I think what happened is the scientists at the CDC were convinced they could “build a better mousetrap” than the Italy and South Korea 98.5% effective tests.
Their search for perfection took time. Whether their mousetrap is now perfect—no clue.
Classic case of the perfect is the enemy of the good.
The WH should have told them to stfu—98.5% is good enough—use the Italian and South Korean tests and use them _now_.
You are much more charitable toward the CDC motives than I am.
Sorry, I was past defending the CDC two weeks ago.
They are either incompetent or involved in a mass conspiracy to kill Americans.