alt=Herb ScribnerUtah has the second fewest coronavirus restrictions of any state in the country, a new study from WalletHub has found.
The study reviewed all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 19 different metrics to determine which states had high restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The data ranges from reviewing the state penalties for noncompliance with COVID-19 laws, as well as if the state has a face mask mandate or not.
Here is where Utah ranked on the list.
- No. 6 for requirement to wear a face mask in public.
- No. 1 for reopening of child-care programs.
- No. 6 for travel restrictions.
- No. 15 for large gathering restrictions
- No. 7 for strictness of “shelter in place” orders.
- No. 1 for reopening of non-essential buisnesses
- No. 2 for reopening of restaurants and bars.
- No. 1 for working from home requirements and recommendations
The report lists Utah as a state with few restrictions and a low death rate, joining states like Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas and Arkansas.
South Dakota ranked as the state with the fewest coronavirus restrictions, according to the WalletHub study. This is mostly because it doesn’t have any face mask mandate and has allowed bars to stay open.
“South Dakota ranks as the state with the fewest coronavirus restrictions in part because it is one of only five states that have taken no action on face coverings in public, and it has fully reopened bars,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “South Dakota has lifted all restrictions on large gatherings, and it is one of only five states that never required non-essential businesses to close during the pandemic.”
California, meanwhile, has the highest amount of restrictions will full face covering mandates and closing of nonessential businesses.
Gonzalez said states should be mindful of reopening too soon. And, when things do reopen, create rules that allow people to stay distanced from each other.
“States should be most mindful of limiting close contact between residents even as businesses reopen, which means that state legislatures should transition from guidelines on social distancing to laws, such as requiring mask wearing in public places and limiting the number of people per square footage. States can show extra care to vulnerable populations by making sure they are accommodated with free deliveries of essential goods and exclusive hours at all businesses,” she said. “Most importantly, state governments need to closely monitor the number of coronavirus cases, prepare for a second wave, and adjust further reopening plans if needed to avoid too much of a strain on hospitals.”