When COVID-19 cases first started appearing across the state, it was a struggle for many sick Hoosiers to obtain coronavirus testing.
Some doctors advised patients experiencing symptoms to stay at home, and to only return if conditions worsened. Testing supplies were low not only in Indiana, but across the country, so only the patients in the worst shape would be offered a test.
In a little over three months, the testing narrative has changed in a big way.
Now, any person in the state — of any age or condition – can get tested if they so please, according to Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box.
On Monday, state officials opened testing sites operated by OptumServe to anyone who wants to get tested for the coronavirus.
The testing site run by OptumServe in Bartholomew County is located at 2160 Arnold St. near Columbus Municipal Airport. Other nearby OptumServe testing sites are located at 550 Miller Lane in Seymour, 325 Minuteman Way in Franklin and 119 E. Railroad St. in Greensburg.
Bartholomew County health officer Dr. Brian Niedbalski said he doesn’t feel healthy people need to get tested, but recommended specific groups consider taking advantage of the free service.
”If someone is interested in knowing, then they should feel free to get tested,” he said. “If you have symptoms of COVID-19, then you still need to get tested. If you are at high risk due to being over the age over of 65, have diabetes, high blood pressure, are obese, or if you are a member of a minority population at increased risk, then you should strongly consider being tested, even without symptoms.”
By opening up testing to people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, health officials should be able to get a better idea of the current numbers of positive cases in the state.
The data will help the state better monitor each county and see if cases are increasing or decreasing, and more doctors will be able to catch infected individuals in the early stages of transmission which will permit more rapid treatment.
Not all states are offering free testing to the general public. While it took longer than hoped, Hoosiers should be grateful for the recent developments.
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Call 888-634-1116 or visit lhi.care/covidtesting to register and schedule a COVID-19 test.
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