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The cost of the coronavirus in the USA 2:52
(CNN) - Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged Americans to continue social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, a notable difference in tone from his successor, who has publicly suggested opening the nation in two weeks to boost the economy.
In a tweet, Obama shared a story about overwhelmed healthcare workers in New York hospitals helping coronavirus patients, saying: "Another reason to maintain social distancing policies at least until we have extensive evidence. Not only for our good, for yours. ”
“These are the burdens that our medical heroes already face in New York. It will only get more difficult across the country, ”Obama wrote.
Obama has tweeted encouraging messages during the outbreak, though he has not directly criticized the Trump administration's response. Obama has urged Americans to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus by taking "common sense precautions" like washing their hands and staying home if they are sick. He also thanked health professionals fighting the coronavirus outbreak and said in a tweet last week: "They are doing their best."
"May we all model our own behavior in selflessness and sacrifice as we help each other through this," he said.
- And the vaccine for when? You ask about coronavirus, experts answer
On Tuesday, Trump said he wants to ease measures of social distancing so that the country "opens up and simply wants to leave at Easter." Health experts have warned against loosening guidelines to boost the economy as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise in the United States.
"I give it two weeks," Trump said during a Fox News virtual forum, suggesting he was ready to gradually phase out his 15-day self-isolation guidelines when they expire. "I guess Monday or Tuesday is about two weeks. We will evaluate at that time and give you more time if we need a little more time. We have to open this country. "
The Trump administration has been criticized for its response to the virus and the lack of test kits. Trump has tried to blame his predecessor for delaying the new diagnostic tests, but there is no evidence to support that claim.
CNN's Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.