The U.S. is deepening its position as the country with the most coronavirus cases as the White House warns Americans to brace for a difficult two or three weeks.

Health officials report nearly 190,000 cases in the U.S. and more than 4,000 deaths. Its death toll surpassed China earlier this week.

New York is the hardest hit state by far. Health officials report more than 75,000 cases, with more than 43,000 in New York City alone.

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New Jersey has the second-most cases at nearly 18,700. It saw its largest one-day jump in deaths this week.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday struck a more somber tone than usual in relaying the outlook for the virus response. He warned Americans to be ready for difficult times.

"I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead," Trump said during the White House coronavirus task force briefing. "We're going to go through a very tough two weeks."

The task force predicted between 100,000-240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the virus, assuming some people don't follow social distancing guidelines. They said the number could shrink if everyone uses the guidelines, which Trump extended through April 30.

Trump said that experts expect to see "some real light at the end of the tunnel" but that it would still be "a very painful, very, very painful two weeks." He later added that it could extend to three weeks.

The administration is also considering revising mask guidelines for the public.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams discussed the possibility on Wednesday, telling ABC's "Good Morning America" that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is taking another look at the topic.

"The CDC is looking at whether or not we should be recommending more people wear masks when they go out," Adams said.