(BEDFORD) – Lawrence County Emergency Management released the following statement regardingCOVID-19:
“Any of us, local officials and community alike, are frustrated in the limited access to COVID-19 testing in Lawrence County,” said Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer. “I’d like to take this time to share our understanding of how the testing works to clear up any confusion.”
- All testing must meet specific conditions determined by the Indiana State Department of Health.
- If a test meets the conditions for COVID-19, they are sent to the State Laboratory. If a person or the test does not meet the conditions set forth by ISDH, it will NOT be tested for COVID-19.
- Local hospitals are responsible for screening for the conditions and collecting swabs but are unable to actually test for COVID-19 in their labs. Please understand that this is not a failure of our local hospitals or health departments. The State Laboratory is the only place that is conducting the tests.
- We have been told that testing supplies and tests are limited nationwide and could be a reason for the strict testing conditions.
- At this time swabs are only being taking on individuals who meet the conditions set testing by ISDH.
“Our local medical professionals are working hard to adapt to these protocols put in place by the ISDH and are just as frustrated as the rest of us,” she added.
You can help slow the spread of COVID-19 by self-isolating if you have symptoms and letting those you’ve come in contact with that they may want to self-isolate as well.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Individuals should do their best to take the proper precautions to not unintentionally spread the virus. You can be asymptomatic and carry the virus and not know it.
“For those of us that appear healthy we should continue to diligently wash our hands and practice social distancing to prevent spread,” she added. “As we learn more about the virus or updated testing abilities, we will pass that information along to the public. Thank you for your patience and precaution during this time.”
