With the state lab being overrun with COVID-19 tests coming in, residents across Daviess County have expressed frustration with the time it’s taking to receive their test results. Doctors with Owensboro Health said that while the system isn’t perfect yet, things have improved with testing at the state level.
Early last week, Owensboro Health had tested more than 50 people for COVID-19, and that number has increased each day. Francis DuFrayne, chief medical officer with Owensboro Health, said 5-6 percent of those tested have come back COVID-19 positive.
Testing is still going well, DuFrayne said, but in the beginning Owensboro Health did notice a longer turnaround period than they would have liked. Since then, things have improved, DuFrayne said, and they should continue to improve.
“The labs are gearing up and getting better at it,” he said. “They were overwhelmed by the volume. They’re used to doing 20 tests a day, and then they were suddenly doing 200 tests a day.”
Right now, Owensboro Health is preparing for a surge at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital that could result in hundreds of patients being admitted at once. With OHRH serving about 14 counties during the COVID-19 pandemic, it won’t just be Daviess County residents being admitted to there.
The labs are preparing for that surge as well, DuFrayne said.
Even though the majority of those tested for COVID-19 have received negative results, the 33 patients who’ve tested positive in Daviess County are proof that the community spread is happening.
Vice President of Medical Affairs Michael Kelley is asking the community to continue abiding by CDC recommendations of social distancing, avoiding large groups, hand washing and staying at home during this time.
“Don’t give up, don’t go out,” Kelley said. “We’re seeing a bit of that drift [of more people leaving the house], but continue to do the same things you’ve been doing to avoid spreading COVID-19.”
—–
Click here for all of our coronavirus coverage.
The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
