States to get virus testing kits as White House urges calm

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials said Friday they're scrambling to get coronavirus testing up and running in every state, as President Donald Trump's chief economic adviser urged Americans not to overreact to plunging financial markets.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said two more Americans tested positive for the virus out of the group of quarantined passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, bringing the national total to 62.

And the World Health Organization upgraded the risk level from the virus to “very high” as it continued to spread around the globe.

Two days after the White House abruptly shifted gears from Trump's initial assurances of minimal U.S. fallout to an all-out mobilization under Vice President Mike Pence, the administration's messaging still wasn't completely seamless.

The Trump administration and government scientists both agree that the current risk to Americans is low, although that could quickly change. But the administration officials are continuing to offer assurances that concerns will blow over soon, while the scientists are emphasizing preparations for circumstances as yet unknown.

“I acknowledge that this could change. I acknowledge the situation could deteriorate. I acknowledge the risks,” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters Friday. “But, given what we know ... looks to me like the market has gone too far.” As he spoke, financial markets continued their steep drop.

Of Trump, whose re-election calling card is a strong economy, Kudlow said, “I think the way he's handling it will have a very positive effect on his re-election campaign.”

Later in the day Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaled that the central bank would cut interest rates to support the economy...