He is the VP of the USA.
He made a public comment during an interview.
People look to their leaders in times of crisis, etc.
His 'opinion' was based on nonsense not fact. It was a dumb comment in every sense of the word. The US has 300 million people. There are just over 100 confirmed cases. Do the math.
During the daily WH press briefing the press corps (not the big media club) asked about the comments.
The WH Press Officer had to clarify the comments made, b/c apparently the VP cannot make clear statements himself.