Lexington County and the nation appear to be riding the road to recovery.

State officials estimate about 72% of corona virus patients have recovered, up from 67% last week.

The Department of Health & Environmental Control reported only 5 new cases each in Lexington and Richland counties this week.

Except for Greenville where a lab released a month’s worth of tests, all counties reported new covid-19 cases in single digits.

Forecasts rise

Equally encouraging were forecasts of an economic rebound as more businesses open and their employees go back to work.

The economy will bounce back in July, August and September, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

That resembles the forecast from the Congressional Budget Office expecting economic contraction this quarter but growth at an annual rate of 17% in the second half of the year.

A rebound depends on many unknowns including the spread of the virus, the pace at which governors and local officials reopen their economies and whether new infections occur.

Some Republicans are raising concerns about the national debt, but Mnuchin said the US should spend whatever is necessary.

Local decisions

Gov. Henry McMaster has said he will lift many restrictions, but it is up to local officials to decide what is best for their communities.

Many officials are watching what happens in Georgia, Texas and Tennessee.

Their governors have opened the gates but have left lifting restrictions to local officials to make.

Officials in Atlanta, Augusta, Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Greenville will be more hesitant to open businesses too fast due to population density.

Rural officials in many Lexington County communities should be less fearful of a new infection wave.

More money will be available as unemployment and economic stimulus funds come from Washington.

Large corporations such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouses and Shake Shack returned millions of dollars in loans meant to help small businesses rehire employees.