All 50 states have eased coronavirus restriction, with Connecticut's partial reopening

Connecticut will on Wednesday allow residents to eat in outdoor restaurants and shop inside stores, becoming the last of all 50 states to ease social-distancing orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

Still, Connecticut officials, as are those in other states, are taking a measured, step-by-step approach to reopening and getting their economies restarted.

Gyms, nail salons, spas, theaters and tattoo parlors and bars that do not serve food will remain closed until at least June 20, unless earlier modified.

“Connecticut is a state where cases are decreasing and testing is quickly increasing – critical metrics that will help us to carefully and safely reopen,” Gov. Ted Lamont tweeted on the eve of the reopening. 

The District of Columbia still has its restrictions in place through June 8. Mayor Muriel Bowser is schedule to address Thursday whether she's announcing changes.

While infection rates across the country are slowing, Connecticut as of Tuesday reported 38,340 cases, 314 more than the previous day. 

At least 17 states show an increased infection rate over roughly the past week, according a CNN analysis of data from the Johns Hopkins’ Coronavirus Resource Center.

The total number of cases is now 1.5 million and the virus-related death toll is 91,938, according to the Hopkins website.  

Among the big questions is whether Americans will return to restaurants and stores, as the pandemic continues to infect and kill a significant number of people.

A big test will come this weekend, when many Americans have a three-day holiday and consider whether going to beaches and other places where people gather in larger groups.