US President Donald Trump has said he hopes the US will shake off coronavirus by Easter, even as New York's governor sounded the alarm that the illness is spreading faster than "a bullet train".
The president told a White House news briefing reopening the US early next month would be "a beautiful timeline".
His optimistic tone came as the World Health Organization warned the US could become the pandemic's global epicentre.
The US has recorded almost 55,000 cases and nearly 800 deaths.
Globally there have been more than 420,000 cases confirmed and approaching 19,000 deaths.
What did President Trump say?
On Tuesday, he told Fox News he hoped the country could get back to normal by Easter, which is on 12 April.
Mr Trump, a Republican, said: "We're going to be opening relatively soon... I would love to have the country opened up and just rearing to go by Easter."
He added in a subsequent interview: "Easter is a very special day for me... and you'll have packed churches all over our country."
Latest Stories
-
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
3 mins -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
31 mins -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
1 hour -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
1 hour -
IPR Ghana@50: Pupils educated to keep the environment clean
1 hour -
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
2 hours -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
2 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: NPP will ensure a safer, cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
2 hours -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
2 hours -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
2 hours -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
2 hours -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
3 hours -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
3 hours -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
3 hours -
Playback: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
3 hours