Protests against stay-at-home orders were held across the country Friday amid mounting frustration over the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic.
Rallies were scheduled in at least 10 states. Outside the Capitol building in Albany, New York, protesters chanted "USA! USA!" as they flew American and "Don't Tread on Me" flags. Counterprotesters scheduled their own rallies in support of keeping non-essential businesses closed.
Some states started to slowly reopen Friday, including Texas, where retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls were allowed to open for business. In Louisiana, restaurants (except those in hard-hit New Orleans) are allowed to add outdoor tables.
The calls to reopen business come as meat processing plants struggle with widespread outbreaks that have slowed or halted production. At a Tyson Foods pork-processing plant in Indiana, nearly 900 employees, 40 percent of the workforce, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Here's what to know about the coronavirus, plus a timeline of the most critical moments:
- MAPS: Confirmed cases in the U.S. and worldwide, confirmed deaths in the U.S. and globally.
- Reopening America: See what states across the U.S. are starting to reopen.
Download the NBC News app for latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak.
This live coverage has now ended. Continue reading May 2 coronavirus news.
Three-year-old girl shows off sheep in online agricultural show
Target, Walmart workers and others plan 'sickout' protests over coronavirus safety
Some minority groups in UK have higher death rate than white Britons, study finds
Tokyo aquarium asks public to FaceTime shy eels under lockdown
Rock band Queen releases 'You Are The Champions' in nod to health workers
The Week in Pictures: Lockdowns ease and a Blue Angels flyover
Ferrari set to restart as 4.5 million people head back to work in Italy on Monday
Their loved ones died fighting coronavirus in Britain. They are left with grief, and questions
Beijing's Forbidden City and parks reopen to public
Broncos' star linebacker Von Miller says he's negative for COVID-19
California allows marriage licenses via videoconference amid pandemic
Demonstrators against reopening economy to hit the streets
Huntington Beach, Calif., to ask court to overturn beach closure