Now that the private sector is involved in developing coronavirus testing, there will be a "major escalation" of getting tests out to people who want them, but still, the CDC's system of testing is not working for the current epidemic situation, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said Friday.
"The CDC, when they made their test, it was more for a public health type of response, where they give this test to the state and local public health groups, so when a person comes into an office or the doctor, they order a test," Fauci told Fox News' "Fox and Friends."
That system has worked well in other situations, but when a much more broad display of tests are needed, the public sector must become involved.
However, he said he believes people are putting "too much emphasis on testing."
"It definitely would be much better to have a lot more tests out there," he said. "What we need to do is respond right now…(testing) should not prevent us from doing the things that would prevent from you getting infected."
He also stressed the importance of social distancing, but added that there is no need for everyone to cancel air travel.
"If you are an otherwise healthy young person and you have a trip that you need to make, make it," he said. "If you are an elderly person who is well, think about whether you really want to do it. If you are an elderly person and you have an underlying condition, whether that be heart failure, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, stay away from unnecessary travel, and for sure don't go on a cruise."
Meanwhile, it can't be known how long it will be before the numbers have peaked and gone back down, Fauci said, but he thinks four or five weeks is "probably a good guess."
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