President Donald Trump released has told Americans avoid public events of more than 10 people for the next 15 days as he announced a bid to clampdown on the spread of coronavirus in the USA.
Mr Trump's advice also echoed earlier guidance given by Boris Johnson as he advised Americans to avoid eating and drinking at bars, restaurants and making unnecessary social trips.
It comes after stock markets in America delivered a damning verdict on what is widely seen as a White House struggling to assert its authority on the crisis.
The Dow Jones earlier had fallen to its lowest level in nearly three years and trading was suspended on Wallstreet after unexpected plummets in stock values.
Asked if the USA was headed for a recession Mr Trump replied: "Well, it may be."
As of Monday afternoon, more than 4,100 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., though experts expect that number to rise as more testing becomes available. More than 70 people have died.
Outlining the efforts Mr Trump said: “Each and every one of us has a critical role to play in stopping the spread and transmission of the virus.
The President also asked American schools to consider how they could deliver their lessons from home, but like the UK has not compelled schools to close.
Asked about how he is protecting himself from contracting coronavirus, Mr Trump said he is washing his hands “a lot.”
On Sunday, New York and LA announced that they were closing bars and restaurants in bid to slow the accelerating infection rate.
