"Pence Admits 'We Don't Have Enough Tests' as Delay In Testing Persists

"WASHINGTON -- Confusion and delays appear to persist in testing Americans for coronavirus even after an outcry from state and local health authorities that the United States was behind in determining the extent of the outbreak.

Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the administration's response to the coronavirus crisis, acknowledged Thursday there was a shortfall in the number of testing kits required to meet demand.

'We don't have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward,' Pence told reporters while touring 3M facilities in Minnesota.

The vice president said the government would be able to provide testing 'for those that we believe have been exposed, for those who are showing symptoms.'"

Kevin Liptak reports for CNN March 5, 2020.

SEE ALSO:

"Expanded Coronavirus Testing May Overwhelm Lab Capacity, Say Some Experts" (Washington Post)

"The Trump Administration’s Greatest Obstacle To Sending A Clear Message On Coronavirus May Be Trump Himself" (Washington Post)

"Washington State Asked The U.S. Stockpile For Coronavirus Masks. The Response Raises Concerns." (Washington Post)

"Coronavirus Updates Live: U.S. Death Toll Climbs To 14" (NBC News)

"3 Cases Of Coronavirus Confirmed In Maryland, Gov. Hogan Declares State Of Emergency" (WJZ CBS 13 Baltimore)

Opinion: "Trump’s Calamitous Coronavirus Response" (New York Times)

"Live Updates: Coronavirus Fears Reverberate As Infections Near 100,000; U.S. Officials Widen States Of Emergency" (Washington Post)