Trump unveils 'Opening Up America' plan, aims for May 1 nypost.com/2020/04/16/tru… via @nypost
President Trump is pushing to get Americans back to normal life from coronavirus lockdowns within weeks under new reopening guidelines shared with governors on Thursday, The Post has learned.
The “Opening Up American Again” guidelines, a copy of which was obtained by The Post, say states that show a downward trend in COVID-19 cases will be able to reopen their restaurants, bars, theaters, workplaces, sporting centers and gyms as soon as May 1.
Trump told governors on a conference call that “you’re gonna call your shots,” saying the guidelines were a recommendation.
“Bottom line, if you’re ready and you have those beautiful, low numbers like some of you have, let’s get going, let’s open up your state,” Trump told state leaders in a largely friendly call in which he praised governors for their hard work.
Under the guidelines, states will need to demonstrate a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases over a 14-day period and a “robust” system for testing health care workers before they can proceed to a phased opening.
PHASE 1 recommends continued social distancing, closure of schools, teleworking and sheltering in place for vulnerable individuals.
Opening America guidelines
Non-essential travel is discouraged, bars should remain closed and visits to nursing homes and hospitals should remain prohibited, the guidelines warn. If possible, people in those states may be able to return to work in phases.
Non-essential travel is discouraged, bars should remain closed and visits to nursing homes and hospitals should remain prohibited, the guidelines warn. If possible, people in those states may be able to return to work in phases.
Elective surgeries may resume under Phase 1 and gyms and large venues, including movie theaters, sporting arenas and places of worship, may reopen if they can maintain social distancing.
States that show no spike in cases during Phase 1 can proceed to PHASE 2, which allows schools, restaurants, gyms and bars to reopen with diminished occupancy.
Non-essential travel can resume and people can gather in groups no larger than 50, but teleworking is still encouraged.
Non-essential travel can resume and people can gather in groups no larger than 50, but teleworking is still encouraged.
With no spike ensuing, PHASE 3 allows states to move to workplaces reopening with no restrictions and visits to senior care centers and hospitals can resume.
The guidelines were developed by coronavirus task force members Drs. Deborah Birx and Anthony Fauci in coordination with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Robert Redfield, Vice President Mike Pence told governors.
The federal government is asking states to be responsible for testing and screening and securing an independent supply of personal protective equipment under the headline “Core state preparedness responsibilities.”
