This archive report was first published on 25 April 2020.
As the US death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surpassed 50,000, three states have begun to reopen shops, despite the ongoing health crisis.
According to reports, Georgia and Oklahoma have allowed salons and spas to reopen, while Alaska has lifted restrictions on restaurants.
President Donald Trump's comments on the pandemic have been met with widespread criticism, particularly after he suggested that injecting household disinfectant into patients could help combat the virus.
However, the President has since clarified that his comments were sarcastic and misinterpreted.
Despite the reopenings, customers in these areas will still be required to observe social distancing guidelines.
Other states have chosen to maintain their lockdowns, with some areas allowing only essential businesses to remain open.
Georgia, which has one of the fastest reopening timetables, will allow bowling alleys, spas, hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, and other personal care businesses to reopen.
Additionally, dine-in restaurants and theaters will be allowed to reopen on Monday.
These developments come several weeks after the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus originated, reopened.
As the global fight against the pandemic continues, several vaccines are being developed around the world, including one announced by researchers from the UK's Oxford University.
