Sen. Raatz: COVID-19 Testing In Our Communities

There are multiple testing sites available in southeastern Indiana.

As our state continues to combat the spread of COVID-19, it is vital we continue to practice healthy habits.

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) advises you call your health care provider for medical advice. If you don't have a medical appointment, call your doctor's office or emergency department and tell them you may have COVID-19. Calling ahead will best prepare the doctor's office or emergency department for your arrival and will give the necessary time needed to protect other patients.

The ISDH recently updated their testing guidelines to include:

• Anyone admitted to the hospital whose physician is concerned their symptoms are consistent with COVID-19;
   
• Symptomatic health care workers (inpatient, outpatient, nursing home and other long-term service facilities) and first responders who provide direct care to at-risk patients;
   
• Symptomatic long-term care facility residents or staff who have direct contact with patients;
   
• Persons experiencing homelessness;
   
• Patients who expire with suspected COVID-19 symptoms;
   
• Patients and staff at correctional facilities;
   
• Patients age 65 and older with symptoms consistent with COVID-19; and
   
• Patients with underlying health conditions, including lung or heart disease who have symptoms of COVID-19, or who are immunocompromised, obese or pregnant.
   

The ISDH has announced more than 170 testing sites are available across the state, with more expected to open in the coming weeks. To date, there is one testing site in Dearborn County, one testing site in Fayette County, one testing site in Randolph County and four testing sites in Wayne County.

If you wish to be tested at one of the seven testing sites in our district, please note that registration for testing at an ISDH/Optum site is required and can be completed online at lhi.care/covidtesting or by phone at 888-634-1116. Hoosiers will not be charged for that testing, and insurance is not required. A proof of residency is required.

While there isn't a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 at this time, ISDH officials recommend Hoosiers take the following preventative measures: wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are sick and disinfect high-touch surfaces.

I encourage you to stay up to date on the latest information by checking credible sources of information, including the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus and the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

For updated testing sites nearest you, visit in.gov/coronavirus and click on “COVID-19 Testing Information” at the top of the page.

Should you have any questions about COVID-19, or suspect you have contracted COVID-19, please contact the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125. If you have questions about unemployment benefits, first visit unemployment.in.gov, then contact the Department of Workforce Development at 800-457-8283. You can also visit our website at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/covid-19.