Some US Businesses Begin to Reopen as COVID-19 Death Toll Passes 50,000

The novel coronavirus has taken at least 51,017 lives in the US, per John Hopkins University’s data, and it’s likely that the outbreak is far from over – with the WHO saying it will be “weeks to months” before any drug that combats the disease is discovered. Despite the increasing death toll, nonessential businesses and services in some states are beginning to reopen regardless. 

Over 50,000 Deaths to COVID-19 

Some states are beginning to reopen their economies, with additional guidelines and rules to ensure residents’ safety. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he would “take whatever steps necessary” to protect Americans after an announcement of a complete reopening in Weld County, which remains one of the virus’ hot spots in the state. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is also pro-reopening, and told reporters that his only concern is “getting it right,” and not specific dates or timeframes. 

Hair salons and barbers in Georgia were also allowed to reopen, alongside gyms, tattoo parlors, and other businesses, with some additional social distancing guidelines. Some personal care services were also up and running once again in Oklahoma and Alaska. April 24 also saw Texas’ retail stores reopening, mainly through curbside sales and delivery. 

Thousands and thousands of business owners and residents will be facing the decision of whether or not to open their business in the coming week as some states like Colorado, Tennessee, Montana, and Minnesota are beginning to ease restrictions. 

The beginning of the reopening process that we see right now is in complete opposition to the University of Washington model, which suggests that no state should be opening up before May 1, with harder-hit states needing to wait even longer.