The federal guidelines on coronavirus testing underwent an unexpected overhaul earlier this week citing pressure from the higher ranks of the administration. This piece of information comes from a federal health official who was involved in the process.

"It's coming from the top down," the federal health official who was part of the process told CNN. Interestingly, a key member of the White House coronavirus task force was not present in the meeting when the newfangled guidelines were reviewed.

The official attributed the newly introduced changes from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to pressure from top members of the Trump administration, while White House coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci attributed his surgery to failing to attend task force meeting on Aug. 20, when the updated guidelines were discussed.

Fauci told CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta that he was under anesthesia in the operating room while other members of the task force discussed the new testing recommendations. He raised concerns regarding the new recommendations that downplays asymptomatic spread, noting that it matter of great concern.

The new guidelines imply that people who do not show the symptoms probably do not need to get tested, even if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC initially said viral testing was necessary for people who have been in contact with an infected person despite showing no symptoms.

CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield attributed the changes to updated recommendations provided by the White House coronavirus task force. In his statement, Redfield explained that the new guidelines are in line with the task force, have been given the utmost attention, and have been made based on inputs from task force experts.

The CDC will be deviating its focus to testing people with symptomatic illness and those who have been significantly exposed to the virus, and vulnerable populations such as care facilities, nursing homes, critical infrastructure staff, healthcare workers and front liners, along with individuals who may be asymptomatic "when prioritized by medical and public health officials." A spokesperson for the CDC directed all questions to the HHS (Department of Health and Human Services).

HHS Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir said the guidance has been updated based on the latest evidence and most effective public health practices, and to urge people across the United States to use CDC-approved prevention strategies in a bid to protect them from the deadly virus. HHS did not divulge details about the change in current evidence that led to the updated changes.