New York City— the epicenter of the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak with 211,728 total cases— begins phase one of its re-opening today.

The city’s shutdown began on March 15, when Mayor Bill De Blasio closed NYC schools, restaurants and bars, followed by the March 22 announcement of a statewide stay-at-home order.

New cases peaked at more than 12,000 new cases and more than 800 deaths on April 4 alone.

Since then, the curve seems to have flattened.

On June 7, the number of new cases was 777 – a 94% decline compared to the April 4 peak and the lowest it’s been since March 17.

New York City’s steps seem to have prepared it to tentatively get back to work, though we don’t know yet how last week’s protests could impact new case growth. Other areas of New York state have already partially reopened and today move on to Phase 2.