Coronavirus tests aren’t meant for everybody. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says you probably don’t need to be tested for Coronavirus. “Testing capacity is limited. It will in all likelihood remain limited.”
Dr. Amy Acton, Director of the Ohio Department of Health said that Coronavirus testing should be limited to those sick enough to be hospitalized and health care workers.
Governor DeWine told Ohioans not to fixate of getting a test. “The vast majority of Ohioans do not need to get tested. If you’re feeling symptoms, act like you have it. Stay home and anyone who lives with you in the home should stay home.” He went on to say that the most heroic or patriotic thing anyone could do is stay home if they are feeling unwell. DeWine emphasized the importance of saving tests for at-risk patients and health care workers.
Dr. Acton agreed with DeWine, saying, “I know it’s a scary thought. But even if you test negative, you might still get it. Even if you test positive, for most of you will just be told to stay at home. ” She said if you have symptoms, assume you have it and stay home treating it like a bad case of the flu with over-the-counter medications. “If you have a sudden onset of worsening symptoms or difficulty breathing, call your doctor or the emergency room.” She advised calling ahead to the emergency room to let them know you are coming in with those symptoms so healthcare workers can take the proper precautions to protect themselves.
Speaking to her fellow medical professionals, Dr. Acton said, “We don’t need the tests to know how to treat people.” She advised hospitals without testing capabilities that they could send tests for at-risk patients and healthcare providers to the Ohio Department of Health for a faster turnaround than private labs.
Governor DeWine added this, “With or without a test, the virus is here. It lives among us. We must be at war with it.” DeWine has already ordered the shutdown of Ohio bars, restaurants, salons, and the BMV.
So far 88 Ohioans have been confirmed to have Coronavirus. In the past 24 hours, 475 people have died in Italy. I put in several calls to the Scioto County Health Department today to ask questions about Coronavirus testing but was told everyone was busy attending meetings. I left messages, but so far, no one has gotten back to me.