Various social distancing orders across the USA helped slow the spread of the coronavirus, but states are feeling increasing pressure from protesters and at times the White House to relax restrictions. Some are outlining their plans to do so.
President Donald Trump, who announced guidelines Thursday for states to start opening their economies, cited a handful of states taking steps toward a “safe, gradual and phased opening,” including Texas, Vermont and Ohio. He is pushing to relax the U.S. lockdown by May 1, a plan that hinges partly on more coronavirus testing.
Several states announced plans to coordinate their response with neighbors: California is moving forward in coordination with Washington and Oregon; governors from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island announced plans to form a joint task force.
Some restrictions have already been lifted. On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave some municipalities the green light to reopen beaches with restricted hours for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing. In Jacksonville, people enthusiastically flocked to beaches when they reopened, drawing criticism on social media. On Saturday, DeSantis said schools would remain closed through the end of the academic year.
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Here is a list of states making moves to roll back social distancing regulations. We will keep this file updated:
Idaho and North Dakota
Trump said Saturday that along with Ohio, Idaho and North Dakota “advised nonessential businesses to prepare for a phased reopening starting May 1.”
Minnesota
On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order that reopened outdoor recreational businesses, including golf courses, bait shops, public and private marinas and outdoor shooting ranges. The order went into effect the following day and requires residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The order came a little more than two weeks before Walz’s stay-at-home mandate is set to expire May 4. All indoor recreational facilities must remain closed until then.
Montana
Trump said Saturday that Montana will “begin lifting restrictions” on April 24.
New York
On Saturday, New York joined Connecticut and New Jersey in opening up their marinas, boatyards and boat launches for recreational use.
The state updated its guidance for golf courses, opening the door for public and private courses to open. Golfers will have to walk the course and carry their own bags without a motorized cart, according to Dani Lever, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s communication director.
Ohio
On May 1, the state will implement a “gradual” plan to open, Gov. Mike DeWine said April 16.
DeWine said the plan is being finalized with business leaders and advisers. It will start with businesses able to incorporate social distancing, cleaning protocols and other measures to reduce spread of the virus.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott announced executive orders Friday that will ease some of the restrictions on retail stores and parks, but he said all schools, public and private, will remain closed for the rest of the school year.
Abbott said all stores in Texas will be able to operate retail-to-go beginning April 24. They can deliver items to customer’s cars, homes or other locations. State parks are to be reopened Monday.
Vermont
On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott announced plans to reopen some businesses – under restrictions – on Monday. Farmers markets can reopen in limited capacities, starting May 1.
Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
Source Article from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/04/19/coronavirus-lockdown-reopening-states-us-texas-florida/5155269002/
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