President Donald Trump has said federal coronavirus guidelines such as social distancing will be extended across the US until at least 30 April.
He had previously suggested that they could be relaxed as early as Easter, which is next week.
Trump says the highest point of the death rate is likely to hit in two weeks.
White House medical adviser Dr Anthony Fauci had earlier warned that the virus could kill up to 200,000 Americans.
The US now has more than 140,000 confirmed cases and 2,400 deaths.
Washington correspondent Simon Marks speaks to Corin Dann.
