US President Donald Trump has extended federal social-distancing guidelines to April 30.
It marked an abrupt turnaround from his previously suggested plan to relax guidelines as early as mid-April.
"The highest point of the death rate is likely to hit in two weeks," Trump said at a White House press conference.
"Nothing would be worse than declaring victory before the victory is won. The better you do, the faster this whole nightmare will end."
So far, the country has recorded 142,793 cases and 2,490 deaths.


Nigerian government secures release of 100 kidnapped students
Firefighter dies after Australian bushfires raze homes in two states
Israeli PM says he will meet Trump, second phase of Gaza plan 'close'
US envoy Kellogg says Ukraine peace deal is really close
Benin minister says armed forces foil coup attempt
