Texas Is The 14th State With Fewest COVID-19 Restrictions

According to a new report, Texas is the 14th state with the fewest COVID-19 restrictions, and to be honest, we're surprised we're not higher on this list. Since the novel coronavirus pandemic began hitting the United States this year, states began shutting down over virus fears. Now that seems like a different lifetime, with many states reopening even when the country is hitting new case records daily. The personal-finance website WalletHub decided to look at all 50 states and the District of Columbia to see which states were the strictest regarding COVID-19 guidelines. The website looked at 16 key metrics including:

• The requirement to wear a face mask
• Travel restrictions
  • Employee restricted travel
  • Domestic restricted travel
  • Military travel restrictions
• Large gathering restrictions
• Statewide school restart
• Reopening of restaurants and bars
• State guidance on customer health checks at restaurants
• Reopening of non-essential businesses
• Workplace temperature screening
• Child care programs reopening
• The strictness of "Shelter in place"
• Presence of multi-state agreements to reopen
• Suspension or postponement of legislative sessions
• State court closure or suspension
• Guidance on elective surgery and medical procedures
• Guidance for assisted living services related to COVID-19

Here's how the Lone Star state did when looking at Texas' COVID restrictions:

Coronavirus Restrictions in Texas (1=Fewest, 25=Avg.):

• 1^st – Requirement to Wear a Face Mask in Public
• 31^st – Reopening of Child-Care Programs
• 8^th – Travel Restrictions
• 2^nd – Large Gatherings Restrictions
• 7^th – Strictness of “Shelter in Place” Order
• 23^rd – Reopening of Non-Essential Businesses
• 18^th – Reopening of Restaurants and Bars

Since the beginning of May, Texas has fluctuated up and down on the list. On May 5th, Texas was ranked 8th on the list, then on May 19th came in 12th on the list. About two weeks later on June 9th Texas came in 15th on the list but two weeks later on June 23rd moved only one spot to 14th.  To see more, please visit the WalletHub website.