COVID-19 Resources for Massage Therapists

Please click on your state below to access state COVID-19 information and the latest updates.

Alabama

Access the Alabama state COVID-19 page
March 27, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage-therapy establishments and massage services, athletic facilities, fitness centers, gyms, spas and yoga facilities to be closed effective at 5:00 p.m. on March 28. 
April 7, 2020 - The Governor issued a stay-at-home order, which restated her previous order that massage therapy establishments and massage services, spas, yoga facilities and fitness centers be closed.
April 29, 2020 - While the Governor’s Safer-at-Home order will reopen some businesses on May 1, massage therapy establishments and services (other than for medically prescribed services) are to remain closed, as are gyms, fitness centers and spas.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor and the State Health Officer issued an amended health order that allowed massage therapy establishments and services to reopen on May 11, under specific rules in Section 7. The Alabama Massage Board has provided additional guidelines for massage therapists who choose to reopen.
July 15, 2020 – The Governor announced an amended Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement effective through July 31. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. 
August 27 - The State Health Officer extended the Stay at Home order until October 2.
September 30 – The Governor extended her Safer at Home Order until November 8 (see guidelines for close contact service providers including massage therapy on page 8).
November 16, 2020 - The updated Safer-at-Home order issued November 5 requires massage therapists to follow specific guidelines (page 5, number 8), further clarified by the Department of Public Health.
December 10, 2020 - The State Health Officer updated and extended the Safer at Home order until 5:00 P.M. on January 22, 2021.
January 25, 2021 - The Governor extended the Safer at Home order until 5:00 p.m. on March 5, restating guidelines for massage therapists on page 5, section 8, and also restating face-covering guidelines.
March 4, 2021 - Alabama’s State Health Officer amended an executive order on public gatherings. The order also includes requirements for face coverings (see section 2) and maintains guidelines for close contact providers including massage therapists (see section 8).
April 7, 2021 - The Governor signed a COVID-19 Proclamation, rescinding the mask requirement and instituting a new “Safer Apart” health order. In the Safer Apart Order, the State Health Officer encourages the use of masks and facial coverings through May 5. This order also preempts county and municipal orders that may impose less stringent COVID-19 related measures. Massage therapists are encouraged to continue to follow guidelines for close contact personal service businesses.

Alaska

Access the Alaska state COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The state regulatory board urges MTs to include CDC guidelines when making decisions about client care and how, when, where, and if they choose to practice.
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapy locations, day spas, Rolfing, Reiki, acupuncture, acupressure and similar services closed.
April 16, 2020 - The Governor has issued a Health Mandate that supersedes his previous orders and provides basic guidelines for non-essential healthcare providers who could resume practice on May 4, “for health care services that cannot be delayed beyond eight weeks without posing a significant risk to quality of life."
May 13, 2020 - The Governor issued a reopening plan which allowed massage therapists to reopen, effective May 8. The Alaska Board of Massage Therapists has provided guidelines for massage therapists who choose to reopen.
July 23, 2020 – Several municipalities in the state have issued additional requirements for face coverings: https://covid19.alaska.gov/local-borough-resources/
February 14, 2021 - The Alaska Department of Health and Human Services issued COVID-19 Health Advisory Recommendations detailing guidance for face masks, practicing social distancing, and testing. Massage therapists should continue to follow the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists COVID-19 practice guidelines (updated in November 2020).

Arizona

Access the Arizona state COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - State Board of Massage Therapy follows Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines, suspends CE requirements and payments.
March 31, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order that also states all non-essential businesses must be closed. 

• Flagstaff – The Mayor has ordered all gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios and similar facilities to be closed.

April 6, 2020 - The Governor has clarified his order of March 30 to specifically state that all spas and massage locations are to close.
April 30, 2020 - The Governor has extended his Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected order through May 15. 
May 13, 2020 - The Governor’s office and the Department of Health have provided guidelines for massage therapists under his Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger plan, which allows massage therapists to begin seeing clients today, May 13.
July 23, 2020 – Many municipalities and counties in the state have issued additional requirements for face coverings.
December 8, 2020 - The Arizona Massage Board waived the requirement for 24 hours of continuing education for license renewals. Massage therapists are still required to submit a license renewal application and pay the fee. You may renew within 60 days of your license renewal expiration.
March 5, 2021 - The Governor issued Executive Order 2021-05 which repealed additional prior COVID-19 executive orders.
March 25, 2021 - The Governor rescinded Executive Order 2020-36 (the Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger plan) which had set reduced occupancy and capacity limits for massage therapists and other personal services (see section two). Individual businesses and organizations maintain the right to require the use of face coverings and physical distancing (see section one). 

Arkansas

Access the Arkansas state COVID-19 page
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapy establishments closed by March 25  and the Arkansas Department of Health has stated that all 18 hours of required continuing education (CE) can be obtained through online courses and that license renewals can be deferred for 90 days past expiration without late fee penalties after the conclusion of the public health emergency.
May 4, 2020 - The Governor has issued a directive that massage therapy locations may resume services (under specified conditions) beginning May 6, 2020. The Department of Health has provided additional information on the conditions that must be met for massage therapy practices to begin seeing clients.
July 22, 2020 - The Governor ordered that the Secretary of Health issue a public health directive requiring a face covering over the mouth and nose in indoor public environments, with a list of exclusions.
January 5, 2021 - The Governor renewed the state’s disaster and public health emergency, extending his existing orders (including the current face covering directive), for 60 days beginning December 29, 2020.
March 2, 2021 - On February 26, the Governor issued a proclamation that renewed the state’s Disaster and Public Health Emergency through March 31. In addition, the proclamation removed capacity restrictions for gyms and fitness centers. Removal of capacity restrictions is conditional, based on COVID-19 cases in Arkansas continuing to follow a downward trend.

California

Access the California state COVID-19 page
March 19, 2020 -The Governor has issued a shelter in place order for most businesses in the state and has ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence. 
June 10, 2020 - California is in Stage 2.  The state is issuing guidance for businesses to follow, if they are permitted to open per County Public Health rules.
June 16, 2020 - Counties may now make the decision to allow massage therapists to reopen, as the California Department of Public Health has issued guidelines for reopening massage practices (page 13). Decisions about when massage therapists can reopen may change daily by county.
July 23, 2020 – Governor Newsom announced, effective July 13, massage therapy and several other businesses in specific counties in California must close, unless they can be modified to operate outside. This restriction for massage therapists may also be affected by local and/or county regulations. The list of counties may change daily, based on the state’s monitoring system. We encourage you to check the Governor’s order for the current status of your county. A previous order provided guidance on the use of masks/face coverings.
August 28, 2020 - Governor Newsom issued the Blueprint for a Safer Economy with guidelines associated with the State Monitoring List and outlines a new tiered system to assess county risk levels. The state provides information for what activities are allowed by county.
September 9, 2020 - The state has also provided guidance for massage therapy in non-healthcare indoor settings (see pages 14-15) and outdoor settings (see pages 13-14).
November 19, 2020 - The California Department of Health’s State Public Health Officer issued a Limited Stay at Home order for counties under Tier One (Purple). Restrictions occur beginning November 21st and end December 21st. To check the status your county, please click here and search by county.
Under this directive, massage therapy services are subject to additional requirements depending on your county. Please select your county and search under “massage therapy studio” for additional county specific details.
November 30, 2020 - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has modified its Reopening Protocol for Personal Care Establishments, which allows massage therapy locations to be open for indoor services at 20% occupancy pursuant to the Temporary Targeted Safer at Home Health Officer Order for Control of COVID-19, effective until 11:59 p.m. December 20.
December 2, 2020 - Mayor Garcetti issued a public order for Los Angeles County that allows massage therapy locations to be open for indoor services at 20% occupancy pursuant to the Targeted Safer at Home Health Order for Control of COVID-19. These locations must not operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and customers and staff must wear face coverings at all times.
December 3, 2020 - The California State Public Health Officer issued a Regional Stay-At-Home Order beginning on December 5th. This order goes into effect when a County’s ICU capacity falls below 15%. In any region that triggers a Regional Stay Home Order because it drops below 15% ICU capacity, personal care services including massage therapy must close. The Regional Stay-At-Home order would be in effect for three weeks after the trigger, and instructs Californians to stay at home as much as possible to limit the mixing with other households that can lead to COVID-19 spread. You can find additional details on the order here.
January 5, 2021 - The California Department of Public Health has extended and supplemented the Limited Stay At Home Order. Measures in your community may be more restrictive than the statewide Limited Stay At Home Order

Colorado

Access the Colorado state COVID-19 page

March 16, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms to close.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended his stay-at-home order until April 26. 
April 28, 2020 - The Department of Public Health & Environment has issued an order that would allow massage businesses to open on May 1, with specific guidelines in the Appendices of the order.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor’s Safer-at-Home order allows massage therapists to reopen to clients, if specific requirements are met. See Sections K and L.
July 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered that all individuals over 10 years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any Public Indoor Space. Owners, operators, or managers of Public Indoor Spaces must post signs at entrance(s) regarding the obligation to wear a face covering. The order expires 30 days after July 16, unless it is renewed.
August 17, 2020 - The Governor extended the state’s requirements for face coverings until September 14.
September 14, 2020 - The Governor’s latest executive order extended the state’s requirements for face coverings until October 12.
October 4, 2020 – The Governor amended and extended some previous executive orders for 30 days.
October 11, 2020 – The Governor amended and extended his previous orders for wearing face masks in public, for 30 days from October 11.
October 28, 2020 - The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) moved the City and County of Denver, among other counties, to the more restrictive Safer at Home Dial Level 3. The order moves personal services, including massage therapy not in a healthcare setting, back to 25% of capacity, with other guidelines.
November 9, 2020 - The Governor extended his facemask order for 30 days.
November 19, 2020 - The Governor amended and extended his previous Declaration of a Disaster Emergency which remains in effect until November 28, 2020.
December 9, 2020 - The Governor extended his face covering order for 30 days, beginning December 8.
January 11, 2021 - The Governor extended his face covering order for 30 days beginning January 6.
February 9, 2021 - The Governor extended and amended the Public Health Order COVID-19 Dial for 30 days, effective February 6.
February 10, 2021 - The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) COVID-19 Dial dashboard outlines COVID community guidance at the county level.
The CDPHE's website also provides capacity guidelines and additional guidance for personal care services.
March 23, 2021 - On March 16, the Governor extended Colorado’s Declaration of a Disaster Emergency for an additional thirty days.
May 2, 2021 - The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) issued an amended public health order effective May 2^nd, extending the requirement for face coverings and maintaining restrictions in a variety of settings, including personal services (defined in section 3C). The order also maintains restrictions on certain activities while continuing to take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Colorado, and includes a provision that authorizes CDPHE to require a county to comply with additional restrictions should certain metrics be met.

Connecticut

Access the Connecticut state COVID-19 page
March 10, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all fitness centers and gyms to close.
Effective on March 23, 2020, 8pm - The Governor has issued a stay at home order and is directing all non-essential businesses and not-for-profit entities to prohibit all in-person functions.
April 1, 2020 - The Department of Public Health has suspended massage therapy license renewals until six months after the civil preparedness emergency is declared to be over.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor extended his stay at home executive order through May 20.
May 22, 2020 - The Reopen CT Advisory Group has presented recommendations to the Governor for when massage therapists would be allowed to reopen under Phase 2 of the plan. But, the Governor has not yet approved the plan or set a date for reopening.
June 8, 2020 - The Governor, through his Reopen Connecticut plan, will allow massage therapists to reopen on June 17 at 50% of capacity, with self-certification and adherence to rules on page 5 of the announcement.
July 16, 2020 - The Governor ordered that anyone who is unable to or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person must cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering.
September 9, 2020 - Governor Lamont has extended all executive orders related to the public health and civil preparedness emergencies declared on March 10, 2020 until November 9, with some exceptions.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor issued an order regarding enforcement of healthcare measures currently in place.
January 26, 2021 - Governor Lamont has extended Connecticut’s state of emergency to April 20, 2021.
March 16, 2021 - Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut has issued a statement announcing that as of March 19^th, all capacity limits for multiple types of businesses (including personal services as well as gyms/fitness centers) will be eliminated. Mask and social distancing protocols will continue to be required.
May 5, 2021 - As of May 19, all remaining restrictions on businesses will be lifted, excepts masks which will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible. These changes are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated.

Delaware

Access the Delaware state COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities. 
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended his State of Emergency order through at least May 15, specifically closing spas, gyms, yoga studios, fitness and similar facilities. 
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued a reopening plan for the state. Under Phase One, massage therapists are to remain closed.
June 3, 2020 - Governor Carney has announced a rolling reopening of personal care service businesses – including massage therapy services. Personal care businesses may open at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8. Personal care service businesses and exercise facilities are to remain at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy on Monday June 15 when Delaware enters Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
June 22, 2020 - The Governor has announced that massage therapy establishments can be open up to 60% of capacity, as of June 22, as part of Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor issued a modified State of Emergency declaration that requires the wearing of face coverings in public settings.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor ordered that all existing emergency provisions will remain in effect until terminated in accordance with state law.
December 14, 2020 - The Governor updated previous orders, including those on face coverings. The order is in effect December 14 through January 11, 2021.
March 29, 2021 - The Governor modified his State of Emergency Declaration.
April 1, 2021 - The Governor modified his COVID-19 State of Emergency Declaration. Massage therapists should continue to follow personal care services guidelines (see page 12) in the Delaware Reopening guide, last updated in February.

District of Columbia

Access the District of Columbia state COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Mayor has ordered all massage establishments, spas, health clubs and gyms to be closed. 
April 7, 2020 - The Mayor has extended her stay home order through at least April 24. 
May 13, 2020 - The District Stay at Home order has been extended through June 8.
May 27, 2020 - While the Mayor has announced Phase 1 of her reopening plan, massage therapists are to remain closed at this time.
June 19, 2020 - The Mayor has announced the city will move to Phase 2 on June 22. Personal services, such as massage therapy may reopen with specific guidelines, per Aisha Nixon, Executive Director, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA), Allied and Behavioral Health Boards.
September 9, 2020 - On August 20, those guidelines were updated for Personal Service providers including massage therapists. Also, in July, the Mayor issued an order requiring face masks to be worn in public settings, in effect through October 9, or until the date to which the state of emergency is extended, whichever is later.
December 1, 2020 - Phase Two adjustments went into effect on November 25 and are in effect through December 31.
January 8, 2021 - The Mayor announced that restrictions put in place in December are in effect until January 15, and she extended the public health emergency through March 31.
March 22, 2021 - The Mayor extended the public health emergency through May 20. The order includes the following:

• An increase in outdoor group limits from 25 to 50 people
• Individuals must continue to wear masks
• Non-essential businesses are limited to operating at 25% of capacity
• Personal care services (including massage therapy) must continue to be provided by appointment only with six feet of distancing between "stations" (see section V, page four).
• Fitness and Recreation facilities may operate at up to 25% capacity or no more than 250 people, whichever is fewer (see section VIII, page six).

April 5, 2021 - Mayor Bowser announced updated guidance that will allow non-essential businesses to increase capacity to 50% beginning on May 1 (see page 15). Massage therapists should continue to follow Phase Two Guidance for Personal Services.

Florida

Access the Florida state COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Florida Board of Massage Therapy will permit certain required hours of massage school education to be taught through distance learning. 
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued a “safer at home” order for people in high risk groups and encouraged social distancing. 
April 9, 2020 - The Governor ordered all licensed health care providers to cease performing elective services.
May 22, 2020 - AMTA received an email from the Florida Surgeon General’s office that confirmed that the Surgeon General included massage therapists in Section 5 of EO 20-112 allowing those providers to reopen. The phrase ‘other health care practitioners’ is meant to include massage therapy.
May 27, 2020 - The Florida Department of Health issued a notification to massage therapists and establishments in the state, to provide clarity regarding executive orders in effect and guidelines for practice.
June 3, 2020 – The following restrictions and best practices were announced as mandatory for personal care services. Additional information can be found with the state’s FAQs.
July 20, 2020 – The Florida Department of Health issued a public health advisory recommending the use of face coverings where social distancing is not possible.
July 23, 2020 – Many municipalities and counties in the state have issued additional requirements for face coverings.
September 30, 2020 - In their July meeting, the Florida Board of Massage Therapy voted to adopt emergency rule 64B7ER20-29 to continue allowing some required hours of entry level education to be taught by distance learning through March 31, 2022.
The Governor announced the state would enter Phase 3 reopening, effective September 25. 
January 5, 2021 - The Governor extended the state of emergency for 60 days, beginning December 29, 2020.
April 27, 2021 - The Governor issued an extension of the COVID-19 executive order 20-52 for 60 days.
May 3, 2021 – The Governor issued a new executive order eliminating and superseding all existing emergency orders or ordinances issued by a county or municipality that imposes restrictions or mandates on businesses or individuals due to the COVID-19 emergency (see section 2). The order also clarifies that for the remaining duration of the state of emergency initiated by Executive Order 20-52, no county or municipality may renew or enact an emergency order or ordinance using a local state of emergency or local emergency enactment procedures (see section 3).

 

Georgia

Access the Georgia state COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has provided information to businesses about how they can operate at this time.
April 3, 2020 - The Governor has issued a shelter-in-place order that also closed massage therapy practices, health clubs, fitness centers and gyms.
April 6, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapists to “cease operations” through April 13.
April 24, 2020 - The Governor announced massage therapy practices, massage schools and education programs, gyms and fitness clubs may re-open on April 24, if they meet “Minimum Basic Operations” criteria. In making the announcement, the Governor clarified that Minimum Basic Operations will mean businesses re-opening may only conduct minimum basic operations and must adhere to restrictions including 20 specific recommendations around social distancing, employee health monitoring, and increased sanitation and workplace safety practices.
June 11, 2020 - The Governor has issued an executive order that will allow walk-in clients to massage establishments as of June 16.
July 23, 2020 – Some municipalities in the state have issued additional requirements for face coverings. 
July 31, 2020 – The Governor issued further orders for how massage therapists interact with clients (page 19).
August 28 – The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy voted to modify the hands-on CE requirement for the remainder of 2020 (pending Governor Kemp’s approval), and will be accepting CE hours completed “live (in-person), online or by other distance learning methods.”
September 30, 2020 - The Governor approved the emergency rule on continuing education hours, retroactive to September 24 and in effect through October 31. The rule allows licensees to obtain CE offered by an NCBTMB Approved Provider on a subject related to the practice of massage therapy by attending in-person, online or by other distance learning methods.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor renewed the public health emergency through November 9.
December 1, 2020 - On November 13, the Governor issued guidelines under his public health emergency order that include directives for those working in gyms and fitness centers including massage therapists (page 19).

The Governor renewed the public health emergency through December 14.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor extended the Public Health State of Emergency through February 7.
February 9, 2021 - The Governor extended the Public Health State of Emergency from February 8 through March 8.

Hawaii

Access the Hawaii state COVID-19 page

March 27, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses, specifically including fitness centers and gyms, to be closed.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor’s new Safer-at-Home order allows massage therapists to resume seeing clients under specific circumstances and only in health care facilities. See Exhibit A,1,b.
May 29, 2020 - Massage therapy services can reopen on June 1 in Hawaii, Honolulu, and Maui counties based on Mayoral Executive Orders. Massage therapy establishments must follow guidelines and restrictions outlined in the executive orders.
June 1, 2020 - The county of Kauai released an order that allowed massage therapists to reopen on May 22. Massage therapy establishments must follow guidelines and restrictions outlined in executive orders.
July 23, 2020 – The City/County of Honolulu issued an order mandating the wearing of face coverings in various situations.
August 5, 2020 - Governor Ige issued an order for statewide coordination of emergency management functions, in effect through August 30. Facial masks are required for anyone entering a business. Here are links to current county guidelines:

• Hawaii County
• Honolulu County
• Kauai County
• Maui County

August 25, 2020 - With the approval of Governor Ige, the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu issued a new stay at home order, in effect through September 9. 
September 9, 2020 - The Governor and the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu extended/amended the stay at home order through September 23. 
September 16, 2020 - Governor Ige allowed Massage Therapy bill SB2878 to become law in the state as of September 15. The new law requires the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy to adopt and enforce sanitation rules for massage establishments, changes unlicensed activity from a petty misdemeanor to a full misdemeanor, and increases fines for violations of massage therapy laws.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor updated his previous COVID-19 proclamations and extended them through October 31.
October 23, 2020 - Oahu will allow massage therapists to be open under Tier 2 guidelines (Personal Care Services #19), effective October 22.
November 18, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order, which includes clarification of the status of licensed massage therapists (Exhibit A), effective through December 31.
December 8, 2020 - The Governor updated his previous COVID-19 proclamations and extended them through December 31.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor renewed his proclamation order through February 14.
April 9, 2021 - Governor Ige issued a new COVID-19 Proclamation extending the disaster emergency relief period through June 8, and superseding all previous COVID-19 proclamations.
April 22, 2021 - You can check the Reopening Hawaii page for the current status of the state and county-specific information. Massage therapists can access workplace guidance to help them manage their practice during COVID-19.

Idaho

Access the Idaho state COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order.
April 17, 2020 - The Director of the Department of Health and Welfare has extended the Governor’s stay at home order and issued a self-isolate order, effective through April 30.
May 7, 2020 - The Governor’s Idaho Rebounds plan will enter phase 2 on May 16, allowing massage therapists to begin seeing clients based on specific protocols.  
June 13, 2020 - Most counties are now in Stage 4. The state has provided health guidelines for Stage 4 recovery.
July 23, 2020 – Several municipalities in the state have issued additional requirements for face coverings.
October 28, 2020 - On October 5, the Governor extended his state of emergency for at least 30 days. The state moved back into Stage 3 on October 27. Additional guidelines for close contact providers including massage therapists also apply.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor reinstated his health order, effective indefinitely.
February 2, 2021 - The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued Stage 3 Stay Healthy Guidelines. Individuals and businesses should adhere to physical distancing and sanitation guidelines (see section 3). Face coverings are strongly encouraged. Massage therapists must continue to follow protocols for close contact services.

Illinois

Access the Illinois state COVID-19 page
March 20, 2020 - The Governor issued a stay at home order for the entire state through at least April 7,  and ordered the closing of all non-essential businesses.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has extended the stay-at-home order to at least April 30. 
April 2, 2020 - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will permit massage therapy schools to offer on-line instruction for their lecture-based, non-hands-on courses from March 17, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
April 24, 2020 - The Governor announced that he will sign a modified version of the state's stay at home order that will go into effect on May 1 and extend through May 31.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that will allow personal care services, to include spas to reopen during Phase 3 of his Restore Illinois Plan. While this will apply to massage therapists in much of the state on May 29, municipalities may maintain local orders for massage therapists to remain closed. We are continuing to seek clarity from the state on how this order applies to all massage therapy establishment settings. 
May 28, 2020 - Governor Pritzker has announced Phase 3 of his Restore Illinois plan for May 29, which allows massage therapists to reopen, with specific guidelines. The City of Chicago has its own specific guidelines for reopening under the Governor’s Phase 3 plan.
June 10, 2020 - The Governor’s order was modified to remove the 30 minute restriction on massage therapy and requirements around use of face masks have been updated. If services require a customer to remove his or her mask, employee must wear both a face mask and eye protection (e.g., face shield, protective glasses).
July 15, 2020 – The Governor’s executive order for Phase 4 provides public health requirements for individuals and all businesses. The order includes updated requirements for face masks/coverings. 
September 30, 2020 - The Mayor of Chicago announced that restrictions on establishments, including fitness centers and massage therapy locations have been eased from 25% capacity to 40% of maximum indoor capacity, effective October 1.
October 15, 2020 - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation filed an emergency amendment to the Massage Licensing Act in the Illinois Register due to COVID-19 concerns (Volume 44, Issue 40). The emergency rule was adopted October 2 and is in place for 150 days until February 28, 2021, which will cover the current license renewal cycle for massage therapists. This rule changes continuing education credit hours to allow all 24 required credit hours (versus the current 12) to be completed online.
November 19, 2020 - Governor Pritzker has issued a new COVID-19 mitigation order, effective tomorrow, November 20, with specific information about massage therapy practice (under Personal Services). The order indicates a massage practice can be open at the lesser of 25 clients or 25% of capacity. It states that “massage therapy (is) allowed as deemed necessary by a medical provider, but appointments must be spaced by a minimum of 15 minutes and facilities should take steps to sanitize and circulate clean air through service rooms before and after each service.”
January 11, 2021 - The Governor extended his disaster proclamation for 30 days from January 8. There is no direct change to massage therapy guidelines.
March 15, 2021 - The Governor reissued and extended executive orders through April 3.
March 18, 2021 - The Governor announced the “Bridge Phase”, a metrics-based, vaccination-informed framework for Illinois to advance to phase 5 of the state’s Restore Illinois Plan. Currently, every region of the state is in Phase 4 of the five-phase Restore Illinois mitigation plan. The new metrics offer Illinois a bridge between the state’s current phase 4 restrictions and the “new normal” operations of phase 5. At this time, massage therapists should continue to follow phase 4 personal care services guidelines.

 

Indiana

Access the Indiana state COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all fitness and exercise gyms, spas, salons and similar facilities to close.
May 6, 2020 - The Governor has issued a phased order to reopen businesses in the state by county, effective through May 23. Directions for massage therapy locations and spas are in Section 13 of his order and must meet specific criteria to reopen. 
May 7, 2020 - The Governor’s Back on Track plan includes a PPE Marketplace to order items needed when small businesses, such as massage therapists, begin to reopen.
June 12, 2020 - The Governor announced all 92 counties in the state can advance to Stage 4 of the Back On Track Indiana plan on June 12.
July 23, 2020 – The Governor issued a statewide requirement for face coverings in most public settings, beginning July 27.
August 26 – The Governor extended the statewide face coverings order through September 25.
September 30, 2020 - The Governor extended his public health emergency for 30 days after October 2 and announced Stage 5 reopening guidelines including updated mask requirements.
From September 26-October 17 in stage 5, personal services may resume normal operations. Face coverings and social distancing are required. Further guidelines for personal services, which includes massage therapy, have also been provided.
December 2, 2020 - Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-49 extends the public health disaster emergency until December 31, 2020.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor renewed his public health emergency declaration through January 30 and also extended community-based measures.
March 31, 2021 - Governor Holcomb issued an executive order which renewed the public health emergency until April 30 and lifted the mask mandate on April 6. Individuals are still encouraged to wear masks in all public locations. Local health officials may impose mitigation measures or restrictions for facility capacities and social gatherings based on COVID-19 metrics in their community. Massage therapists are encouraged to continue to follow guidelines for personal services.
May 1, 2021 - The Governor issued an executive order that extended COVID-19 directives through May 31.

Iowa

Access the Iowa COVID-19 page
March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all fitness centers, health clubs, health spas and gyms to close.
March 27, 2020 - Following the order of the Governor, the Bureau of Professional Licensure has stated that all massage therapy establishments are to be closed.
March 31, 2020 - The state massage therapy board has clarified the implications for massage therapists of the Governor’s order to close massage therapy establishments.
April 3, 2020 - The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy has clarified that massage therapist licenses expiring during the Governor’s emergency proclamation order will have 30 days to renew once the proclamation order is ended. Licensed massage therapists will not be required to complete a minimum number of hands-on CE training for their next renewal, even if their next renewal is after the end of the Proclamation.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor has extended her order to close massage establishments, fitness centers, gyms and spas through April 30.
April 28, 2020 - The Governor has issued a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration until May 27. The proclamation loosens social distancing measures in 77 counties, but all massage therapy locations continue to be closed until May 15.  
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order (Section Two, I) that allows massage therapy locations to reopen on May 15, providing they follow guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
August 21, 2020 - The Governor issued updated guidance (Massage Therapy in Section Two, J) and extended the state of emergency through September 20.
November 11, 2020 - Governor Reynolds extended her declaration of a state of public health disaster emergency and included updated guidance for massage therapists (Section 6E), effective through December 10. 
November 18, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that allows massage therapists to open or reopen, if they follow specific guidelines, including face mask madates, (Section 7E), in effect November 17 through December 10.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor extended her Proclamation of Disaster Emergency effective January 7 through February 6, with specifics for massage therapists restated in Section E. page six.
March 9, 2021 – On March 5, the Governor extended the state’s coronavirus emergency proclamation expiring on April 4 unless extended. The proclamation strongly encourages individuals, businesses and organizations to take reasonable public health measures with guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health (See section Two).

Kansas

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March 30, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all but those in essential businesses to stay at home.
May 1, 2020 - While the Governor’s latest executive order will allow certain businesses to reopen on May 4, “personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided” are to remain closed. Fitness centers and gyms are to remain closed.
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has issued the Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas beginning May 18. While some businesses are allowed to open under Phase I, massage therapists, as unlicensed professionals, are to remain closed.
May 15, 2020 - The Governor announced Phase 1.5 of the Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas which will allow massage therapists and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided to open on May 18, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in. If you choose to reopen, these guidelines will apply. If you have questions, contact AMTA’s Government Relations Team at GRinfo@amtamassage.org.
July 8, 2020 - The Governor has issued a statewide order mandates the use of a mask or other face-covering in public spaces, including while receiving services from a healthcare provider. 
July 16, 2020 – The Governor ordered that a mask or other face-covering of the nose and mouth must be worn in specified situations.
November 11, 2020 - Governor Kelly extended several emergency orders related to COVID-19 through January 26, 2021.
November 19, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order establishing a face coverings protocol, effective November 25 and continuing until rescinded or the state of disaster emergency ends.

Kentucky

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March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered gyms, exercise facilities and spas to close.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has issued a Healthy at Home order, stating that only life-sustaining businesses may remain open. And, he also ordered all non-emergent, non-urgent medical and healthcare practices to close.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has issued a four-phase structure for reopening of healthcare businesses which will allow massage therapy locations to reopen on May 25 with the following guidelines under Phase I.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor ordered that everyone in the state must cover their noses and mouths with a face covering in defined situations.
July 27, 2020 - Under its Health at Work program, the state has provided updated requirements for massage therapists.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor extended the face coverings order for 30 days from October 6.
November 18, 2020 - The Governor extended Kentucky’s State of Emergency, beginning November 20th and ending December 13th. Gyms, fitness centers, pools and other indoor recreation facilities must limit capacity to 33% of the maximum permitted occupancy.
February 9, 2021 - On January 30th the Governor issued an updated face covering order to remain in effect for 30 days.
March 2, 2021 - On March 1, the Governor announced that massage therapy establishments and fitness centers can now operate at up to 60% capacity.

Louisiana

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March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers and gyms to close.
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities. 
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has extend his emergency provisions order through May 15.
June 1, 2020 - As of May 15, the Governor announced Phase One of his Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana. As of June 1, no date has been announced for Phase Two, and massage establishments must remain closed.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor announced that the state will move to Phase Two of its reopening plan on June 5, except for Orleans Parish, which remains in Phase One. Massage therapists outside of Orleans Parish will be allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity in Phase Two.
June 10, 2020 - The Mayor of New Orleans has announced that Orleans Parish will enter Phase Two of its reopening plan, effective June 13. Massage therapists will be allowed to open at 50% of capacity, and need to follow guidelines in the announcement and State Fire Marshal Phase Two guidelines, and accept clients by reservation or appointment only. Watch video explaining reservations and contact tracing.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor announced a mandatory mask requirement as the state remains in Phase Two of the Roadmap for a Resilient Louisiana.
August 6, 2020 - The Governor announced the extension of his Phase 2 order through August 28.
November 2, 2020 - The Governor renewed his emergency order through November 6.
November 9, 2020 - The Governor renewed his Phase 3 mitigation orders, including a mandate on the use of face masks, through December 4.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor renewed his public health emergency order through January 13.
March 15, 2021 - On March 2, the Governor extended the state of emergency until March 31.
March 31, 2021 - The Governor extended the COVID-19 state of emergency until April 28. Currently, for personal care businesses (including massage therapy) face masks must be worn by clients and employees in all facilities. According to the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy, as long as face mask and distancing protocols are observed, there are no specific capacity limitations for massage therapy businesses.

Maine

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March 25 2020 - The Governor has ordered massage facilities, spas, fitness and exercise gyms and similar personal care and treatment facilities and services to be closed.
May 22, 2020 - The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation has provided basic information on massage therapy practice during Stage 1 of the Governor’s order.  Stage 3 of the Governor’s plan includes “massage facilities” among other businesses.  On May 13, the state emergency order was extended 30 days.
May 31, 2020 - The Governor updated her executive order.
June 22, 2020 - The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation announced, based on the Governor’s Restarting Plan and subject to the DHHS COVID-19 Guidance for Health Care Providers, “health care-related massage therapy services” may now be provided by LMTs. All other types of massage must wait until Stage 3 (expected to begin on July 1, depending on health metrics).
July 7, 2020 - The Department of Economic and Community Development provided information on Stage 3 reopening, with guidelines for massage therapy and spa services, updated July 10.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor ordered that individuals must wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
August 5, 2020 - The Governor extended the State of Civil Emergency through September 3.
September 30 – Governor Mills extended the State of Civil Emergency for 30 days.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor ordered implementation of Phase 4 of the state’s restarting plan, effective October 13.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor issued an order to revise the face mask mandate and clarify social distancing.
December 15, 2020 - The Governor revised and simplified her face covering executive order, effective December 11.
March 5, 2021 - The Governor issued an executive order with amended indoor capacity limits. Massage therapy businesses may operate at 50% of permitted occupancy, 5 people per 1,000 sq. ft., or 50 people (whichever is greatest), until May 23. Starting May 24, permitted occupancy increases to 75% (see section A, page 2). Massage therapists should continue to follow guidelines for spas and close contact personal services (updated in March).

 

Maryland

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March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered health spas, health clubs, fitness centers and gyms to be closed. 
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order and directed non-essential businesses to close. 
April 3, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order and directed all elective and non-urgent medical procedures and appointments to cease.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor issued a renewed Stay-at-Home order through May 30.
May 20, 2020 - The Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners has informed massage therapists of state Health Secretary Neall’s Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters. The new directive permits licensed massage therapists (“LMTs”) to perform massage in health care settings, if certain conditions are met. At this time, Registered Massage Practitioners (RMP's) are not allowed to reopen.
June 4, 2020 - Governor Larry Hogan has announced Executive Order 20-06-03-01 that allows massage establishments to reopen, effective at 5:00 p.m. on June 5, at 50% occupancy and are required to follow applicable state guidelines. Gyms and fitness centers are to remain closed at this time. A political subdivision can make an independent decision to close any business in their jurisdiction, so please check local guidance before reopening. 
July 16, 2020 – The Governor ordered that in massage therapy locations all customers are required to wear face coverings, as are staff while in areas open to the general public and areas in which interaction with other staff is likely. 
July 31, 2020 - The Governor announced that massage therapists are allowed to be open subject to local/county orders, but fitness centers, health clubs, health spas and gyms still are restricted to 50% of capacity. This order also updated his previous face covering order.
August 4, 2020 - The Montgomery County Council announced that Registered Massage Practitioners (RMP) are allowed to open beginning August 5, with limitations.
September 8, 2020 – The Governor renewed his state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency.
September 28, 2020 – The Governor announced further business reopening information, including a continuation of the 50% occupancy guidelines for massage therapists.
October 15, 2020 - The Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners has clarified that a massage therapist/registered massage practitioner with a license/registration that expires on October 31, 2020 who has not renewed by that date, may continue to practice under the current license/registration until 30 days after the state of emergency has ended.
November 4, 2020 - The Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners clarified changes to CE requirements during the state’s declaration of emergency and that licenses do not expire on October 31, 2020.
November 18, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order which clarifies that massage therapy locations can be open at 50% of the location’s maximum occupancy, effective November 11. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery (page 8) and Prince Georges counties, and the City of Baltimore, have additional regulations.
February 8, 2021 - Governor Hogan renewed the state of emergency order, effective January 21 through March 5.
February 9, 2021 - The Mayor of Baltimore issued an executive order updating restrictions in the city with specific guidelines for massage therapy services (Section X), effective January 22 until the termination or amendment of the state’s health emergency.
March 11, 2021 - Governor Hogan amended his February 23 executive order stating that the capacity limits for personal care services and other businesses will be lifted as of March 12 (see section II, M). Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place.
March 17, 2021 - The Governor also issued an amended order on March 9 pertaining to license extensions in Maryland. The order states that licenses have been extended until June 30, 2021 by which time massage therapists must renew these extended licenses as part of their normal renewal cycle. If you renewed your license before October 31, 2020, then you do not need to renew your license again until October 31, 2022.

Massachusetts

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March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
April 22, 2020 - The Division of Professional Licensure, Board of Registration of Massage Therapy announced that it will accept online interactive learning for initial massage therapist licensure requirements, except for 150 supervised classroom hours of massage theory and technique and 100 required hours of unpaid and supervised clinical or externship experience.
April 27, 2020 -  The Board of Massage Therapy has confirmed the Governor’s order that massage therapists whose licenses expire during the state of emergency have up to 90 days after the state of emergency has been lifted to renew their licenses, without incurring any late fees.
April 28, 2020 - The Governor has announced that the state’s stay-at-home advisory will remain in effect and that non-essential services must remain closed until May 18.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued a reopening plan for the state.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor’s Executive Order permits Phase II businesses, including massage therapy locations, to reopen their physical workplaces to workers only to conduct necessary preparations prior to the start of Phase II. Preparations include, but are not limited to, completing a COVID-19 Control Plan, implementing sector-specific protocols, and complying with Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.
June 22, 2020 - The Governor announced that Step Two of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts will begin June 22. Massage therapists will need to meet state requirements and comply with specific guidelines and standards (including self-certification).
July 6, 2020 – Massage therapists need to meet state requirements and comply with specific guidelines and standards (including self-certification) that continue to be revised in Phase Three.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor issued specific guidance on the mandatory use of face coverings.
October 28, 2020 - On September 29, the Governor issued an updated order for Phase Three re-openings in low-risk municipalities, effective October 5. The state updated Reopening Phase III mandatory safety standards for massage therapists, effective on October 5.
March 18, 2021 - The Governor issued an executive order advancing all communities to Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth's Reopening Plan. Under this order, all businesses must continue to follow sector-specific safety protocols and best practices. Massage therapists should continue to follow the safety standards for close contact personal services.
March 22, 2021 - On March 18, the Governor signed an order limiting indoor gatherings at 100 people or less and outdoor gatherings at 150 people or less.

Michigan

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March 20, 2020 - The Governor has ordered gyms, fitness centers, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, and spas to be closed until March 30.
March 31, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay home, stay safe order that “all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons outside a single household are temporarily prohibited.”
April 27, 2020 - The Governor has amended the scope of her previous order and extended it through May 15.
May 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued a new State of Emergency order through May 28.
June 1, 2020 - While the Governor has announced Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan, massage therapists are still required to remain closed per section 12C of the order.
June 8, 2020 - The Governor has announced that massage therapists in regions 6 and 8 (Traverse City and Upper Peninsula regions) of the state will be allowed to reopen on June 8 if they follow guidelines in Section 11 of this executive order. Massage therapists in the rest of the state will be allowed to reopen on June 10, with the same guidelines.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor ordered that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space or in crowded outdoor spaces. Additional guidelines apply for clients and those providing personal services, including massage therapists.
October 16, 2020 -

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director issued an Emergency Order  restricting gathering sizes, requiring face coverings in public spaces and placing limitations on certain venues.
• The Department of Health and Human Services issued an order which requires masks at public gatherings with two or more people for much of the state and maintains restrictions on the number of people who may enter stores or restaurants.
• The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued emergency rules for employers that dictate precautions and steps for employees to return to work.
  
  

November 19, 2020 - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new order with guidance related to gatherings and the use of face masks. It also includes specific requirements for massage therapists. All services must be provided by appointment, gatherings in waiting areas are prohibited, and there are contract tracing requirements (See sections 4 and 9).
December 9, 2020 - The Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an order effective December 9 through December 20 that extends and supersedes the November order on gatherings and face masks.
December 21, 2021 - The Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued an order that includes requirements for massage therapists [subsection 4(f)] to see clients by appointment only, to prohibit waiting areas and to ensure the wearing of face masks. The order also has requirements related to contact tracing [subsection 9(a)1]. The order is in effect from December 12 through January 15, 2021.
February 8, 2021 - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new order, effective February 8 through March 29, that includes information on face mask coverings in massage locations. The order also states that all massage services must be provided by appointment, and gatherings in waiting areas are prohibited.
March 3, 2021 – On March 2, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an executive order related to gatherings and face mask requirements. Massage therapy services must continue to be provided by appointment only, and gatherings in waiting areas are prohibited (see section 4f). In addition, exercise facilities are allowed to operate at 30% capacity with restrictions on distancing and mask requirements (see section 4b).
March 19, 2021 - The Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an updated Gatherings and Face Mask order which remains in effect through April 19^th. The updated order states that gatherings in exercise facilities “must not exceed 30% of the total occupancy limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal” with exercisers maintaining six feet of distance (section 4b). In addition, in facilities offering non-essential personal care services, including massage therapy, all services must be provided by appointment, and gatherings in waiting areas are prohibited (section 4f).

Minnesota

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March 18, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers, exercise studios, gyms, athletic clubs, spas, salons and businesses offering massage therapy or similar bodywork to close.
April 10, 2020 - The Governor has extended his stay at home order and notice of business closures through May 3.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued a reopening plan for the state.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor announced that massage therapists are allowed to reopen on June 1, with specific guidance and restrictions.
July 27, 2020 - Under its Stay Safe Minnesota program, the state has provided guidance for personal services, including massage therapy.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor extended his Peacetime Emergency Order to last through November 12.
November 19, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order reinforcing his face mask requirement and restricting certain activities, effective through December 18. The order closes gyms and fitness centers (page 14, Paragraph 7c.,v), while massage therapy locations may remain open at 50% of capacity. “Workers, customers, and clients must follow all requirements, including face-covering requirements, as set forth in the applicable guidance available at the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov).”
December 21, 2020 - The Governor issued an Emergency Executive Order extending and modifying previous orders. It is in effect from December 18 through January 10, 2021.
January 14, 2021 - The Governor extended his emergency executive order through February 12, 2021.
March 12, 2021 - Governor Walz issued an emergency executive order modifying capacity restrictions for personal care services (including massage therapy) to limit occupancy to the number of individuals at any one time for whom physical distancing of six feet can be maintained (see section 7(c)5). Here are the Stay Safe MN guidelines for personal care. In addition, the Governor's executive order states that gyms and fitness centers may operate based on Stay Safe MN guidelines which take effect on April 1.
March 15, 2021 - The Governor extended the state's COVID-19 emergency executive order through April 14, 2021.
April 15, 2021 - The Governor extended Minnesota's peacetime emergency until May 14.

Mississippi

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March 26, 2020 - The Mississippi State Department of Health has advised all non-essential healthcare providers to postpone appointments for a later date. The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy has extended license renewals due to expire May 31, 2020 to August 27, 2020 with no late fee after May 31.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has ordered non-essential businesses to be closed, including spas, gyms, fitness centers and similar facilities.
April 27, 2020 - The Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy clarified that massage therapists are allowed to reopen, and provided suggested guidelines.
July 23, 2020 – In orders on July 10 and July 20, the Governor mandated face coverings in various counties in the state and reinforced health safety measures.
July 28, 2020 - The Mississippi State Department of Health has provided a summary of executive orders, including those impacting personal care providers.
August 5, 2020 - The Governor issued a statewide requirement for facial coverings in buildings open to the public and outdoors when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained, with exceptions.
September 24, 2020 - The Mississippi State Department of Health has provided an updated summary of executive orders, including those impacting personal care providers. This order expires September 30.
October 1, 2020 - Governor Reeves announced the end of the statewide mask mandate and issued a new executive order to extend some COVID-19 safety measures. Guidelines for massage therapists are on page 4. Additional local restrictions may still be in place.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor issued an order, clarified by the state Department of Heath, requiring use of a face mask in specific counties, effective until December 11.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor added counties to his executive order, effective through January 15 and amended his face covering order, also effective through January 15.
March 3, 2021 – On March 2, the Governor issued an executive order lifting the mask mandate for all counties in the state of Mississippi. Guidelines for close contact and personal care services (including massage therapy) remain in place (see section V).

Missouri

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March 31, 2020 - At this time, there is not a statewide mandate on closings, essential versus non-essential services or a stay-at-home order. The following cities/counties have issued restrictions that may affect massage therapists:

• St. Louis – The Mayor has issued a stay-at-home order and the health commissioner has ordered massage locations, gyms and fitness centers to be closed.
• Kansas City – The Mayor has issued a stay-at-home order and the city has provided FAQs on what the order covers.

April 6, 2020 - The Governor has issued a “Stay Home Missouri” order stating that residents should avoid leaving their homes unless it is necessary.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has extended his state of emergency order through June 15.
June 1, 2020 - While much of the state remains closed, several counties have reopened businesses, with massage therapists allowed to reopen, with specific conditions.

• Massage therapists in St. Louis County are allowed to reopen with specific conditions.
• The Eastern Jackson County Recovery Plan (affecting Kansas City, MO) allowed massage therapists to reopen under Phase 1, with restrictions. As of June 1, Phase 2 is activated and massage therapists are allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity.
• August 21 -- Eastern Jackson County moved to Phase 2.5, with massage therapists still under the 50% capacity restriction.

June 30 – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends the wearing of a cloth face-covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
August 6, 2020 -  Governor Parson extended provisions of his executive order state of emergency.
August 26 – Many cities and municipalities have issued face mask orders and other requirements that impact massage therapists.
November 2, 2020 - The Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage confirmed the continuation of its March provision allowing massage schools to provide some classes online.
March 26, 2021 - The Governor extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency until August 31. Your state has compiled a COVID-19 information page with guidelines for businesses that may help massage therapists continue to manage their practices during the pandemic.

Montana

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March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered health clubs, health spas, gyms and fitness studios to be closed. 
April 9, 2020 - The Governor extended his previous directives through April 24. 
April 22, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that allowed massage therapists to reopen in Phase 1 of his reopen plan, with conditions for practice in Appendix A.
July 16, 2020 - The Governor issued a directive requiring face coverings in certain indoor spaces and for certain organized outdoor activities in counties currently experiencing four or more active cases of COVID-19. Check the status of your county here.  
July 20, 2020 – The Montana Board of Massage Therapy voted to extend the period for all licensees to obtain Continuing Education until December 31, 2020. The board also opted out of conducting an audit of licensee compliance with continuing education standards for the current reporting period in response to COVID-19 public health concerns. However, the license renewal period still ended on August 31, 2020. All licensees were required to renew by that date to avoid any late renewal fees.
October 15, 2020 – Montana is currently in Phase 2 of reopening. Guidelines for personal care providers including massage therapists in this phase are provided in the Governor’s reopening directive.
February 1, 2021 - The Governor established a state of emergency on January 13 to run concurrent with the emergency declaration of the President of the United States, and a declaration that his previous orders related to COVID-19 were rescinded.
March 9, 2021 – On February 12, the Governor issued an executive order stating that businesses should make reasonable efforts to develop and implement appropriate COVID-19 mitigation policies based on industry best practices during the state of emergency. These policies include masking, social distancing, temperature checks/symptom screening, testing, isolating and contact tracing, and sanitation/disinfection. This order remains in effect until the declared state of emergency expires.

Nebraska

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March 30, 2020 - The Governor has ordered closures of some businesses, including gyms, fitness centers and salons in specific counties. 
April 10 - The Governor has extended his stay-home-and-stay-safe order and issued closures of specific businesses in selected counties, with most extended through May 11. All massage therapy services in the state are directed to be closed through April 30.
April 28 - The Governor has ordered that the closure of massage therapy services is extended to May 3, but that this date will be extended further for some areas of the state. As of May 4, massage therapy services will be added to the list of gatherings subject to the 10-person rule and other guidelines the Governor will provide.
May 4 - The Governor has issued an executive order allowing massage therapy services in some counties to reopen, subject to his 10-person rule and other guidelines. Other counties will be allowed to open based on specific guidelines on May 6.
May 26, 2020 - The Governor announced new directed health measures (DHMs) to take effect on June 1, allowing massage therapists in all but four counties to reopen on that date, with general guidelines.
June 18, 2020 - The Governor announced that new Directed Health Measures (DHMs) will take effect June 22.   Most counties will move to Phase 3 of reopening, with new guidelines for massage therapists.  Dakota, Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties will move to Phase 2.
August 26 – Some counties have entered Phase 4 and others are in Phase 3. Health guidelines apply based on each phase.
September 16, 2020 - The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has announced that all counties are in phase 4 of reopening, as of September 14 and effective through October 31. Information on Directed Health Measures for all counties is provided by the DHHS.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor announced new health measures effective through November 30, which include guidance for massage therapists and clients. (I1, page 5)
January 8, 2021 - The Governor issued a waiver for students and others applying for certain licenses, including massage therapists. The waivers for certain aspects of massage therapy credentials are in effect until 30 days following the lifting of the Nebraska COVID-19 state of emergency.

Nevada

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March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.   
April 2, 2020 - The Governor has extended his order to close non-essential businesses through April 30, 2020. 
May 5, 2020 - The Governor has extended his stay at home order through at least May 15.
May 22, 2020 - As of May 20, Nevada is in Phase One of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery Plan.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor has announced that Phase 2 of the state’s Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan will go into effect on Friday, May 29. Massage therapists can reopen with specified conditions.
July 16, 2020 - The Governor specified in an order the requirements for the use of masks or face coverings in public and for the clients, patients, patrons and employees of businesses involving public access. 
August 6, 2020 - The Governor extended the Declaration of Emergency until his March order is lifted.
August 14, 2020 – The Governor extended the Declaration of Emergency.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor extended his declaration of emergency Directive to remain in effect until terminated by a subsequent Directive.
December 8, 2020 - The Governor extended his declaration of emergency Directive to remain in effect until terminated by a subsequent Directive.
February 16, 2021 - The Governor issued an updated state of emergency order, effective February 14 until terminated by a subsequent order. Nevada’s Roadmap to Recovery, updated this month, clarifies guidance for massage therapists on page 13.
March 12, 2021 - The Governor amended and signed an order keeping mask wearing and social distancing mitigation measures in place (see section seven) along with guidelines for gatherings and events (see section eight). In addition, the order delegates each county the authority and duty to develop a COVID-19 Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan (see section two). Massage therapists should continue to follow guidelines outlined in Nevada's Roadmap To Recovery plan (see page 12) and must operate according to the requirements of the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.

New Hampshire

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March 27, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order to clarify that massage therapists’ CE requirements for licenses scheduled to renew between March 31, 2020-December 31, 2020 are waived. The order also modifies requirements for massage therapy students currently enrolled in a massage school. The Governor extended his emergency order on May 15 for an additional 21 days.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor’s Economic Reopening Taskforce has issued guidelines for massage therapists who were allowed to reopen on June 1.
August 6, 2020 - The Governor extended his executive order through September 1 and the state updated guidelines for massage therapists.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor recently extended his Executive Orders until November 15.
November 20, 2020 - The Governor ordered the wearing of a face covering in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors), effective through January 15, 2021.
December 15, 2020 - The Governor renewed and extended his Declaration of a State of Emergency, effective December 11 through December 31. 
January 18, 2021 - The Governor has extended his COVID-19 Emergency Order through March 26.
March 26, 2021 - The Governor has extended New Hampshire’s State of Emergency via Executive Order 2021-05 for an additional 21 days.
April 16, 2021 - The Governor announced that the statewide mask mandate expires as of Friday, April 16.

New Jersey

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March 16, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms to close.
March 22, 2020 - The Governor has directed all residents to stay at home until further notice, and has directed the closure of all non-essential businesses.
May 8, 2020 - While the Governor has issued a 6-point plan for reopening the state, under his executive order, massage therapy locations must remain closed until at least June 5. 
June 9, 2020 - The Governor issued Executive Order 152 and Executive Order 153.
June 15, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that will allow massage therapists to reopen on June 22, if they follow standards issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs and the NJ Department of Health.
June 26, 2020 – An updated Executive Order shared further guidelines for personal care services.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor ordered use of face coverings in specific indoor and outdoor situations.
October 28, 2020 - On September 25, the Governor extended the Public Health Emergency. The Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy is allowing licensees to complete the required 20 hours of continuing education (CE) and CPR certification online for the 2020 renewal cycle. All CEs and CPR must be from approved providers. Notices will be mailed with instructions on how to renew for November 30, 2020.
November 30, 2020 - Governor Murphy ordered that personal care services (including massage therapy locations) authorized to reopen are limited to 25% of maximum capacity.
March 11, 2021 - Governor Murphy issued an executive order increasing capacity limits for personal care services to 50% of maximum capacity, excluding employees.
March 17, 2021 - The Governor extended the COVID-19 public health emergency for an additional 30 days. Massage therapists should continue to follow personal care services guidelines.
May 3, 2021 - The Governor made an announcement that as of May 19, the 50% capacity limits for indoor settings and businesses (currently governed by a percentage-based capacity), including gyms and fitness centers and personal care establishments will be lifted. A minimum of six feet social distancing will still be required between all individual and groups.

New Mexico

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March 18, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all resort spas, health clubs and athletic facilities to close.
March 30, 2020 - The New Mexico Higher Education Department has granted an emergency waiver to all state-authorized, private post-secondary educational institutions to offer distance education. 
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended her order to close certain businesses through April 30. 
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has issued an extended order through May 31 which keeps massage therapy locations closed.
May 29, 2020 - The Governor has amended New Mexico’s Emergency Public Health Order, and massage services can begin operating at 25% occupancy on June 1. As massage therapy establishments reopen, they must operate in accordance with COVID-Safe practices.  
July 16, 2020 – The Governor’s order specifies requirements for the use of face coverings in public and business situations.
July 31, 2020 - The Department of Health has amended restrictions on mass gatherings and business operations and extended the order through August 28. Massage therapy locations can operate at up to 25% of the capacity of their enclosed business space.
August 28, 2020 - Governor Grisham extended her emergency state health order through September 18, 2020. The Department of Health amended restrictions on mass gatherings and business operations.  Massage therapy locations can continue to operate at up to 25% of the capacity of their enclosed business space.
September 15, 2020 - The Department of Health amended restrictions including guidance on business operations, effective through October 2, 2020. Massage therapy locations can continue to operate at up to 25% of the capacity of their enclosed business space.
October 6, 2020 - The New Mexico Massage Therapy Board voted to allow 2020 massage therapy renewal applicants 6 months to complete the required CE once the Governor’s executive order is lifted.

The New Mexico Department of Health extended the public health emergency order through October 16. Massage therapy locations can continue to operate at up to 25% of the capacity of their enclosed business space.
October 20, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended public health emergency orders through November 13.
November 19, 2020 - The New Mexico Department of Health issued an order with restrictions on nonessential businesses. The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department has provided clarification that “…massage therapists should only provide services when they are absolutely necessary for medical purposes”, as defined in their memo.
February 25, 2021 - The New Mexico Department of Health issued a new public health order effective through March 24, with guidelines based on the status of each county. Massage therapy services are defined under “Close-contact businesses".
March 30, 2021 - On March 5, the Governor extended the statewide public health emergency until April 2.
April 9, 2021 - The New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health emergency order clarifying that current guidance documents, advisories, and emergency public orders remain in effect; and amending prior public health orders to impose county-by-county restrictions due to COVID-19 (See page 6 for specific details on the "red to green" framework for counties). Massage therapists should continue to follow guidelines for close contact businesses in the All Together New Mexico COVID-Safe Practices Plan (see page 54).

New York

Access the New York COVID-19 page

March 16, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms, spas and salons to close. 
March 22, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all residents to stay at home and all non-essential businesses statewide to close.
April 13, 2020 - The Governor has updated his executive order related to non-essential businesses. 
May 13, 2020 - The Governor has issued essential businesses guidelines under his New York State on Pause executive order.
June 9, 2020 - The Governor’s New York Forward plan will allow massage therapists to reopen in Phase Three, but a date for when the state will reach that phase and if it will be applied by regions has not be announced. Summary Guidelines for massage therapists are provided, as well as Detailed Guidelines under Phase Three: Personal Care. When the date for reopening is announced, business owners will need to complete The Business Affirmation Form online, and must complete and print the Business Safety Plan Template so it is readily available on-site should it be requested during an inspection. 
June 11, 2020 - The Governor has announced that five regions of the state, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier can enter Phase Three of reopening on June 12. Massage therapists in these regions will need to follow the guidelines in our post of June 9.
June 15, 2020 - The Governor has announced Western New York is expected to enter Phase 3 of reopening June 16, with the Capital Region expected to do so on June 17, following a review of regional data by global public health experts. Business guidance for Phase 3 is available here.
June 24, 2020 - The Governor announced updates on new reopening phases for several areas of the state.
July 6, 2020 - New York City enters Phase 3 of reopening on July 6.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor’s order specifies requirements for face coverings in public and business situations.
August 18, 2020 - The Governor announced that gyms and fitness centers can reopen at 33% of capacity beginning August 24, with specific health and safety guidelines.
September 9, 2020 - All regions of the state are now in Phase 4 of reopening.
December 11, 2020 - The Governor issued an order to modify certain directives. Personal care services, including massage therapy and spas, located in a designated “orange zone” may operate subject to strict adherence to Department of Health guidance, effective December 14 through January 10, 2021. Massage therapists seeing customers in an “orange zone” must receive diagnostic testing for COVID-19 on a weekly basis for the duration of time that the business remains within an “orange zone.” Testing is not required for massage therapists operating in a “yellow zone.” No massage therapist may provide services at a reopened business without first obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result within the preceding 7 days of providing such service.
March 22, 2021 - The Governor has modified an Executive Order “to permit indoor fitness classes to operate as of March 22^nd, subject to adherence to Department of Health guidance.”
March 30, 2021 - On March 26, the Governor issued an Executive Order to extend the disaster emergency until April 25, 2021.
April 6, 2021 - Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order to extend the disaster emergency until May 6.
April 22, 2021 - All regions in New York are currently in Phase Four of Reopening. Massage therapists should continue to follow interim guidelines for personal care services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. If you work in a gym or fitness center, you should follow these interim guidelines as well.
May 3, 2021 – Governor Cuomo along with the Governors of New Jersey and Connecticut issued a joint statement announcing easing of COVID-19 restrictions on businesses, gatherings, and venues beginning on May 19. Under the new order, businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distancing of six feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across gyms and fitness centers which can operate at 50% capacity beginning on May 15. Personal care services businesses can operate at 75% capacity beginning on May 7.

North Carolina

Access the North Carolina COVID-19 page
March 16, 2020 - The state regulatory board has notified massage therapists that it will allow all CE classes to be taken online through December 2020.
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gyms, yoga studios and massage locations to close.
April 15, 2020 - The Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has announced it will allow non-hands-on classes by massage therapy schools to be provided online.
May 8, 2020 - While the Governor has issued a reopening order for some businesses, most massage therapy locations must remain closed. But, massage therapists may provide medical massage therapy services with the specific referral of a medical or naturopathic healthcare provider (Section 5A).
May 21, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order that allows massage therapists to reopen if they follow specific guidelines issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services. Some municipalities and counties may maintain local orders for massage therapists to remain closed.
June 24, 2020 - Governor Roy Cooper ordered that face coverings are required whenever people are out and about in public and where physical distancing is not possible.
July 27, 2020 - The Governor extended his Phase 2 order through August 7, with specifics on gyms and fitness centers.
August 6, 2020 - The Governor extended Phase 2 of reopening until September 11.
September 17, 2020 - The state moved to Phase 2.5 of reopening as of the Governor’s order, effective September 4 until October 2, which includes guidelines for massage therapists.
October 14, 2020 - The state moved to Phase 3 of reopening as of the Governor’s order, effective October 2 until October 23, which includes guidelines for massage therapists.
November 13, 2020 - The state extended phase 3 guidance through December 11.
November 23, 2020 - The state expanded its mask order, which also includes guidance for personal care services including massage. The massage therapist and all clients must
wear face coverings when they are inside the establishment, unless they are receiving a facial treatment, shave, or other services on a part of the head which the face covering covers or by which the face covering is secured.
November 23, 2020 - The guidelines for personal care services including massage therapy were updated.
December 10, 2020 - The Governor’s December 8 executive order modified his previous stay-at-home order effective through 5:00 pm on January 08, 2021. The Department of Human Services also updated its interim guidance for personal care services, including massage therapy.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor extended his modified Stay-at-Home order, effective through 5:00 p.m. on January 29.
January 29, 2021 - The Governor extended and modified his Stay-at-Home order, effective January 29 through 5:00 P.M. on February 28. The state has also provided some basic updated FAQs on the executive order.
March 25, 2021 - The Governor has eased restrictions in Executive Order 204, including limiting personal care services to 100% of fire capacity (section 1.3), in effect through April 30 unless repealed or extended. Additional measures for personal care services (see appendix H), however, must be followed, including wearing masks, separating clients by six feet, and sanitizing furniture after each guest. Additional FAQs may be found here.

North Dakota

Access the North Dakota COVID-19 page
March 30, 2020 - Effective at 12:00 a.m., Saturday March 28, the Governor ordered all elective personal care services, including massage facilities and individual massage therapists to close and cease operations. The Governor’s order is to continue through Monday, April 6, 2020.
April 20, 2020 – The Governor’s order has been extended until April 30.
April 29, 2020 - The Governor has announced a “Smart Restart” process to reopen some businesses, which includes specific guidelines for how a massage therapist or massage therapy establishment can begin seeing clients.
July 7, 2020 - The state issued guidelines for personal care services including massage therapy (page 13).
July 17, 2020 - The North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy made changes to current CE requirements, which allow online CE hours for those massage therapists with odd-numbered licenses whose license expiration date is 2/28/2021. Even-numbered licensees whose expiration date is 2/28/2022, will need to complete the hands-on hours requirement.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor ordered that face coverings are required in indoor businesses and indoor public settings, effective through December 14.
January 8, 2021 - The Department of Health extended the face covering order through January 18.
March 9, 2021 – On January 18, the Governor’s mask mandate expired and moved capacity limits and other ND Smart Restart protocols to guidelines or recommendations. Cities and counties may continue to have mask requirements in place, and the state supports those locally enacted protocols.

Ohio

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March 17, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all health clubs, fitness centers, workout facilities, gyms and yoga studios to close. 
March 19, 2020 - The Ohio Department of Health has ordered the closure of all massage therapy locations. 
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has issued a stay at home order for all but specific, essential activities.
April 28, 2020 - The Department of Health has clarified that massage therapy locations, health clubs, fitness centers, workout facilities, gyms, and yoga studios are to remain closed as part of existing Stay at Home Orders.
May 1, 2020 - The State Medical Board has clarified that massage therapy locations are not included in the Ohio Department of Health’s Responsible Restart Ohio plan. Only massages done as part of a patient’s plan of care, in a health care setting may continue.
May 12, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that allows massage therapy sectors licensed by the State Medical Board to reopen on May 15. The State Medical Board has provided guidelines for massage therapists who choose to reopen.
July 27, 2020 - The Governor announced a statewide mask mandate.
September 24, 2020 - The Ohio Department of Health released guidance that permits couples massage, as long as massage tables are spaced 8 feet apart. This change is part of the updated guidelines for massage therapists available on the Medical Board's website.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor reissued a face mask order.
April 8, 2021 - The Director of the Ohio Department of Health amended and signed an order stating that individuals should continue to wear face masks and social distance until further notice. Massage therapists must continue to follow the Responsible Restart Ohio guidelines.

Oklahoma

Access the Oklahoma COVID-19 page
March 25, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed. The Governor has also ordered that all occupational licenses (which includes massage therapy licenses) that expire during the emergency order are extended until 14 days after the end of his order.
April 24, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order that massage therapists and spas could reopen if they follow specific guidelines. See this additional information from the state Advisory Board on Massage Therapy.
August 6, 2020 - The Governor has ordered ( additional items #6) that massage therapy licenses expiring during the state of emergency are extended until 14 days after the end of the executive order is announced.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor extended previous executive orders for 30 days from September 25.
December 8, 2020 - The Governor updated and extended his order on November 16 for 30 days, meaning massage therapy licenses are extended until that date.
January 14, 2021 - The Governor extended his emergency order through February 12, 2021.
March 12, 2021 - The Governor extended the state of emergency for thirty days. 

Oregon

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March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered medical spas, day spas, gyms, fitness studios and “non-medical massage therapy services” to close. 
April 6, 2020 - The Board of Massage Therapists has clarified medically-necessary massage as massage prescribed by a physician “for the health of the patient.”
May 14, 2020 - The Governor has announced a phased reopening beginning tomorrow, May 15 for individual counties in Oregon meeting specific criteria. Additionally, the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists has provided information and the Oregon Health Authority has given reopening guidelines for massage therapists.
July 16, 2020 – The Oregon Health Authority provided guidance and requirements on masks, face shields, and face coverings for businesses and the general public. 
September 2, 2020 - Governor Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until November 3, 2020.
September 21, 2020 – The Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists has clarified license renewals through December 2020, indicating that the requirement of contact or classroom hours is waived until December 31, 2020. The temporary reduction from 25 to 12 required CE hours may be contact, non-contact, or both.
October 27, 2020 - Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until January 2, 2021.
November 16, 2020 - Governor Brown issued an executive order for a statewide Two-Week Freeze from November 18 to December 2. Massage therapists can continue to operate under previous guidelines.
December 21, 2020 - The Governor extended her state of emergency order for 60 days, effective through March 3, 2021.
February 25, 2021 - The Governor extended her declared state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until May 2. Massage therapists should continue to follow the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)'s guidelines for personal services providers.
March 31, 2021 - As a reminder, the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists has reduced the number of CE hours required for massage therapy license renewals from 25 to 12 CE hours; these CE hours may be obtained through contact, non-contact, or both. Completed renewal applications remain due on the 1st day of an LMT’s birth month but late fees will be waived. These rules remain in place until the state of emergency has been lifted.
April 29, 2021 - The Governor issued an extension of executive order 20-03 and the COVID-19 state of emergency for 60 days through June 28.

Pennsylvania

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March 23, 2020 - The Governor has approved suspending restrictions on distance-learning continuing-education requirements for massage therapists.
April 2, 2020 - The Governor updated a previous stay-at-home order to apply to the whole state. 
April 9, 2020 - The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) has granted a temporary suspension of the State Board of Massage Therapy’s regulations and statutory provisions related to CPR certification. 
May 1, 2020 - The Governor has announced reopening of some businesses in selected counties on May 8, but maintained the closure of massage therapy locations, spas and gyms.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor extended his previous Executive Order through June 4.
June 4, 2020 - Governor Wolf's phased reopening plan uses a three-phase matrix to determine when counties and/or regions are ready to begin easing some restrictions on work, congregate settings, and social interactions. Read his latest announcement.
June 19, 2020 - The Governor has announced that eight more counties will move to the green phase, effective today, June 19.
June 24, 2020 - The Governor announced that 12 more counties will move to the green phase of reopening on June 26. This will include Philadelphia, but local officials will maintain some additional restrictions for the city until July 3. Only Lebanon County will remain in the yellow phase at this time.
July 13, 2020 - The Governor announced a new order from the state Secretary of Health requiring masks to be worn whenever anyone leaves home.
August 31, 2020 - Governor Wolf amended his proclamation of disaster emergency for 90 days, effective immediately.
November 17, 2020 - The Secretary of Health issued an updated order requiring universal face coverings which states that face coverings must be worn indoors at all times and outdoors when not about able to maintain sustained physical distance.
November 23, 2020 - The Governor has announced additional mitigation measures effective November 27, including limiting occupancy for massage therapy to 50% and requiring all visits/client services to be by appointment only until further notice.
December 9, 2020 - The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) extended a temporary suspension of the State Board of Massage Therapy’s regulations and statutory provisions related to CPR certification. Massage therapists may take an online CPR training class in lieu of in-person training to renew their CPR certification, which will be accepted as meeting the CPR requirement for the biennial renewal ending January 31, 2021.
December 29, 2020 - The Pennsylvania Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) has extended a temporary waiver on CE requirements to allow all CE requirements to be met through online courses. Effective January 1, 2021, licensees are permitted to renew their license at their next renewal that comes after January 1, 2021, utilizing CE obtained through either traditional, in-person courses or by means of distance learning.
December 30, 2020 - The Governor announced that time-limited mitigation orders that went into effect on December 12 will expire as planned on January 4, with some exceptions. Requirements will revert to mitigation orders in place on Dec. 11. Personal care services (including massage therapy) can be open at 50% of occupancy, by appointment only.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor amended his previous executive order specific to the requirements for face coverings.
March 3, 2021 - On February 19, the Governor extended the state’s current disaster emergency proclamation.
March 16, 2021 - On March 15, the Governor announced today in a statement that the occupancy capacity for several types of businesses in Pennsylvania (including personal services facilities and gyms) will move to 75% as of April 4^th. Masks and social distancing requirements will still be applicable.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

April 13, 2020 - The Governor has extended her stay at home order (in Spanish) and closing of non-essential businesses until May 3. 
June 1, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that extends the lockdown and curfew measures until June 15, while allowing some businesses to reopen. At this time, she has not specified when massage therapists are allowed to reopen.
July 8, 2020 - The Governor ordered an extension of the emergency lockdown until July 22. Spas and aesthetics salons can operate within the specific guidelines on page 18 of the Executive Order. The Employer Self-Certification, is available on the PR DOL’s webpage and must be completed in full, signed by the employer’s authorized representative and sent along with the Control Plan to autocertificacionprosha@trabajo.pr.gov.
September 14, 2020 - The Governor’s September 11 Executive Order No. 68 extended curfew, Sunday closures, and other restrictions through October 2nd. While certain businesses may remain open only at 25% capacity, employers are required to certify that they have a risk-preparedness plan and to report suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases among employees to the Health Department. 
December 8, 2020 - The Executive order of November 13 extends the curfew through December 11, with most businesses limited to 30% of physical capacity.
April 8, 2021 - The Governor issued an executive order extending the curfew and broadening it from 10pm to 5am. Commercial establishments are required to close at 9pm. Businesses must continue to operate at 50% capacity with social distancing protocols in place. This order is to remain in effect until May 9.

Rhode Island

Access the Rhode Island COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all gymnasiums, fitness centers and similar exercise facilities and spas closed.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor extended her stay-at-home order through at least April 13. 
May 5, 2020 - The Governor’s stay-at-home order has been extended until at least May 8.
May 22, 2020 - While the Governor has allowed some businesses to reopen, massage therapy practices are to remain closed at this time. 
May 27, 2020 - The Governor has announced her Reopen RI plan that will allow massage therapists to reopen in Phase 2. The date for Phase 2 has not yet been announced.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor has announced Phase 2 of her reopen plan that allows massage therapists to reopen on June 1.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor issued mandatory requirements for the use of masks or cloth face coverings in public, whether indoors or outdoors.
August 5, 2020 - The state is scheduled to remain in Phase 3 of its reopening until August 28.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor extended her executive order until November 6.
November 9, 2020 - The Governor extended her emergency order until December 3.
November 11, 2020 - The state has indicated there are delays in printing healthcare licenses, including those for massage therapists. The Governor amended and restated Phase 3 reopening guidelines. The state has provided Phase 3 guidelines for personal services including massage therapy.
January 8, 2021 - The Governor extended her previous executive orders until January 28.
March 19, 2021 - The Governor amended and restated Your Household Executive Order. Personal services businesses and operations (including massage therapy) may be subject to all requirements of their professional or facility licensing. Massage therapists should follow the requirements for personal services, including allowing no more than one customer per 50 square feet.
March 19, 2021 - The Governor amended and restated the Protecting Your Household Executive Order, in effect until April 14.
March 26, 2021 - The Governor issued updated guidance for personal care services (see page 8). Massage therapy businesses may continue to operate at one person per 50 square feet. It is also recommended that massage facilities maintain records documenting the date, time, location, and procedures for cleaning activities. Massage therapists should continue to follow phase III guidelines for personal services.

South Carolina

Access the South Carolina COVID-19 page
March 27, 2020 - The South Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy will allow all approved licensed massage schools to offer pre-licensure course work online in lieu of meeting face-to-face in the classroom as required by statutory provision.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all massage therapy establishments, massage services, fitness centers, yoga studios, gyms and spas to be closed.
April 7, 2020 - The Governor issued a “Home or Work” order requiring residents to stay at home or at work, and reinforced his previous order for closures.
May 13, 2020 - The Governor has announced that massage-therapy establishments and massage services are allowed to reopen “in a limited capacity” on May 18, with general guidelines for close contact and/or service industry employers.
July 29 - The Governor announced further guidelines and restrictions for the use of face coverings in various locations. This is in addition to any mask mandates at the city or municipal level.
October 14, 2020 - The Governor amended and consolidated existing emergency orders that includes reinforcing face covering guidelines.

South Dakota

Access the South Dakota COVID-19 page
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has encouraged social distancing and asked businesses to abide by CDC guidelines.
April 28 2020 - The Governor’s Back to Normal Plan allows massage therapists to resume practice. 
July 7, 2020 – The governor issued the most recent emergency rules for government services.
August 12, 2020 – For additional COVID-19 resources in your state, you can visit this webpage.

Tennessee

Access the Tennessee COVID-19 page
March 19, 2020  - The Governor has extended the expiration dates of massage therapy & other health licenses for 3 months. 
March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered gyms, fitness/exercise centers or “substantially similar facilities” to temporarily close and suspend in-person services until April 6, 2020.
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has clarified his previous order to include massage therapy establishments and massage services be closed. 
April 13, 2020 - The Governor has expanded his previous orders, which included the closing of massage establishments, to further clarify non-essential healthcare procedures that are to be postponed.
May 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued the Tennessee Pledge: Reopening Tennessee Responsibly, which details provisions for massage-therapy establishments and massage services to reopen to clients. Guidelines for massage therapists to follow begin on page 19 of the Governor’s plan. 
May 22, 2020 - The Mayor of Nashville has announced that Phase 2 of his reopen plan for the city will allow massage therapists to reopen on May 25, with limitations.

The Department of Health announced that massage therapists can meet their 2019/2020 24 CE requirements in any/all formats deemed acceptable. Therapists can complete all hours online in live interactive webinars, in person, and/or through home study/distance learning. The only class that must be obtained either face to face or through a live interactive webinar is the Tennessee Law class.
June 4 - Additional state guidelines were shared for close contact businesses.
July 31 - The Governor issued a new executive order that expands on previous announcements related to COVID-19.
August 26 - Many municipalities in the state have issued requirements for face coverings. This may mean an update to your workplace guidelines.
October 2, 2020 - The Chief Medical Director has issued an order to move Nashville and Davidson County to Phase 3 reopening, as of October 1. Under Close contact personal service businesses, the order allows massage therapists to be open at 50% of facility capacity. 
November 9, 2020 - The Department of Health and Board of Massage Licensure suspended the continuing education audit through December.
December 22, 2020 - The Governor issued a new emergency order limiting gatherings and encouraging working from home, effective December 20 through January 19, 2021.
March 9, 2021 – On February 26, the Governor issued an executive order on the continued response to COVID-19 allowing ongoing regulatory flexibility in counties across Tennessee. Mayors in 89 counties that do not have a locally run county health department have the authority to issue orders requiring or recommending the wearing of face coverings within their jurisdictions (See section B, 13b). Six counties with locally run county health departments (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby and Sullivan) have the authority to issue additional measures related to containing the spread of COVID-19 including permissions or restrictions to a greater degree (See section B, 13c).
April 27, 2021 - Governor Lee announced the end of statewide COVID-19 public health orders while also removing local authority to issue mask requirements in 89 counties. The new order (EO 80) will also retire COVID-19 business guidance and remains in effect through May 31.

Texas

Access the Texas COVID-19 page
March 20, 2020 - The state regulatory board will allow current licensed schools to offer distance education, but they will not satisfy requirements of hands-on curriculum. 
March 21, 2020 - The Governor has also ordered gyms, spas and massage therapy locations to close from March 20 - April 3.
March 25, 2020 - The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation has waived continuing education requirements for all licenses expiring in March, April and May 2020.
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has renewed and expanded his previous order through April 30, 2020 including the closing of massage establishments and gyms.
April 22, 2020 - The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has clarified that a massage therapist may only provide massage services if it is medically necessary as determined by the client's physician or chiropractor. Massage therapists may not provide massage services for general wellness or other non-medically necessary reasons.
April 28, 2020 - While the Governor has issued an expanded reopening order, people are told to avoid massage therapy establishments and gyms, among several other businesses.
May 8, 2020 - While the Governor has issued an amended order related to reopening of some businesses, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation has clarified that massage therapy establishments are to remain closed.
May 19, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order under phase two of his reopen plan that allows licensed massage therapists and massage therapy schools to reopen as of May 18, except for those in five counties. El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore, and Deaf Smith counties have experienced surges in COVID-19 cases, and their beginning date of Phase II is delayed until May 29. The state has issued Minimum Standard Health Protocols for those massage therapists who choose to reopen.
July 2, 2020 – The Governor ordered revisions to the health protocols for a variety of businesses, including massage therapy. The Governor also ordered a face-covering be worn over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity, building or space open to the public, and in specific outdoor situations. 
October 7, 2020 - The Governor clarified that there were no restrictions on capacity of massage therapy locations, other than having clients at least 6 feet apart. (Section 1i)
November 6, 2020 - The Governor renewed his state disaster proclamation.
December 2, 2020 - The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) proposed administrative rules about a potential requirement for massage therapists and other health care practitioners to complete a human trafficking prevention training course as well as additional rule changes. The Department will accept comments on the proposal until December 21, 2020.

The TLDR passed an emergency rule on November 23 stating that all TDLR licensees (including massage therapists) with renewable licenses that expired between August 1 and November 30, 2020 are considered to hold an emergency license valid for up to 120 days after their license expiration date.
March 3, 2021 – On March 2, the Governor issued an executive order lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing the capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100%. In counties with high hospitalization rates, businesses and facilities may be reduced to a minimum of 50% capacity.

Utah

Access the Utah COVID-19 page
April 1, 2020 - The Governor has encouraged social distancing and asked businesses to abide by CDC guidelines.
April 7, 2020 - The following counties have issued restrictions that may affect massage therapists:

• Davis County – The Health Department issued a stay safe, stay home order which includes a requirement for all massage establishments and spas to be closed.
• Salt Lake County – The Mayor and County Health Department issued a stay home, stay safe order which requires all massage establishments and spas to be closed through at least April 13.
• Summit County – The Health Department issued a stay at home order that also restricts non-essential businesses until at least May 1.

May 22, 2020 - The Governor’s color-coded phasing process allows some businesses to reopen, based on risk factors per area. Additional information related to reopening for massage therapists is scheduled for the week of May 25.
June 2, 2020 - The Governor announced updated guidelines for areas in the low health risk designation under the state’s phased health guidance plan. Guidelines for massage therapists in all risk regions are on page 17.
November 9, 2020 - Governor Herbert extended his executive order, including face mask requirements, through November 23.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor updated his previous face mask order, effective through November 23.
January 8, 2021 - The Utah Department of Health updated its COVID-19 restrictions and its face mask requirements for schools (including massage therapy schools), both effective through January 21.
March 9, 2021 – Utah’s statewide mask mandate will end April 10 under a law passed by the state legislature on March 5th. The law also states that a local health department, with approval from the relevant county, may issue a public health order requiring individuals to wear masks (See Subsection (4)(d).
April 9, 2021 - The Utah Department of Health issued a new public health order updating COVID-19 guidance. This order remains in effect through June 15. See Utah's Transmission Index, for information on transmission levels by county.
Massage therapists can access Utah's COVID-19 Business Manual for guidance on managing their practice during COVID-19.

Vermont

Access the Vermont COVID-19 page
March 23, 2020 - The Governor orders closure of all but essential places of business.
April 10, 2020 - The Governor has extended his executive order through May 15. 
May 22, 2020 - The Governor extended his executive order through June 15.
June 1, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that allows massage therapists to reopen on June 1, with specific guidelines in section 8.1.
November 16, 2020 - The Governor amended a previous executive order to add restrictions on some businesses, but with no direct impact on massage therapy practice, effective through December 15.
December 15, 2020 - The Governor amended and extended his executive order, effective December 15 through January 15, 2021.
March 15, 2021 - The Governor amended and restated the June 5, 2020 Executive Order declaring a state of emergency.
April 6, 2021 - The Governor released a reopening guide for Vermont residents and businesses, outlining a path for a phased return to unrestricted travel, business operations, and event gatherings. Massage therapists should continue to follow guidelines for close contact businesses and universal guidance.

 

 

Virginia

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March 23, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers to limit capacity to 10 patrons or close. 
March 30, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers, gyms and massage locations to be closed and issued a stay-at-home order.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor has issued his Forward Virginia Blueprint for a three-phase reopening of businesses. Under Phase 1, massage therapy locations may reopen on May 15, under specific guidelines.
May 12, 2020 - Governor Northam has issued a subsequent order to his Forward Virginia Blueprint that maintains Northern Virginia in Phase Zero, effective on May 15.
May 27, 2020 - The Governor has announced Phase 1 of his Forward Virginia reopening plan, which will now allow massage therapists in some parts of Northern Virginia to reopen on May 29, with restrictions. Check with your city/county to confirm if you are able to reopen on that date.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor ordered the use of masks or face coverings by patrons and employees in specified business environments, including massage therapy locations. 
September 30, 2020 - On September 10 the Governor issued further guidelines for businesses and the public, including for massage therapists in Section 6.
November 16, 2020 - Governor Northam announced new orders, including an expansion of his face mask mandate.
December 14, 2020 - Governor Northam issued an amended Order of Public Health Emergency which includes guidelines for massage therapists, in effect from December 14 through January 31.
February 1, 2021 - The Governor issued an amended Order of Public Health Emergency, which extends guidelines for massage therapists (Section A6) and post-secondary and professional schools, such as massage therapy schools (Section B2), in effect January 27 through February 28.

Washington

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March 16, 2020 - The Governor has provided guidelines for massage practice in the state. The Governor has also ordered gyms and spas to close until March 31. 
March 23, 2020 - The Governor issued a “stay home, stay safe” order and specified essential businesses. 
April 1, 2020 - The Governor updated the state “stay home, stay safe” order. 
April 6, 2020 - The Department of Health has issued a health alert for massage therapists, stating that they should only provide massage to patients with urgent medical issues. A prescription alone is not sufficient to establish urgent care. 
April 10, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended the date for massage license renewals during the period of April 1 and September 30 until September 30.
April 28, 2020 - The State Department of Health has issued a Health Alert for massage therapists that provides information on when a massage therapist may provide massage and actions the massage therapist needs to take in order to provide massage. The Governor’s proclamation in March allows massage therapists to continue providing essential health services, but they are not required to do so.
May 5, 2020 - The Governor has extended and amended his Stay Home – Stay Healthy order through May 31.
June 4, 2020 - The State Department of Health released additional guidance for massage therapy related to the Governor’s May 18 proclamation. The guidance states that a licensed massage therapist is providing a “health care service” and that their service can be provided at any location statewide, as long as the requirements in the proclamation and all state laws governing massage therapy are met.
July 16, 2020 – The Department of Health issued guidance that requires the wearing of a cloth face-covering in public when people cannot stay six feet (or two meters) away from others.
September 9, 2020 - On June 9, the Board of Massage issued Policy Statement BOM 20-01 to address the impact COVID-19 is having on licensed massage therapists meeting the hands-on continuing education requirement. Massage therapists must still complete 24 hours of CE, but the board will accept any combination of hours in subsection (2) of WAC 246-830-475 in lieu of the hands-on CE in 2020. Safe Start guidance provides information on the status of each county in the state and what is open in each phase of reopening. The Board of Massage has extended the policy through June 30, 2021 or until the declared state of emergency is rescinded, whichever is later.  

The Department of Health also extended the date for massage license renewals during the period of April 1 through September 30, until September 30. No extensions beyond September 30 have been granted.
December 1, 2020 - On November 25, the Governor signed Proclamation 20-24.2, titled “Reducing Restrictions on, and Safe Expansion of, Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures.” The order goes into effect December 3 and will remain in effect through the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
December 17, 2020 - The Governor’s November 25 proclamation, 20-24.2, lists requirements for Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures specific to healthcare services (including massage therapy). As of December 15, all regions in the state are in a contingency phase. This means that: “All appropriate clinical care can be provided, so long as there is sufficient access to PPE…”
March 11, 2021 - Governor Inslee announced the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan which transitions from a regional approach to a county-by-county evaluation process. Massage therapists should continue to follow COVID-19 requirements for personal service providers (updated March 2021).

West Virginia

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March 18, 2020 - The Governor has ordered fitness centers and gyms to close.
March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed.
May 8, 2020 - The Governor issued a new executive order on May 4.
May 22, 2020 - The Governor has issued an order that will allow massage therapists to reopen on May 30, with limitations.
July 8, 2020 - The Governor has mandated the wearing of face coverings indoors.
July 16, 2020 – The Governor ordered the use of face coverings when in confined indoor spaces other than a personal residence. 
November 16, 2020 - Governor Justice broadened his indoor face covering requirement, which requires all businesses and organizations open to the public to post adequate signage advising guests of the requirement and are responsible for enforcing it.
March 5, 2021 - The Governor issued an executive order increasing capacity limits in businesses, gyms and fitness centers to 100%. All facilities must continue to follow applicable safety guidelines including mandatory face coverings and social distancing. Massage therapists should continue to follow Spa Reopening Guidelines.

 

Wisconsin

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March 24, 2020 - The Governor has ordered all non-essential businesses to be closed. 
May 21, 2020 - The state Supreme Court ruled that Governor Evers’ Safer-at-Home order was unenforceable. However, municipalities or counties can issue restrictions, including on massage therapy practice. Check with your municipality to confirm that you are legally able to practice.
July 13, 2020 - The state has issued guidelines for opening of personal services, including massage therapy.
July 28, 2020 - To follow the statewide response to COVID-19, the state has created an inter-agency Wisconsin COVID-19 Information page.
July 31, 2020 - Governor Evers has issued an order requiring the wearing of face coverings indoors, outside of a private residence, with some exceptions, effective August 1 through September 28.
September 24, 2020 - Governor Evers proclaimed a state of emergency in the state, effective for 60 days from September 22. He designated the Department of Health Services as the lead agency to respond to the public health emergency and directed the Department to take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent and respond to COVID19.
November 19, 2020 - The Governor issued an executive order with recommended precautions for public health.
February 8, 2021 - Governor Evers issued Executive Order 105, declaring a public health emergency, and corresponding Emergency Order 1, regarding face coverings in certain situations for people over the age of 5. The order is effective for 60 days from February 4.

Wyoming

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March 18, 2020 - The Wyoming Health Department has ordered all gyms to close through April 3.
March 25, 2020 - The Department of Health has ordered all gyms to be closed.
April 29, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended the closure of massage therapy services (except for massage for medical purposes) with specific guidelines, through May 15.
May 1, 2020 - The Department of Health has extended the closure of massage therapy services (excluding massage for medical purposes) through May 15.
May 14, 2020 - The Governor issued an order that allowed massage therapy locations to reopen in a limited capacity on May 1.
July 15, 2020 – The Department of Health amended its previous order to allow massage therapy establishments to operate through July 31, under specified conditions. 
July 30, 2020 - The Department of Health extended and amended its previous orders to allow massage therapy establishments to operate through August 15, under specified conditions.
August 12, 2020 - The Department of Health extended and amended its previous orders to allow massage therapy establishments to operate through August 31, under specified conditions.
September 1, 2020 - The Department of Health extended and amended its previous orders to allow massage therapy establishments to operate through September 15, under specified conditions.
October 14, 2020 - The Wyoming State Health Officer extended and modified the state public health order until October 15.
December 9, 2020 - The State Health Officer has supplemented previous orders, with specified conditions for massage therapy establishments, effective December 9 through January 8, 2021. The State Health Officer updated the state face covering order.
January 8, 2021 - The Wyoming Department of Health extended its face covering order through January 25.
January 25, 2021 - The Wyoming Department of Health renewed the public health order guidelines for massage therapists, effective January 26 through February 14. The Department also continued the public health face covering order for the same time period.
March 8, 2021 - The Governor issued a statement that all businesses may operate at 100% capacity beginning on March 16, resume normal operations and that Wyoming’s statewide mask mandate will end.
March 11, 2021 - Effective March 1 through March 15 under the continuation of Public Health Order #2, the Governor authorized gatherings of 50 individuals or less with specific exceptions and subject to county restrictions and variances (see sections five and six). In addition, Public Health Order #3 pertaining to personal care services (i.e., including massage) has been eliminated. 
April 28, 2021 - The Wyoming State Health Officer issued a Public Health Order Continuation, effective on May 1 through May 16. The order includes guidance for trade schools on social distancing and face coverings (see page 3).