I didn't see anything wrong with the tweets you posted, jim. I see no political capital being made, I see a leader calming the fears of the people by downplaying the virus. Much like our leader did and many others, I'm sure.
The same could be said for the OP.
You made a good point last night;
//The speed with which this virus in moving, and the scale of the responses prompted, is absolutely incredible. It's impossible to keep up. The world is now going to be on hold for months.//
Indeed, I gave you the BA for it. It proves that none of us are blessed with foresight and even a stopped clock is right now and then.