Speaking during his daily news briefing on COVID-19 at the White House on Thursday, Trump announced a three-phased plan for the reopening process.

Trump mentioned that border control and travel restrictions would be top priority as the country prepares to reopen.

“As we prepare to begin a science-based reopening, we must be extra vigilant in blocking the foreign entry of the virus from abroad.

“Border control, travel restrictions and other limitations on entry are more important than never before to keep the virus in check and allow Americans to get back to work,” he said.

Citing expert advice, Trump said the pandemic curve had flattened hence the need for Americans to begin their lives again, NAN reports.

However, he said the date of reopening is majorly in the hands of the States, but the guidelines recommend criteria that would have to be met in this regard.

“America wants to be open and that is what we are doing, opening up our country and we have to do that,” he added.

Trump said that a prolonged shutdown combined with “a forced economic depression” could deeply hurt the country and its economy.

One of the key recommendations for the first phase is the avoidance of groups of more than 10 people where appropriate social distancing is impossible.

The first phase also discourages non-essential travel, and encourages telework (working from home) and closure of common areas in offices.

In the plan, Trump recommended the States are to achieve a 14-day “downward trajectory” in coronavirus cases before beginning the re-opening process.

They are also expected to set up screening and testing centres in addition to develop contact tracing capabilities.