As the effects of COVID-19 touch every aspect of retail, cities and states across the U.S. are declaring home improvement stores “essential” and allowing them to remain open to continue serving communities.

On March 16, the North American Retail Hardware Association and leaders from several home improvement companies urged lawmakers to deem home improvement stores essential to public safety. Read the letter in full.

New York

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered nonessential businesses to keep their employees at home as the state’s total confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to more than 7,100 by March 20.

Under the order, hardware stores were allowed to remain open, but must practice social distancing within stores by keeping employees and customers separated by at least six feet.

Other New York businesses that were deemed essential and permitted to continue operations include grocery stores, pharmacies, and food delivery services.

California

On March 19, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order stating all nonessential workers should stay home to stem the spread of the virus.

Hardware stores were exempted from the order and considered part of the state’s “essential infrastructure.”

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of all businesses that were “non-life-sustaining” to close as confirmed cases of COVID-19 rise. Hardware stores were exempt and are currently allowed to open their doors to customers.