Trump jokes about virus tests for energy CEOs

With the White House stepping up precautions amid the new coronavirus outbreak, US President Donald Trump briefly joked about testing oil company executives attending a meeting with him for the virus.

"Was anybody in here tested for coronavirus?" a reporter asked, "we got the new guidance."

"That's a great question," Trump said.

"Listen, they gave us millions of jobs. If anybody wants to be tested, we'll test you. I want to test the head of Exxon," the president continued.

All visitors to the White House complex already have their temperatures taken when entering the building and if they will be in close proximity to either Trump or US Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump took the new COVID-19 test on Thursday and the White House doctor said results were returned in 15 minutes, which were negative.