Home ›› 18 Apr 2020 ›› World Biz
Protesters in the U.S. say the severe economic restrictions are hurting citizens, but health officials warn lifting them could spread infection.
Demonstrations calling on authorities to end the shutdown have occurred in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia and Kentucky.
In a series of tweets on Friday, Donald Trump said, "LIBERATE MINNESOTA", "LIBERATE MICHIGAN" and then "LIBERATE VIRGINIA".
The states Mr Trump referenced in Friday's tweets are all led by Democrats, despite Ohio and Utah having Republican governors.
The president's apparent support comes a day after his administration unveiled new guidance for re-opening state economies.
That guidance recommends three phases of slowly re-opening businesses and social life, with each phase lasting a minimum of 14 days.
More demonstrations are planned, including in Wisconsin, Oregon, Idaho and Texas.
The US has the highest number of cases and deaths worldwide, more than 672,200 confirmed infections and 33,000 deaths.
Source: BBC
