North Carolina among the states with the most coronavirus restrictions, report finds

North Carolina has among the most coronavirus-related restrictions of any state in the country, a new report finds.

The Tar Heel State has the third most rules in place on a list that ranks the states with the fewest restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, according to results released Tuesday from WalletHub.

North Carolina came in at No. 49, followed by Pennsylvania and California.

To come up with the findings, the personal finance website says it studied conditions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Researchers say they looked at data from media outlets as well as government, medical and service groups.

Each state received scores for face mask requirements, bans on large gatherings, reopening orders and other policies implemented during the pandemic. The rankings were released as several states have started to lift coronavirus-related restrictions and weigh returns to face-to-face public school learning.

North Carolina is in Phase Two of Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan to reopen the state.

Under that phase, which extends through at least Sept. 11, bars, gyms and other businesses remain closed. The restrictions also limit crowds both indoors and outdoors, The News & Observer previously reported.

In June, Cooper also announced a statewide mask mandate, which has exemptions for young children and people with some medical conditions. And public school districts can opt for all virtual instruction or “moderate social distancing,” which for many means a combination of in-person and online classes.

South Dakota was found to have the fewest requirements in the country, followed by Utah and Oklahoma.