SALT LAKE CITY-Friday, United States president Donald Trump and his White House coronavirus task force spoke earlier than usual as they sought to honor Good Friday as part of a key point of The Holy Week.

The first speaker, incidentally, was surgeon general of the United States, Jerome Adams.

With questions circulating about concerning blacks being possibly more susceptible to the coronavirus than other ethnic groups, Adams said he spoke with 400 African-American community leaders.

Based on his surmising, Adams confirmed “we do not think people of color are biologically or genetically predisposed to coronavirus.” However, he continued “they are socially predisposed to coronavirus exposure and to have higher incidence of diseases that increase risks of complications.

Adams cited that black Americans have higher asthma rates than the general population.  However, Adams, who is black, said there is hope as he grew up to be the surgeon general of the United States.

Adams then told blacks, Latinos “and other people of color” to avoid alcohol.

Vice President Mike Pence then spoke citing his optimism that COVID-19 can be overcome as he declared, “there is hope. We’re getting there. We’re making progress.”

Pence lauded food drives and other initiatives that have occurred around the country to help galvanize people during these arduous times.

Pence, an unabashed Christian, quoted the Bible and encouraged Americans, even if they don’t go to Church this weekend, to “continue to support your ministries and all places of worship” and “to continue to give.”

Pence concluded his comments by saying Americans need to “continue to heed the guidelines given by the president,” and to adhere by social distancing regulations.

White House Coronavirus Task Force coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx then addressed the media. She again spoke of “sentinel surveillance” which consists of testing the symptomatic for COVID-19.

She confirmed her beliefs that “antibody tests are essential” in further remarks.

When speaking further of antibody tests potentially being game-changers for the coronavirus, she said “we don’t want to promise it until we have it.”

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci then confirmed that three key components of combating the disease are “identify, isolate and contact trace.” He said that once standards are relaxed nationally, you’re going to see a resurgence of cases, stating “I’d be surprised if we didn’t.”

Trump then answered some questions for several moments. When asked if his de facto May 1 target date for reopening the country is viable, “we don’t want to do anything until we know this country is healthy.”

Trump confirmed that he listens to doctors nationally about everything, confirming “I have tremendous respect for these people.”

Trump mentioned that Americans have to help small businesses and restaurants and spoke of a needed meeting with Chicago-based Boeing.

Speculation has emerged that Florida is planning to reopen schools, something that Utah may do based on discussions Governor Gary Herbert will have with Syd Dickson and Mark Huntsman of the Utah Board of Education.

When asked if he thought this was a good idea for the Sunshine State, Trump responded, “I have confidence in [Florida Governor] Ron DeSantis.”

In citing the Constitution, Trump continued, “I want governors to make decisions without overruling them.”

However, Trump said, he would overrule such things if he deemed it necessary.

Trump also said he is monitoring the decisions made by other nations concerning how they are dealing with COVID-19 because the United States was hit comparatively late to other nations.

He also announced the installation of the “opening our country council.” This will consist of, Trump said, “great business leaders, great doctors. A great group of people.”

He confirmed that “this country was meant to be open and vibrant” and he concluded by saying “the facts [data] are going to determine what I do.”