WASHINGTON — Over 46,000 Americans have died from coronavirus out of over 828,000 people that have tested positive.

706 of those who have died nationwide are Hoosiers, according to the numbers released by the state department of health on Thursday. Vice-President Mike Pence, in his daily briefing at the White House, is confident the nation is peaking when it comes to the virus’ spread.

“We do believe by early summer we could be in a much better place as a nation with much of this coronavirus epidemic behind us,” Pence said. “The New York metro area, New Jersey, Detroit, New Orleans, all seem to be past their peak.”

As the White House continues to show optimism more states are detailing how they plan to reopen businesses closed during the pandemic.

“At the present moment, 16 states have released formal reopening plans,” said Pence. “13 of those were actually release since (we) unveiled the opening up America guidelines.”

Those guidelines detailed a recommended three-phase process for governor’s to follow. Each phase detailing at what point certain businesses should be allowed to reopen and to what degree. The guidelines were careful to point out it is up to the governor of each state to decide the best course of action for their state.

“For instance, Gov. Mike Parson of Missouri has revealed the ‘Show Me Strong’ recovery plan,” Pence added. “It has two initial phases in order to protect the most at risk. Gov. Tom Wolf announced a plan for Pennsylvania that will begin May 8th.”

Pence also mentioned plans from Oregon and Idaho but would not elaborate further on which other states have reopening plans in place.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is the first governor in the U.S. to start rolling out a reopening plan, allowing hair salons, tattoo parlors, and other non-essential businesses to start reopening today. President Trump has voiced disagreement with that decision but acknowledged it’s Kemp’s decision to do what he feels is best for his state.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb so far does not have a plan for reopening the state ready to roll out. Holcomb said earlier this week his stay at home order will remain in place until May 1st. Once we reach that date he said the state will reassess the situation.