Testing for COVID-19

By Louise Dustrude

Testing for COVID-19 in the county is stepping up a bit, as tests slowly become available and as testing labs begin to have more capacity.

As of yesterday the county had reported 14 positive cases and reported that 459 people had been tested. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center reported on April 14 that 92 caregivers had been tested and all were negative for the virus.

Dr. William House and Eventide Health staff are offering increased testing capacity at their location on Airport Center Drive with priority to those with COVID-19 symptoms, but have also been testing asymptomatic essential workers in an effort to evaluate for unknown positive cases.

They have coordinated with almost all local businesses with essential workers including healthcare and will continue those efforts. They have been in close, constant contact with Dr. Frank James, our health officer for the county, who fully supports the effort. They are continuing to evaluate options for antibody testing as these become available.

The test takes just a few minutes, and results are expected to be available two days later.

Call your health care provider if you think you qualify for a test.

The public seems to be following “social distancing” suggestions, with a few glaring exceptions. Grocery store employees are all wearing masks, and customers are now also required to wear masks.

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