Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box gave a testing update during Friday’s press conference with Governor Eric Holcomb.
She said the first phase of the research study by the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health is now complete.
“A total of 4,611 Hoosiers participated,” stated Dr. Box. “The State Department of Health and our partners managed 70 total testing sites across the state. The turnout time for viral testing was one to two days, and was two to four days for antibody testing. The data is being analyzed and preliminary findings are expected early next week.”
There are 20 testing sites through the state’s large-scale testing program in addition to drive-thru clinics in Plymouth, East Chicago, Lafayette, New Castle, and Seymour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time today. Plymouth will host another site next week.
Dr. Box urges Hoosiers to get tested. It’s free.
Dr. Box commented, “I encourage anyone with symptoms, anyone who lives with someone who has symptoms, people who have been exposed and need a test to go back to work, and those individuals who are high-risk such as individuals who are over 65, people with conditions like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and those members of our minority populations who are at greater risk to come and get tested. If you’re at high-risk, please get tested even if you don’t have symptoms.”
Residents must show proof of residency in order to get a free test, whether it’s a State-issued ID, Driver’s License, work ID, or a utility bill with name and address on it.
Additionally, Dr. Box said the state has received medication that can help patients suffering from COVID-19.
“Remdesivir is an anti-viral medication that received an emergency use authorization from the FDA so that it can be administered to COVID patients with severe illness. This medicine has been used to treat illnesses like MERS and SARS and studies show that it can help shorten the illness or the length of severe cases of COVID-19,” stated Dr. Box.
More information on testing can be found at www.coronavirus.in.gov.
