Transcript
According to data from Johns Hopkins, as of 4:30 Sunday morning, coronavirus has killed more than 53,900 people and more than 939,000 have been infected.
But despite the warnings of health researchers that no state should reopen before May 1 and many states should wait much longer, several states are reopening from coronavirus shutdowns this week.
Here in Georgia where our studio is located, barbershops, hair salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and bowling alleys were allowed to reopen on Friday.
Texas allowed retail stores to start making curbside sales Friday.
Iowa will allow elective surgeries to resume and farmers markets to reopen starting tomorrow Monday.
Kentucky will also allow a gradual reopening in the healthcare sector on Monday, things like dentists, physical therapy and lab services.
Starting Wednesday Tennessee is allowing restaurants and retail stores to welcome customers at 50% capacity.
Hawaii has reopened beaches for visitors to fish and exercise but loitering will not be allowed.
And Montana, Colorado and Minnesota plan to ease social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions this week.
But other states say their battles are far from over.
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy says his state’s curve is flattening but they cannot let up.
The state’s death toll, second only to neighboring New York, added 250 people, topping 5,800 on Saturday.
New York’s current restrictions run until May 15.
But it’s not just states reopening.
The NBA is reportedly planning to reopen a number of team practice facilities.
ESPN reports that the league is expecting to reopen team facilities in areas with relaxed stay-at-home restrictions.
The NBA also plans to find alternative arrangements for players in states with full quarantine orders to be able to practice.
But don’t get too excited basketball fans.
Sources also tell ESPN that restarting practices does not mean the league is starting the season anytime soon.
Posted – 4.26.20