Dr Anthony Fauci says Donald Trump did not ask for coronavirus testing to be slowed down

America's top infectious diseases expert said he was not asked by Donald Trump to slow down coronavirus testing.

Dr Anthony Fauci also told Congress he was seeing a "disturbing surge" of infections in a number of states including Texas, Florida and Arizona.

He said one reason infections were rising in those states was an increase in community spread.

"Right now the next couple of weeks are going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and other states," he said.

At the weekend Mr Trump said that testing was a "double-edged sword."

The president has repeatedly said better US testing has led to a higher number of identified coronavirus cases across the country.

In a rally in Oklahoma on Saturday Mr Trump said he had asked for a slowdown in testing.

The White House made clear on Monday that no such request was made.

Dr Fauci, giving evidence to a congressional committee, said: "None of us have ever been told to slow down on testing. In fact, we will be doing more testing."

US health officials last week warned that states seeing a spike in cases may need to reimpose strict restrictions similar to what was implemented in March.

Dr Fauci led a witness panel that stressed it was difficult to predict how long coronavirus will remain a threat.

In joint prepared testimony they said: "While it remains unclear how long the pandemic will last, COVID-19 activity will likely continue for some time. These challenges are many, and they are historic."

Dr Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the pace of vaccine testing, which could lead to one being in use by the end of the year.