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States are letting stay-at-home orders expire, regardless of virus metrics

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, expressed concern during a virtual Senate hearing this week that some cities or states might begin reopening prematurely, allowing “little spikes” to “turn into outbreaks” because they lack the capability to respond “effectively and efficiently.”

“The consequences could be really serious,” he warned.

President Donald Trump, however, tweeted Thursday that “good numbers” were emerging from states that were reopening, declaring that “America is getting its life back!”

One of the outliers: Washington, D.C., and its suburbs. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Wednesday that the nation’s capital would extend its stay-at-home order through June 8. As it stands now, that would make the District one of the last jurisdictions in the nation to reopen.

“Together, by staying home a little longer, soon we will be able to reopen D.C. safely and sustainably,” Bowser said.

Neighboring Virginia will enter its first phase of reopening Friday, though Gov. Ralph Northam signed an executive order Tuesday allowing localities in Northern Virginia — where 70 percent of the state’s positive cases are — to remain on lockdown until May 28.

Maryland is also allowing Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, which border D.C., to maintain stay-at-home orders, while lifting them for the rest of the state. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that the state will enter a “safer-at-home” stage Friday afternoon that urges older and more vulnerable residents to stay home as much as possible and for employers to encourage telework as retail stores, churches and personal services like barbershops and nail salons may reopen at 50 percent capacity.

Hard hit states plot gradual re-opening

Other states, including hard-hit New York and Louisiana, announced first steps in a gradual return to normal, as their governors seek to strike a balance between saving lives and reviving a stalled economy. The coronavirus has infected 1.4 million Americans and killed more than 84,000 people in the U.S. Nearly 37 million Americans have filed unemployment claims over the past two months.

New York state’s PAUSE order is set to expire Friday, but only the North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley regions have met the state’s seven metrics to begin a regional phased reopening. Some low-risk businesses and recreational activities such as landscaping and gardening and tennis and drive-in movie theaters, however, will be ready to open across the state Friday.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards issued an updated proclamation Thursday removing the state’s stay-at-home order and detailing which types of businesses can open and which must stay closed. Churches, gyms, fitness centers, barbershops, salons, casinos, theaters and others can open Friday with 25 percent occupancy limits. State buildings will also be open to the public with the same occupancy limit.

Source: politico.com
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