, funerals and performances are among those that must limit capacity to 30 percent of the venue’s fire occupancy or 50 people (whichever is smaller). Outdoor public gatherings are capped at 50 people, but larger groups can gather with permission from the health department. Restaurants must limit indoor dining to 30 percent of the venue’s fire occupancy. Retail stores, houses of worship and most other businesses can operate at 60 percent capacity, with restrictions. Get the latest updates on Delaware event restrictions here: Phase 2: June 15, 2020 - Delaware’s Coronavirus Official Website

Florida

Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are now allowed, and all businesses are permitted to operate. Restaurants and bars are no longer subject to occupancy restrictions. However, city or county governments can impose occupancy limits on restaurants and bars (to as low as 50 percent capacity) if authorities state in the local order why the restriction is necessary for public health. It also removes fees or penalties for individuals who don’t follow social distancing practices, including mask mandates. Get the latest updates on Florida event restrictions here: Community Events | Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Outbreak

Georgia

State guidelines in Georgia encourage everyone to wear face masks while outside the home but stop short of requiring it. Gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed, but individuals must maintain a 6-foot distance from each other. Restaurants must adhere to strict sanitation and social distancing guidelines. Gyms, hair salons, and movie theaters are among businesses that can operate with restrictions. Get the latest updates on Georgia event restrictions here: Following Governor Kemp’s Executive Order: Should My Business Remain Open? | Georgia Department of Economic Development

Hawaii

Most of the state is under the Act With Care plan for reopening the state, allowing many businesses to resume operations with restrictions. Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed, but individuals should practice social distancing. Oahu is under tier 2, in which most businesses are limited to operating at 50 percent capacity, and gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. Previously, restrictions extended a partial quarantine between islands. Inter-island travelers who arrive in Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, or Kalawao must self-quarantine for 14 days. Get the latest updates on Hawaii event restrictions here: COVID-19 News - Hawaii State Department of Health: Information and Resources for Managing COVID-19

Idaho

Indoor gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the facility’s maximum occupancy space (If no occupancy limits exist, people can only gather to the extent they can follow social distancing practices). Customers at bars and restaurants must remain seated, and tables must be spaced 6 feet apart. Businesses may continue to operate, but they should adhere to social distancing and sanitation recommendations. Get the latest updates on Idaho event restrictions here: Stages of Reopening | Idaho Rebounds: Our Path to Prosperity

Illinois

Current mandates require restaurants and bars to close indoor service. Outdoor dining is still permitted, but reservations are required, tables must be spaced 6 feet apart, and party size is limited to six people. Dining must close by 11 p.m. Indoor, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people. Beginning November 20, the entire state is under Tier 3 restrictions. Illinoisans are being urged to work from home and limit unnecessary travel. Mitigations are imposed statewide, including a statewide ban on indoor dining and bars, a ban on indoor group recreation, and other restrictions on retail, fitness centers, offices, and other indoor facilities. Get the latest updates on Illinois event restrictions here: Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

Indiana

Indianan restrictions vary by county and are designated on a 4 tier color scale: blue, yellow, orange, and red. Counties designated as red (the highest risk of virus spread) must limit social gatherings to 25 people. Counties designated as orange must limit social gatherings to 50 people. Counties designated as yellow restrict gatherings up to 100 people with social distancing measures, and under blue (the lowest risk of virus spread) they are limited to 250 people. These guidelines are scheduled to remain in place until December 12, 2020. Get the latest updates on Indiana event restrictions here: ISDH - Novel Coronavirus: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Iowa

Social and recreational gatherings cannot exceed 15 people indoors or 30 people outdoors unless everyone lives in the same household. Restaurants and bars may remain open for on-premises dining but must close between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., among other restrictions. Other nonessential businesses, such as amusement parks, movie theaters, museums, hair salons, barbershops, gyms, retail stores and massage parlors, can resume operations if safety precautions are taken. Get the latest updates on Iowa event restrictions here: Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration | Office of the Governor of Iowa and Newsroom | Office of the Governor of Iowa

Kansas 

As of November 20, restaurants, taverns, and other venues/event spaces are to close at 10 P.M. and limit their occupancy to no more than 50 percent capacity. Indoor and outdoor patrons at these facilities must be seated and masked except when actively eating or drinking. Indoor and outdoor parties are limited to a maximum of 10 people, and parties shall be spaced with no less than six feet of distance between themselves and individuals from any other parties. Operators must report any COVID cases among staff or patrons to the Department of Health. Get the latest Kansas event updates here: KCMO Covid-19 FAQ.

Kentucky 

As of November 20 through December 13, event spaces, venues, and theaters are limited to no more than 25 people per room. Indoor food or beverage consumption is prohibited, and takeout or socially distanced outdoor seating is encouraged. Private social gatherings are to be limited to up to 8 people from a maximum of 2households. All businesses that can close to the public must do so. Get the latest updates on Kentucky event restrictions here: Kentucky’s Response to COVID-19 | Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

Louisiana

Indoor social gatherings are capped at 250 people or 50 percent capacity of the facility. Outdoor social gatherings of more than 250 people are permitted only if individuals from separate households can maintain a 6-foot distance from one another. People 8 and older must wear a mask in public spaces, indoors or outdoors, unless social distancing can be maintained. The state encourages citizens to refrain from organizing and attending conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of large assemblies. Get the latest updates on Louisiana event restrictions here: Coronavirus Information | Office of the Governor.

Maine

Indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, including restaurants, movie theaters, and other indoor seated businesses. A 6-foot distance between seating areas is required, among other precautions. Bars and tasting rooms can continue to offer outdoor dining; the reopening of indoor dining, initially scheduled for November 2, has been postponed. Gyms and other indoor businesses without seating must cap occupancy at 50 people. Retail businesses can allow five people per 1,000 square feet. Outdoor gatherings will remain limited to 100 people. Get the latest updates on Maine event restrictions here: Large Gatherings | Department of Economic and Community Development

Maryland

As of November 10th, all bars, restaurants, and venues serving food and alcohol must close between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for carryout and delivery purposes. Indoor entertainment venues and theaters are allowed to operate, but up to a capacity of 50 percent, or a max of 100 people, whichever is less. As for outdoor venues and theaters with a maximum occupancy of 2500, these establishments are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity or no more than 250 people per event. Fitness centers and personal-service businesses, such as beauty salons and barbershops, can operate at 50 percent capacity, with restrictions. Get the latest updates on Maryland event restrictions here: - Maryland Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Mississippi

The state has a county-by-county system, identified in two tiers, one with lighter restrictions and the other with stricter. In those counties with the more relaxed restrictions, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 50 if social distancing cannot be maintained. Individuals must wear masks when inside a school, business, or public space. In the remaining counties, indoor gatherings are limited to 20 people and outdoor gatherings to 100 if social distancing cannot be maintained. Get the latest updates on Mississippi event restrictions here:COVID-19 Guidance and Prevention for Individuals and the Community | Mississippi State Department of Health

Missouri

Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced that the state would fully reopen on June 16 2020. According to a press release issued by the governor’s office, “All statewide restrictions will be lifted, though local officials will still have the authority to put further rules, regulations or ordinances in place.” Parson encouraged people to maintain social distancing and take precautions, such as practicing good hygiene and avoiding large crowds. Get the latest updates on Missouri event restrictions here: Citizens – Show Me Strong

Montana

People should avoid gathering in groups of more than 50 when appropriate physical distancing is not possible. Gatherings of any size should continue practicing physical distancing. Restaurants, casinos, bars, and breweries need only to restrict capacity to 50 percent as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Get the latest updates on Montana event restrictions here: Governor’s Coronavirus Taskforce

Nebraska

As of November 14th, Nebraska has adopted a phased approach to public health restrictions based on hospital capacity. The 5 tier plan includes the labels Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Red - Color-Coded  Phase Comparison 11.13.20. Currently, the state is under the Orange restriction guidelines, meaning indoor gatherings are to be limited to 25 percent capacity, with parties limited to 8 persons total. Outdoor gatherings are under no capacity restrictions; however, the 8 person per party maximum still applies. Get the latest updates on Nebraska event restrictions here: Press Releases | Office of Governor Pete Ricketts

Nevada

As of November 24th, public gatherings are to be limited to more than 50 people, or 25 percent capacity, depending on which is less. This most recent order states that no large event will be approved during these current restrictions. Restaurants, bars, and other businesses are required to limit capacity to 25 percent. Get the latest updates on the Nevada Event restrictions here: Press Releases: COVID-19 in Nevada | Nevada Health Response

New Hampshire

As it stands, there are no formal capacity restrictions for gatherings and events, other than a mask mandate for events over 100 persons or more. This applies to spiritual, social, and recreational gatherings. Get the latest updates on New Hampshire event restrictions here: 2020 COVID-19 Emergency Orders | Governor Christopher T. Sununu

New Jersey

All general indoor gatherings must be limited to 10 people, and all attendees must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart. Indoor gatherings for entertainment centers where performances are viewed or given, including movie theaters, performing arts centers, and other concert venues, must be limited to 150 people or 25% of a room’s capacity - whichever number is lower. Outdoor gatherings must be limited to 150 people, and social distancing must be practiced. Get the latest updates on New Jersey event restrictions here: How can people safely get together? What are the limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings? | FAQ

New Mexico

New Mexicans are instructed to stay at home except for only those trips that are essential to health, safety, and welfare. Only essential businesses may operate. Food and dining retailers can sell curbside to go. Get the latest updates on New Mexico event restrictions here: Newsroom | NMDOH - Coronavirus Updates

New York

Indoor and outdoor gatherings statewide at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people beginning Friday, November 13, at 10 p.m. Existing non-essential gathering limits are in effect otherwise. Individuals must wear face coverings when they are in public and are: within six feet of others; or in a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of space from others; or in a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle. Get the latest New York Event restrictions here: Travel, Large Gatherings, and Quarantines | Department of Health

North Carolina

Effective until at least December 11, the state is under its phase 3 restrictions. Under these orders, large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may continue to operate with 7 percent occupancy for spectators. Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, such as arenas or amphitheaters, may continue to operate outdoors at 30 percent of outdoor capacity – or 100 guests, whichever is less. Get the latest North Carolina event restriction updates here: NC DHHS COVID-19: Communities and Events

North Dakota

All bars, restaurants, and food service establishments are limited to 50 percent of their licensed seated capacity, not to exceed 150 patrons, and are closed to in-person service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. All banquet, ballroom, and event venues are limited to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy. Residents must try to limit gatherings to their immediate household group as much as possible and wear a mask if gathering with people from outside the household. Get the latest North Dakota event restriction updates here: News | Department of Health

Ohio

As of November 11, the state’s order that limits public events and private gatherings of more than 10 people is still in effect. Restaurants and bars are still allowed to operate. Get the latest Ohio Event restriction updates here: News Releases & News You Can Use | Ohio Department of Health.

Oklahoma

Continues to advise the public to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing by staying out of crowded places, not gathering in groups, and staying at least 6 feet away from other people. Restaurants must close by 11 p.m.. Get the latest Oklahoma event restriction updates here: Governor’s Actions | COVID-19 | Oklahoma State Department of Health

Oregon

Current restrictions require no more than 6 people total, from no more than 2 households at public indoor or outdoor gatherings. Faith-based organizations must limit to a maximum of 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors. No indoor visitation in long-term care facilities. Get the latest updates on Oregon event restrictions here: COVID-19 Resources for Oregonians

Pennsylvania

The state has set specific capacity restrictions depending on the square footage of the venue or space. For 0 - 2,000 person capacity venues, they can operate at 10 percent of maximum occupancy.  Venues of 2,001 - 10,000 person capacity are allowed up to 5 percent of maximum occupancy. And for those with over 10,000 people, they must cap attendance to 500.  When no fire code capacity is published or available for outdoor events or gatherings venues, establish occupancy as 67 people per 1000 square feet and then apply the maximum occupancy calculator. Get the latest Pennsylvania event restriction updates here: Event Occupancy

Rhode Island 

From November 30 to December 13, the state will be in what they call a “pause” to help maintain the post-Thanksgiving surge. All Venues of Assembly should be closed to audiences during the Pause. Venues of Assembly include event venues, performing arts venues, movie theaters, spectator sporting events, festivals, and conferences/conventions. Performing and presenting professionals may gather in limited numbers to broadcast or live stream their performances or presentations by exception. Get the latest Rhode Island event restriction updates here: RI COVID-19 Information | Department of Health

South Carolina

The total attendance at events cannot exceed 50 percent of the location’s occupancy limit or 250 persons, whichever is less, and all attendees must wear face coverings. There are no alcohol sales between 11 p.m. and 10 a.m.. Get the latest South Carolina event restriction updates here: COVID-19 Executive Order

South Dakota

Under the latest “Back to Normal” plan, there is no cap on the number of people who can meet, but the plan urges individuals to consider steps to maintain reasonable physical distancing. Get the latest South Dakota updates here: Where Can You Hold Events? Here’s the State-by-State Reopening Status | Northstar Meetings Group

Tennessee

There are no blanket state restrictions on business; however, certain counties are required to adhere to guidelines set by local departments of health. For the case of Nashville, beginning November 23, public and private gatherings are restricted to no more than 8 people. Restaurants may operate with capacity restrictions and only seat parties of 8. Get the latest Tennessee event restriction updates here: Covid 19 Timeline

Texas

Following the October 14 order, indoor and outdoor performance halls that configure seating arrangements that are not in rows must ensure at least 6 feet of separation between groups. There are to be no tables or groups of more than 10 people, and overall capacity should be limited to 75 percent. Get the latest updates on Texas event restrictions here: Opening the State of Texas | COVID-19

Utah

As of November 8th, a state of emergency has been issued requiring all citizens to wear masks in public and limit social gathering to those within their household. Get the latest Utah event restrictions here: State of Emergency | Coronavirus

Vermont

As of November 23, multiple household social gatherings were suspended. Attendance at all public and private social, recreational, and entertainment gatherings, indoor and outdoor, including large social gatherings incidental to ceremonies, holiday gatherings, parties, and celebrations, are limited to participation with only members of a single household. Bars and clubs are closed. Get the latest Vermont event restrictions here: COVID-19 Information | Vermont Emergency Management

Virginia

Virginia is in phase three of its reopening plan. Under the new restrictions, indoor and outdoor gatherings, whether public or private, must be capped at 25 people (down from 250). Restaurants can continue to offer indoor service at full capacity but must now stop serving alcohol by 10 p.m. and close by midnight. A mask mandate remains in place that requires everyone 10 and older to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces. Get the latest Virginia event restriction updates here: Coronavirus | Virginia.gov

Washington

Restaurants and bars are closed for indoor service. For Miscellaneous venues, all retail activities and business meetings are prohibited. Only professional training and testing that cannot be performed remotely, and all court and judicial branch-related proceedings are allowed. Occupancy in each meeting room is limited to 25 percent of indoor occupancy limits or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Get the latest Washington event restrictions here: What’s open in each phase? | Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)

Washington D.C. 

All outdoor gatherings are reduced to 50 people maximum. Indoor gatherings are  reduced to a maximum of 10 people. Restaurants can remain in operation until midnight and restrict indoor capacity to 25 percent. Get the latest Washington D.C. event restriction updates here: Phase Two | coronavirus

West Virginia

The most recently issued executive order secures the statewide social gathering limited from 100 to 25 individuals maximum. Get the latest West Virginia event restriction updates here: West Virginia's Response to Covid-19.

Wisconsin  

In the most recent restriction announcements, Indoor gatherings are to be restricted to no more than 25 percent of a venue’s capacity. These restrictions apply to restaurants and bars as well. Get the latest Wisconsin event restriction updates here: Where Can You Hold Events? Here’s the State-by-State Reopening Status | Northstar Meetings Group

Wyoming

As of November 19th,  Wyoming requires that there be limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings to 25 persons or fewer without restrictions. If physical distancing measures are employed, gatherings for indoor events are limited to 25 percent of venue capacity with a maximum of 100 people. Gatherings for outdoor events are limited to 50 percent of venue capacity with a maximum of 250 people. There are no business closures under these restrictions. Get the latest Wyoming event restriction updates here: Governor Responds to Record COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Reduces Gathering Sizes | Wyoming Department of Health

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