President Trump announced new coronavirus guidelines for at least the next 15 days, including that Americans should avoid groups of more than 10 people.
In a briefing at the White House on Monday, he also urged people to avoid discretionary travel and going out to bars, restaurants and food courts. He recommended that schools close.
The stricter guidelines marked a shift for the president, who has repeatedly stated that the virus is under control.
"Whatever it takes, we're doing," Trump said.
He said that with several weeks of action, "we can turn the corner" on the pandemic. But he also cautioned that it could be a while before the virus abates. "It seems to me if we do a really good job ... it could be July, August" until the threat of the pandemic diminishes.
When asked if the buck stops with him, Trump said, "Normally, yeah, but this has never been done before."
Asked how he would rate his administration's response to the pandemic, he responded, "I'd rate it a 10. I think we've done a great job."
The White House task force announced stricter recommendations for at least the next 15 days to stop the spread of the pandemic.
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