Good Evening,
Today has been a long but very productive day. We tested a total of 63 people. That is a lot of test and paperwork guys! I am so proud of the people that came through to get tested. We actually ran out of test kits before 1 pm. We came back and did paperwork and entered information into the computer. This kept us at the office late so I will update the actual number of total cases tomorrow. I also subtract the duplicates so you have a more accurate number.
We’d like to thank the high school staff for providing us lunch today. Josh Jones, our environmental health guy, ate his first Pool Room hot dog. He enjoyed it.
The test results could take a little longer due to testing now being opened up all Georgians wishing to be tested. This means more test going through the labs and the labs are likely to get backlogged. I have no control over that. We are receiving a few calls and complaints but that is not going to help the results to get here any faster. Please just be patient. I don’t have the rapid test so I don’t have rapid results. I have what is free and what is available to me. An
We are also not doing negative testing. This means you have already tested positive and want to be tested again to see if you are negative before returning to work. We have seen where people will test positive for several weeks after symptoms have resolved. If you desire this, you may ask your primary care provider for this test to be done. At this time, DPH is not doing it. We ask you to follow our guidance for returning to work and for allowing your workers to return to work. I sent all our latest guidance last week for returning to work. Please refer to that or call our office if you have any questions or concerns.
Another common question is antibody testing. At this time, we are not offering this. LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics have the ability but you have to have a doctor’s order and I have been told it is costly. If you choose to do this please ask about the price before you agree to it. I don’t want you to get stuck with a large lab bill. I would also ask about insurance coverage as well. If we start offering this I will let you all know. I’m curious about the science of it myself…but please be cautious about the money side of it. Don’t assume it’s free or that your insurance will pay for it.
I will update you all tomorrow.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and God Bless,
Cyndi Mercer, RN, PHN
County Nurse Manager
Dooly County Health Department
204 West Union Street
Vienna, Ga. 31092