Gating Criteria
Downward trajectory in cases (flu-like and confirmed COVID-19)
Hospital capacity and testing for at-risk health care workers
States should satisfy the gating criteria and show no signs of a rebound before proceeding to each phase.
Here are examples of changes at each phase.
Phase One
Individuals
- All vulnerable individuals remain sheltered in place
- Individuals in public should continue to maximize physical distancing, including abstaining from social gatherings of more than 10 people
- Nonessential travel should remain at a minimum
Employers
- Teleworking is encouraged, as are special working conditions for vulnerable employees
- Work common areas should remain closed, and social distancing should be enforced at the workplace
- Large venues, like restaurants and movie theaters, gyms and facilities that provide elective surgeries may reopen, but social distancing protocols must be in place
- Bars, schools and senior living facilities and hospitals will remain closed to visitors
Phase Two
Individuals
- Vulnerable people remain sheltered in place
- Social gatherings of more than 50 people should be avoided
- Nonessential travel can resume
Employers
- Employers should still encourage teleworking
- Schools may reopen
- Visits to hospitals and senior living facilities are still not recommended
- Bars may reopen, but at diminished, standing-room only occupancy
Phase Three
Individuals
- Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions, but should practice social distancing
Employers
- Employers can resume normal operations
- Visits to hospitals and senior living facilities can resume, but visitors should practice good hygiene
- Large venues can operate under limited social distancing protocols
- Bars can increase their standing room occupancy