Coronavirus Update: More than a dozen states reopen, New Jersey, Washington area have deadliest day

More than a dozen U.S. states are easing coronavirus restrictions, as Americans urge their state and city leaders to reopen non-essential businesses so they can get back to work. However, the virus remains active and deadly across the country, including in the nation’s capital, which on Thursday had its deadliest day.

The greater Washington region reported nearly 2,000 new novel coronavirus cases Thursday, with the District recording its worst day for fatalities, according to MSNBC. The reports come amid congressional leaders trying to bring members back to Capitol Hill to fully resume their work. 

Michigan residents on Thursday protested at the state capitol building over Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s extended shelter-in-place order. Several protestors moved out of the rain and inside the building as the legislature voted on the executive order. The orders remain in place until the end of the month, though some have been eased.

Meanwhile, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has re-closed Orange County beaches, after scores of residents flocked to them this past weekend when they reopened. 

The total number of coronavirus infections in the U.S. is now at 1.1 million, with 63,746 related deaths. The worldwide numbers are more than 3.2 million infections and 233,997 related deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.