Trump’s top economic adviser warns people to avoid travel to Seattle

Larry Kudlow, head of the National Economic Council, was trying to urge calm across the country amid the spreading coronavirus and warning against drastic measures like quarantines for a virus that’s largely “contained,” saying that overreaction could hurt local economies.

But in an interview on CNBC Friday, the president’s chief economic adviser also ended up warning against travel to Seattle.

“With respect to Seattle, that would be a place you would avoid for now,” Kudlow said.

A few hours later, Governor Inslee was asked whether he agreed with that recommendation after he wrapped a meeting with leaders and health officials in Snohomish County.

“I would certainly not make that recommendation,” Inslee said. “I believe that at the moment, I would be perfectly confident if a loved one wanted to come visit me in Seattle. I would not have any qualms about that.”

However, Inslee noted that could change.

“We have to realize these things can change, they are fluid,” Inslee said. “We evaluate this every single day but as of today, no, I would not recommend against coming to Seattle.”

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued her own statement on Friday:

“Just yesterday, I told Vice President Pence that one of the most important things the federal government can do for Seattle is to keep our small businesses and workers at the forefront of our assistance and relief. I wholeheartedly appreciated his stated commitment in promising relief. Our residents and businesses expect local, state, and federal government agencies to work together to solve this challenging and evolving global public health crisis.

“The City of Seattle, King County, Washington State, and public health officials are taking thoughtful and precautionary steps to stop the spread of the virus. We rely on our federal partners for the steadfast support every American deserves. This administration is name-calling and making inaccurate off-the-cuff comments – it’s simply irresponsible and has serious consequences for our residents and businesses.

“Our response should embrace science. Actions like this have the potential to devastate our local economy, which relies in part on our tourism and hospitality industry. Instead of public health and economic support, irresponsible comments hurt our local economy, cause our businesses to shutter, and jobs to be lost. So many of these businesses are family-owned and are already skating on a thin profit margin. My office immediately called the administration, urging all parts of this administration to speak with one voice on this emerging public health emergency.

“To our small businesses and our hospitality industry: Know that the City of Seattle stands with you and we will continue to support you during this time. As we speak, my administration is looking into every tool and resource at our disposal to help support you during this challenging time. Our small businesses are the economic workhorses of America, particularly in Seattle, where small businesses make up 95 percent of Seattle establishments and provide nearly 200,000 jobs.”

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