Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. During this period of rapid change as states issue new restrictions, we are committed to keeping you updated on everything from mask requirements to curfews to vaccine-related policies. We will keep you abreast of major developments—especially those affecting your daily life. Today we look at the extension of COVID-19 emergencies inAlaska andVermont, mandated school guidance inKentucky, and much more. Want to know what we covered yesterday? Clickhere.

Since our last edition

What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, clickhere.

• Alaska(divided government): Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R)extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order through Jan. 15, 2021.

• Kentucky(divided government): Gov. Andy Beshear (D)announced the state’sHealthy at School guidelines will be mandatory starting Jan. 4, 2020. The guidelines include rules for social distancing, mask-wearing, sanitization, and other in-person activities (like food service in lunch rooms).
   
• Maryland (divided government): On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Gov. Larry Hogan (R)announced he was activating the National Guard to help distribute coronavirus vaccines around the state.
   
• Oregon(Democratic trifecta): Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced 29 counties will be in the state’s Extreme Risk level, one will be at Moderate Risk, and six counties will have Lower Risk restrictions, effective Dec. 18-31. To see restrictions in a specific county or risk level,click here.
   
• Vermont(divided government): On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Gov. Phil Scott (R)issued an executive order extending the COVID-19 state of emergency through January 15, 2021. The emergency declaration includes restrictions like limits on social gatherings.

Additional activity

In this section, we feature examples of other federal, state, and local government activity, private industry responses, and lawsuits related to the pandemic. 

• On Tuesday, Dec. 15, theU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)granted emergency use authorization to medical technology company Ellume’s over the counter, at-home COVID-19 test. This is the first over the counter COVID-19 diagnostic test approved for emergency use by the FDA.