US President Donald Trump unveils three-stage process for reopening the economy (Photo: Reuters)

The recommendations call on states to show a “downward trajectory” of COVID-19 cases or positive tests for the disease over 14 days before proceeding with the plan, which gradually loosens restrictions on businesses that have been shuttered to blunt the spread of the virus.

President Trump said: “Based on the latest data, our teams of experts now agree that we can begin the next front in our war, which we are calling “opening up America again”, as I have said for some time now the national shutdown is not a sustainable long term solution. To preserve the health of our citizens, we must also preserve the health and functioning of our economy. Over the long haul, you can't do one without the other…it can’t be done. Therefore, my administration is issuing new federal guidelines that will allow governors to take a phased and deliberate approach to reopening their individual states. This is a gradual process. As the cases slow, restrictions can continue to be eased and come off.”

In phase one, the guidelines recommend strict social distancing for all people in public. Gatherings larger than 10 people are to be avoided and nonessential travel is discouraged.

In phase two, people are encouraged to practice social distancing and limit gatherings to no more than 50 people unless precautionary measures are taken. Travel can resume.

Phase three envisions a return to normalcy for most Americans, with a focus on identification and isolation of any new infections.