TOP doctor Anthony Fauci revealed he has tested negative for coronavirus, as he explained why he himself does not wear a face mask.

The infectious disease expert's revelation came just a day after the White House said all people in close proximity to the President and Vice President would need to be tested for the deadly virus.

7 Dr. Fauci said he tested negative for coronavirus, as he explained why he does not wear a face mask Credit: Getty Images - Getty

7 Fauci said one reason for not wearing a mask is 'in fact the major reason to wear a face mask is to protect you from infecting you' Credit: Alamy Live News

"Why am I not wearing a face mask now? There are a couple of reasons," Fauci responded when a reporter questioned why he doesn't wear the covering at a Sunday press conference.

"One of them is part of the, in fact the major reason to wear a face mask is to protect you from infecting you," he said, as he pointed to people in the gallery of the room.

"I had my test and it's negative," he added.

Just the day before, White House spokesperson Judd Deere announced people "in close proximity" to Donald Trump or Mike Pence "will be administered a COVID-19 test to evaluate for pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers status to limit inadvertent transmission."

Trump took a second coronavirus test last Thursday, once again getting a negative result.

The President was tested the first time after he came into contact with multiple people who tested positive for the virus.

Pence and virus expert Dr. Deborah Birx also have tested negative for COVID-19.

Fauci's revelation came just days after the CDC updated guidelines to recommend everyone wear a face covering in public settings where it is difficult to maintain social distancing measures, and where there is "significant community-based transmission" to help slow virus spread.

Dr. Fauci warned that this will be a "bad week" in America for coronavirus, as he admitted the nation is "struggling to get coronavirus under control."

"I will not say we have it under control, that would be a false statement," he told CBS' Face The Nation.

7 Fauci holds up a sign on social distancing guidelines as Trump stands nearby at a press briefing Credit: Alamy Live News

7 Trump halted Fauci from answering a question about the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 during a press conference Credit: AP:Associated Press

7

As of Monday, U.S. COVID-19 cases surpassed 337,000 in the U.S., with more than 9,600 deaths.

"We are struggling to get it under control and that's the issue that's at hand right now."

He added: "We [have] got to get through this week that's coming up because it is going to be a bad week."

Fauci warned that even if virus cases slow as the curve begins to flatten, death tolls will lag by "one or two weeks more," and the full extent will not be seen until then.

As experts rush to find a treatment and vaccine for COVID-19, Trump halted Fauci at the press conference from answering questions about an anti-malaria drug that is being tested against the virus.

"There are signs that it works on this [coronavirus]," Trump said as he cut off Fauci from answering a question about the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine.

He cited "strong and powerful signs" it worked.

"It’s been around a long time," Trump said.

"I’m not acting as a doctor, I'm saying 'do what you want,' but there some good signs."

"If it doesn’t work, nothing is lost by doing it," he added. "I want to save lives - I don’t wanna be in a lab for the next year-and-a-half.

Trump has touted the anti-malarial drug – combined with azithromycin – as a treatment for COVID-19, as the drugs were given emergency use authorization by the FDA on a compassionate use or trial basis.

7 Pop-up tents were put up in New York's Central Park as part of a temporary field hospital Credit: AP:Associated Press

7 A New Orleans street is pictured empty amid the coronavirus pandemic Credit: AP:Associated Press

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While there is some evidence showing the drug may be beneficial, Fauci – among other experts – however, have been skeptical of the potential use as there is little evidence regarding its full effects as a virus treatment.

One study, published in late March, said data showing the use of hydroxychloroquine and sister drug chloroquine for the coronavirus "are limited and inconclusive."

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