St. Joseph Health System officials explained who should get tested for COVID-19 and how it’s hospitals are equipped with commercial test kits.
St. Joseph Health System officials estimate a few hundred commercial COVID-19 test results for the greater county are pending. They expect to hear back in 3 to 5 days.
Officials said there are roughly 75 free beds at the Mishawaka hospital location if they are needed as more test results come in. They said the test works by detecting the genes of the virus.
Dr. Genevieve Lankowicz is the chief medical officer at St. Joseph Health System. She said it only makes sense to test people who have fevers, a new or worsening cough, and shortness of breath.
“The test doesn’t tell us if the patient is immune to the virus. It doesn’t tell us if the patient may not get the virus in a week or two days. It’s a snapshot in time that tells us if the patient has the virus right now.”
She said they have several hundred commercial test kits available at all St. Joseph Health System hospitals combined.
Lankowicz emphasized the importance of calling the hospital ahead of time if you have symptoms in order to protect healthcare workers and others.
Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16
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