Donald Trump extends US social distancing until April 30

Donald Trump extended federal guidelines on social distancing for another 30 days after a top public health expert warned deaths from the coronavirus could reach as many as 200,000 in the US.

"The modeling estimates that the peak in death rate is likely to hit in two weeks. So I'll say it again, the peak, the highest point of death rates, remember, this is likely to hit in two weeks. Therefore, the next two weeks and during this period it's very important that every one strongly follow the guidelines," Trump told reporters.

"The better you do, the faster this whole nightmare will end. Therefore, we will be extending our guidelines to April 30th to slow the spread."

The guidelines, which recommend people stay home and avoid social gatherings, had been set to expire on Monday.

Italy reported 756 new coronavirus deaths on Sunday taking the total number of fatalities to 10,779 as it continues to pay the heaviest price in the world from the contagion.

Spain's health ministry announced 838 new coronavirus deaths, marking the country's highest daily jump in fatalities and bringing its total to 6,528.

In New York, the death toll surged by 237 in 24 hours, and the state announced 7,195 new cases.

Worldwide, the number of cases has reached more than 710,000. Some 149,000 people have recovered, while more than 33,000 have died.  Aljazeera