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On chloroquine, U.S. health officials say it’s possible that doctors might could try the drug to treat coronavirus symptoms if it’s already on the market. Clinical trials are under way.

But the FDA says it wants to study the potential of the drug before recommending its use, in part so that patients and their doctors don’t waste critical time on a drug that might not work.

What to know about coronavirus:

On testing, Fauci said it’s true that not everyone who wants a test can get one.

He said access to tests has improved in recent days noticeably, with the private sector having jumped on board.

But, he added, he continues to hear from people unable to determine if a patient has been infected – a serious problem when trying to mitigate the spread.

“I understand and empathize with the people who rightfully are saying I’m trying to get a test and I can’t,” Fauci said.

A reporter asked: “So is that another way of saying we are not at a point where we are meeting the demand pressure?”

“The answer is yes … We are not there yet because otherwise people would never be calling up saying they can’t get a test,” he said.

Fauci and Trump agreed that people without symptoms don’t need to tested. And Fauci said even without testing, communities can respond to the outbreak by limiting social contact.

“Testing is important. It would be nice to know. And there are certain things you could do” with results, Fauci said. “But let’s not conflate testing with the action we have to take,” which includes social distancing and washing hands.

ABC News’ Benjamin Gittleson, and Stephanie Ebbs contributed to this report.

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