Apr 16 ,2020. 3 hours ago – 10:14 KYODO NEWS

WASHINGTON – The United States has likely passed the peak in new coronavirus cases, President Donald Trump said Wednesday as he pushes to bring the nation’s shutdown-hit economy back to life.

Trump said he will announce on Thursday new guidelines for “reopening” the country, which has been left largely idled as businesses shutter and many people stay home in an effort to slow the spread of the highly-contagious virus.

“The battle continues but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases. Hopefully, that will continue and we will continue to make great progress,” the president said at a press conference, although he did not specifically refer to which numbers he was relying on.

The United States has the most confirmed cases in the world, with the number of infections exceeding 630,000 and the death toll reaching more than 27,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Data by the World Health Organization shows that the number of daily confirmed cases and deaths are on the decline.

Trump declared a national emergency about a month ago and rolled out presidential guidelines to blunt the spread of the virus, calling for people to work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible and to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people.

The guidelines have been extended through the end of April, while states across the country have taken tougher action by issuing stay-at-home orders.

Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, has been eager to swiftly unleash the economy. Some administration officials, meanwhile, have floated the idea of reopening the economy on May 1 despite concerns that rushing to do so could allow the virus’ spread to accelerate again.

Trump said some of the 50 U.S. states “can actually open up before the deadline of May 1” depending on their situation.

As talk about reopening the economy begins, the hardest-hit state of New York said Wednesday that its residents will be required to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation. The order will go into effect on Friday.

While emphasizing the need to conduct large scale virus testing to prepare for the reopening, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference that wearing a mask to stop the spread of the virus will also become part of the “new normal.”

CR: KYODO NEWS