The decision will be made later, said U.S. Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin.
The U.S. administration is considering the possibility of lifting sanitary restrictions imposed in the U.S. in connection with the proliferation of the new coronavirus from May 1. This was confirmed on Monday at a briefing for journalists at the White House by U.S. Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin.
Responding to a question about whether May 1 was the date the restrictions were lifted, he confirmed that this possibility was being studied by US President Donald Trump.
“I have had discussions [on this issue] with the president. I know that he is considering it. I think he will make a decision later”, – said the head of the US Treasury Department.
For his part, Trump, who also took part in the briefing, stressed that “everything should be safe,” that is, the decision to lift the restrictions will have to be guided primarily by the considerations of saving lives, rather than minimizing the damage to the economy. In this regard, Mnuchin assured that the U.S. government will rely primarily on the opinion of physicians.
“We are working very closely with the president and business leaders to prepare a plan [for the lifting of restrictions and the resumption of full operation of the economy]”, – the finance minister said.
In addition, Trump said that the US executive branch is already finalizing the plan.
“We are very close to completing the plan for the country’s opening. Let’s hope, even ahead of schedule”, – said the U.S. administration head.
At the same time he specified that recommendations of this kind for state governors are also being prepared. “We will soon complete the development of new and very important directives to provide governors with the information they need to start safely opening their states. My administration’s plan and related directives will provide Americans with the confidence they need to get back on track,” the American leader said.
He also stated that in a number of regions of the U.S. the epidemic situation is absolutely unsettling despite the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
Situation in the USA
Trump announced on March 29 the extension of sanitary restrictions until April 30. Only stores and pharmacies selling basic necessities operate in the United States. Restaurants and cafes only accept take-out orders. Gyms, industrial stores, museums, educational institutions, cinemas and theaters are closed.
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 580 thousand cases of coronavirus infection have been registered in the USA, more than 23 thousand people died.