Donald Trump bragged about record TV ratings last night as the coronavirus death toll continued to climb in the US.
The States had more than 137,000 Covid-19 cases reported by late Sunday afternoon, with more than 2,400 deaths.
But that didn’t seem to perturb the president, who boasted about record audiences on CBS which rivaled the final season of The Bachelor’.
Trump has come under criticism for not putting in measures to stem the spread of the disease.
Last night he said he is extending the voluntary national shutdown for a month after expressing an interest in relaxing the national guidelines at one point.
His decision to extend the measures to April 30 has been viewed as a tacit acknowledgment he had been too optimistic.
Many states and local governments have stiffer controls in place on movement and gatherings.
Mr Trump’s impulse to restore normality met a sober reality check on Sunday from Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, who said the US could experience more than 100,000 deaths and millions of infections from the pandemic.
Mr Trump’s decision to extend the guidelines reflected a recognition that the struggle will take place a longer time period.
The federal guidelines recommend against large group gatherings and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay at home.
People are urged to work at home when possible and avoid restaurants, bars, non-essential travel and shopping trips.
The extension would leave the federal recommendations in place beyond Easter on April 12, by which time Mr Trump had hoped the country and its economy could start to revive. Alarmed public health officials said Easter was sure to be too soon.
Related: What’s essential? In France, pastry and wine – in the US, guns and golf
