'From worst to first': These states have tamed coronavirus, even after reopening. Here's how they're doing it, and why they can't let up

(CNN)When Covid-19 suddenly ravaged New York, hospitals looked "apocalyptic." Refrigerated trucks turned into morgues because there wasn't enough space for all the victims.

That was March. Three months later, the state had "done a full 180, from worst to first," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

Now, the rates of infection, hospitalizations or deaths have plummeted in New York and several other states -- paving the way for full economic reopenings.