Some states in the U.S. are now ready to partially reopen their economy under Phase 1 after President Trump announced the plan of reviving the country's economy in three phases.


President Donald Trump Announced 'Opening Up America Again'

Trump announced during the White House Press briefing his plan to reopen the country's economy in three phases based on the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in each region, as previously reported by Latin Post.

Days after Trump's announcement, Gov. Gregg Abbott of Texas signed an executive order that mandates to slowly reopen his state under strict guidelines. It is stipulated in the executive order that social distancing of six-feet from each other must be observed in parks and other areas.

Moreover, Abbott also said that the gatherings of more than five people would not be allowed and the schools across the state are to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. Additionally, people are strictly obliged to wear face masks.


The other States That Are Reopen Under Phase 1

The nation's economy is now showing signs of life. More than a dozen states have signaled that they will be partially reopening their business after more than one month of isolation and lockdown. 

Hearing the words from Trump, state governors immediately outlined how they will strategically reopen their states under Phase 1. Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina announced its plans on Monday to bring their states' economies closer to full force, but they need to make sure that they too pass Phase 1 and Phase 2. 

Under Phase 1, states planning to reopen their economy must make sure to strictly observe social distancing and non-essential travels should be avoided. 


Here are some states that are ready to reopen their economies under Phase 1 and when they plan to do it: 

Alabama

  • The state has a population of about 4.9 million. The current number of unemployed individuals in the state is around 3.5 percent. Gov. Kay Ivey plans to reopen businesses by phases starting May 1. 

Arizona

  • The state has a population of about 7.3 million, and around 5.5 percent of the state's total population is unemployed. Gov. Doug Ducey is very optimistic that the state will reopen its economy before this month ends. However, Jessica Rigler, Arizona Department of Health Services Assitant Director, said that the state needs to meet specific standards like seeing the decreasing number of COVID-19 hospitalization cases before they can adequately reopen the state.

Arkansas

  • The state has an estimated population of 3 million, and currently, 4.8 percent of them are unemployed. State Governor Asa Hutchinson said the part of the plan of the state is to remain schools closed for the rest of the academic year. Public places like gyms, bars, and restaurants will stay closed as well. 

Colorado

  • The state has an estimated population of 5.8 million, and around 4.5 percent of them are unemployed. Gove. Jared Polis plans to ease its restrictions on April 26. Polis added that they would reopen the state's economy slowly by dividing the employees into different shifts or constructing barriers between employees to control the spread of the virus.

Florida

  • The state has an estimated population of more than 21.5 million and 4.3 percent of them are unemployed. Gov. Ron DeSantis has shown no indication of extending its stay-at-home order that will expire on April 30. DeSantis is expected to establish a task force that will assess and evaluate on how to reopen the state strategically. Meanwhile, there is also a possibility that schools will be reopened in May if conditions will get well.

Georgia

  • The state has a population of 10.6 million and 3.2 percent of them are unemployed. Gov. Brian Kemp plans to reopen gyms, salons, bowling alleys, and other businesses starting April 24. Movie theaters and restaurants will also be allowed to resume their operation on April 27.

Other states that are poised to reopen are Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming.


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