Trump, "Fully Prepared for Sufficient COVID-19 Testing"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that he is ready to send sufficient diagnostic kits for large-scale testing of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to state governments in order to resume economic activities.

President Trump made this claim on the 27th (local time) during a COVID-19 task force briefing held at the White House Rose Garden, presenting new guidelines related to the testing capacity that state governments should establish.

He said, "Today, we are announcing guidelines for testing to provide information to states that are planning a phased and very safe reopening," adding that this blueprint concerns how state governments can enhance capacity, increase the number of tests, and build outbreak surveillance systems.

President Trump mentioned on the day that "the number of tests will be doubled," but did not specify exact figures. The White House also emphasized that the states are the main entities responsible for testing, claiming that the federal government is only a last resort.

The New York Times pointed out that this announcement came after a false claim that sufficient testing was being conducted for economic reopening. Experts have stressed that at least 2% of the U.S. population must be tested to reopen the economy.

The Washington Post criticized the White House for shifting the responsibility of developing testing plans and rapid response programs onto the states. Until now, state governments have requested more support from the federal government, emphasizing that sufficient testing capacity must be secured before reopening the economy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.