Coronavirus update: Twelve countries take steps Monday to reopen, Japan extends state of emergency

The U.S. and other countries hit by the coronavirus pandemic are taking measured steps  – and some back steps – in efforts to reopen as infection rates and the number of deaths slow. 

Countries have now largely turned their attention to widespread testing and the race to find a vaccine. 

President Trump on Sunday night, in a Fox News virtual town hall, at the Lincoln Memorial, said he expects a vaccine by the end of year. He also increased the projected U.S. death toll to as much as 100,000, with more than 68,000 now dead from the fast-spreading contagion. 

In California’s Orange County, residents this past weekend protested the re-closing of their beaches by Gov. Gavin Newsom, after last weekend’s large crowds. The protests in Huntington Beach brought protesters nose-to-nose with mounted police.

All across the country this past weekend, the milder spring weather brought Americans largely confined to their homes into parks and other public spaces, raising concerns among officials about whether people will continue to be vigilant about keeping social distancing rules to slow the virus’ spread.

The number of reported coronavirus cases worldwide now exceeds 3.5 million, with 247,8348 related deaths. The number of confirmed cases in the U.S. is now over 1.1 million. Spain has the second most cases, at 217,466, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. 

At least 12 countries on Monday began easing coronavirus restrictions including Spain, Germany, Poland and Portugal. 

However, Japan announced it would extend its state of emergency through May.