Despite governors’ recent decisions to begin lifting lockdown restrictions and move into a phased reopening of their states’ economies, the number of coronavirus cases is still increasing nationally. Over the past week, five states had record highs in new cases.
During the week, Nebraska saw its highest increase in new cases, with 1,562 from April 26 to 30, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker. This brings the state’s total case number to at least 4,281. The state has also reported at least 70 deaths.
Since the outbreak began, Nebraska has been one of the few states to not impose a statewide stay-at-home order and has instead enforced social distancing measures to combat the virus’s spread.
Iowa has also seen a surge in new coronavirus cases over the past week. On Friday, the state reported a new one-day high, with at least 740 new cases. According to the tracker, from April 26 to May 1 at least 2,973 new coronavirus cases were reported, bringing the state’s total to 7,885. There were also at least 170 deaths.
Despite Friday’s one-day high, the state will begin to reopen, with some limitations still in place. Malls, gyms, libraries and restaurants were permitted to reopen starting Friday, but they must maintain a 50 percent occupancy rate.
Kansas saw a new one-day high in cases on Thursday, with at least 574 new cases, according to the state’s Department of Health. According to the tracker, the state has reported at least 1,278 new cases over the past week, bringing the total number to at least 4,419, as well as 135 deaths. The state’s stay-at-home order is set to expire May 3, allowing certain businesses to reopen with social distancing measures.
The past week also brought surges in Virginia and Minnesota. According to the tracker, there have been at least 2,877 new cases in Virginia and at least 1,534 in Minnesota. In Virginia, the total is at least 16,902 cases and 581 deaths, while in Minnesota has had at least 5,729 cases and 370 deaths.
Minnesota has already permitted some businesses to reopen, but Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has been more strict on the state’s phased reopening. He recently said May 8 will be the earliest date the state can reopen if it sees a decrease in cases over a 14-day period, which the White House has recommended.
