NATIONAL -- How and when should the economy start to reopen in North Carolina?

That question is likely to define the next few weeks, as federal, state, and local leaders look to next steps.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, is one of three North Carolina lawmakers named to a presidential task force on reopening the economy. Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, and Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th District, are also part of the group made up of congressional lawmakers.

In a telephone town hall with constituents Friday morning, Tillis stressed repeatedly that in order to start easing restrictions, people need to continue to abide by social distancing practices to help flatten the curve.

Tillis is advocating for what he described as a data-driven “staggered” reopening in North Carolina.

As to what life will look like in the weeks ahead as things reopen, he told one caller it will likely be a bit different.

“I could easily see that when we open a salon, you’re probably going to have to limit the number of customers that you would have in your salon at any one time,” Tillis said. “You may have to have fewer walk-ins, or if people are waiting, they’re going to have to wait outdoors. You’re going to need to wear a mask.”

On Thursday, the White House laid out its suggested roadmap for reopening the country: a gradual, multi-phase approach, with the governors leading the way. The plan came one day after Gov. Roy Cooper introduced his own playbook.

Both the state and federal proposals depend on increased testing to provide data that will help direct when and how to ease restrictions.

However, testing continues to be a problem across the country, with governors saying they need more supplies.

In North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper is calling on the Trump White House to help with testing supplies and personal protective equipment. He said Friday that because of supply chain breakdowns, the federal government needs to assist.

On the testing front, Rep. David Price, D-4th District, argues that the Trump administration has repeatedly dropped the ball.

“They keep offering assurances but really our testing is not at a higher level now than it was three weeks ago. And the Defense Production Act - in order to fully mobilize the production of testing equipment - has not yet been utilized,” he said, referencing an act that allows the president to compel companies to produce needed supplies.

President Trump insists the United States is not underperforming on testing, but he also pointed the finger of responsibility away from himself in a Friday tweet.

“The States have to step up their TESTING!” he wrote.

Gov. Cooper announced Friday, North Carolina is partnering with three universities to help research the spread of the virus.