As the COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the United States, President Donald Trump recently gave the new guidelines about the reopening of the country. After "arguing" with some State Governors earlier this week, he reportedly "conceded" that his powers are limited when it comes to the issuance of the guidelines, which makes the "Opening Up America Again" plan dependent on the Governors' discretions.
The US President said in Thursday's briefing that this is the "next front" in the "war," referring to the pandemic crisis in the country. He then declared that the current lockdown guidelines are not a "sustainable long-term solution."
According to BBC News, Donald Trump revealed that a "prolonged" shutdown in the United States puts the country at risk. He stated and warned that the risk of a "sharp rise" in drug and substance abuse, heart diseases, and "mental" health problems might become apparent.
So, the three-phase plan to reopen the country in the next few months is likely the best solution to the crisis.
Donald Trump also cleared out that the reopening process will be done "one careful step at a time." Accordingly, the phase of each level of the new guidelines will reportedly last for 14 days, minimum.
Phase One is reportedly not that different from the current guidelines. It will still avoid non-essential travels and social gatherings. In this period, however, places of worship, restaurants, and sports venues will be allowed to operate "under strict" distancing protocols.
If the first phase succeeds and no "resurgence" of the virus will happen after 14 days, the state can then move to the second phase. By this time, travels and trips of all kinds will resume, as well as schools and bars.
For another 14 days, almost a month after the emergence of Phase One, if the trend of new cases still shows a significant decline, the third phase can then be observed. It was described as the "new normal" as this will already allow "public interactions" with physical distancing.
As per NBC News, Donald Trump acknowledged that the whole process will be "gradual." This is why the guidelines did not include or specify any date.
It was also noted that the states can only start the implementation if, within 14 days, the trajectory of the documented and new cases will show a downward trend. He also emphasized that State Governors will call their own "shots" in their own states, while the Federal Government will help them in the process.
