CORONAVIRUS | The White House on Friday blocked Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert and a central figure in the administration's response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), from testifying before Congress, reported Xinhua news agency.

"While the (Donald) Trump Administration continues its whole-of-government response to Covid-19, including safely opening up America again and expediting vaccine development, it is counter-productive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at Congressional hearings," White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement.