The total number of global confirmed COVID-19 cases is nearing 4.1 million as of Sunday, with the number of deaths more than 282,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Although the number of cases in the U.S. continue to climb above 1.3 million, some U.S. states like California are considering an ease in social distancing guidelines by allowing some businesses to reopen, including clothing stores and bookshops. Georgia had eased similar restrictions on April 24 and many gyms, hair salons are now open.

However, many officials have warned against reopening the U.S. economy for fear of another spike. According to a recent White House guideline on opening up America, each state should take a data-based approach in evaluating when the economy should reopen. That includes a downward trajectory in the number of cases or symptoms, the ability of authorities to carry out contact tracing, as well as the healthcare systems' readiness to handle a surge in patients. In addition, all plans to reopen a state's economy should be implemented on a county-by-county basis to mitigate risks.

As the White House and local governments scramble to figure future plans for managing COVID-19 risks, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the epidemiologist who has been advising the Trump administration, announced he will conduct a“modified quarantine.”He said he will stay home and wear a mask for 14 days while receiving daily virus tests after coming into contact with a White House staffer who tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!