As of April 11 the United States had recorded more fatalities from the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus than any other country in the world. Roughly 2,000 deaths a day were reported for the previous four days in a row, the largest number in and around New York City.

The situation resulted in sweeping restrictions on non-essential movement that were imposed across 42 states. This took a huge toll on commerce and raised questions over how long business closures and travel curbs can be sustained. And the number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits in the previous three weeks surpassed 16 million.