WASHINGTON 30 Mar (ANA) - Donald Trump says he is extending the voluntary national shutdown for a month as illness and deaths from the pandemic rise across the US.

The initial 15-day period of social distancing urged by the federal government expires today and Mr Trump had previously expressed an interest in relaxing the national guidelines at least in parts of the country less affected by the pandemic.

But instead he has decided to extend the measures to April 30.

It comes as the death toll in New York state passed 1,000.

Johnson's rallying call for 'togetherness' after six-month restriction warning 

Boris Johnson says the UK will get through the coronavirus crisis together after Britons were warned restrictions on their lives may last for at least six months.

The Prime Minister issued the words of encouragement as he praised the 750,000 volunteers who have offered to assist the NHS during a video message last night.

Deputy chief medical officer for England Dr Jenny Harries said Britain will not be in "complete lockdown" for half a year  but said social distancing measures will be lifted gradually to avoid a second wave of deaths.

Mr Johnson also praised the 20,000 former NHS staff who have returned to the service.(ANA) 

FA/ANA/30 March 2020------