Local COVID-19 tests continue
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 13, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com
Alberta Health says while there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Medicine Hat, testing continues and includes a drive-through option and even in-home testing.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive have been advised to call Health Link 811. The volume of call to Health Link has increased by 50 per cent in last couple of days and people are asked to be patient if the call volume requires waiting.
For those who are advised by Health Link to be tested for COVID-19, a connection is made with health officials locally.
A spokesperson for the Chief Medical Officer of Health says public health officials then “coordinate swabbing in a drive-through manner at local public health locations”.
“When needed, there is an arrangement for in-home testing for individuals who are unable to travel to a public health office.”
The only time COVID-19 would be carried out at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, the spokesperson said, is if there is a patient already there who needs testing.
About 2,600 COVID tests have been carried out in Alberta so far. The office for the MOH declined to say how many people have been tested in Medicine Hat.
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So why the big secret about how many people have been tested in Medicine Hat? All other locations will give this information, why not here. I personally would like to know how many people are sick enough to feel they need testing because no doubt some will come back with positive results…..will we be given that important information?!
Not all people being tested are sick. Some may have returned from travels, and want to avoid a two week isolation.asthecrowsqualks
Hey goat scream, why not read what I said.
I’m well aware not everyone tested is sick, my question is why are we the only area declining to give the number of people being tested, it’s all part of keeping people informed.
So, instead of your petty little riff on my user name, why not read the initial article, then my response, then grow up and take this situation seriously.