COVID-19: Some U.S. states ease restriction

A number of U.S. states have begun the process of reopening their economies, with only short periods of social distancing and lockdowns that would combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, Georgia allowed residents to dine in at restaurants and go to movie theaters after allowing some businesses, like gyms, hair salons and bowling alleys to open over the weekend. Social distancing restrictions would still be enforced.

But Georgia governor Brian Kemp has received some criticism from local officials and even U.S. President Donald Trump for enabling other businesses to open.

Other states, like Alaska, Oklahoma and South Carolina, have also taken steps to reopen their economies, while a handful of states are looking at plans to reopen business - despite the warnings of health officials.

Harder hit states, like New York and New Jersey, have signaled that even some reopening activity would be weeks away from implementation.

On Monday, New York State announced that it would be canceling the state's June 23 Democratic primary due to the virus.

The numbers of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. inches closer to one million, according to the Johns Hopkins University numbers, with more than 985,000 confirmed cases and 55,952 deaths.

On Monday, the White House announced new plans and guidelines for coronavirus testing and the reopening of businesses.

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