The Sunday morning, May 3, 2020, 5:32 a.m.  Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard:

Worldwide cases:  3,452,285   Worldwide deaths:  244,320

U. S. cases:  1,134,673     U. S. deaths:  66,430

Hawaii cases:  620 (541 released from isolation)    Hawaii deaths:  16

Big Island cases:  73 (63 released from isolation)   Big Island deaths:  0

State Department of Health has reported only 1 new case in each of the last two days.  In an Island Conversations interview posted today with New West Broadcasting’s Sherry Bracken, Lt. Governor Josh Green said the state’s curve has flattened, bringing the state towards the end of its Phase 1 of the virus. L. G. Dr. Green said this will pave the way towards the state’s gradual reopening of local businesses.

The University of Hawaii Public Policy Center released a report on steps the state needs to take in order to continue to contain COVID-19, and to reopen businesses, called Crush the Curve.   Lead author Dr. Robert Perkinson of the University of Hawaii spoke about the plan in an earlier interview.

Nationally and worldwide, states and countries are beginning to loosen their shutdowns, with most continuing social distancing requirements, mask wearing, and similar precautions in place.

On the Big Island, one of the largest retailers–Costco in Kona–has announced it is returning to regular hours tomorrow, Monday, but with new precautions in place.