One billion infections possible in crisis-affected countries. Vaccine ‘won’t be ready’ until end of 2021.
As the number of of reported coronavirus cases in the United States nears 1 million, several states have begun to loosen stay-at-home restrictions.
More than 988,000 people have tested positive for the virus and at least 56,200 have died in the US, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Alaska allowed salons and restaurants to reopen in most parts of the state on April 24. On the same day, Oklahoma permitted some personal-care businesses to reopen for appointments. Even in California, some beaches that had been closed, reopened for public use, though with limitations.
Georgia’s reopening has been the most aggressive so far. Gov. Brian Kemp allowedthe reopening of hair and nail salons, gyms, bowling alleys, tattoo studios and massage therapists on April 24, and theaters and restaurants reopened on Monday.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that businesses such as retail stores, restaurants and theaters can reopen Friday, but they must limit customers. The order will allow libraries and museums to open. Abbott expects barbershops, salons, gyms and bars to open by mid-May.
But New York state — the epicenter of the US outbreak — won’t be lifting restrictions this week, despite declines in the rates of hospitalization, intubation and deaths, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday. The earliest the state will begin its first phase of reopening is May 15, but only in places that have seen a 14-day decline in hospitalizations.
For a full list of where all 50 states stand on reopening read here:
