Increasing demand for coronavirus tests in Southern Oregon – KDRV

MEDFORD, Ore. Covid-19 tests are in high demand as Omicron cases surge throughout Southern Oregon. Since more people have needed a test, testing sites requiring appointments must be booked days in advance. While some other sites are able to test people without an appointment, long lines have deterred some locals from going to get tested.

Medical Director for Jackson County Public Health, Dr. Leona OKeefe said, I havent heard yet of delays in the report of the actual result of the test, but I wouldnt surprised if that starts happening soon. As the volume of tests increase, the workload increases and just like everywhere else in our country, theres a shortage of staff which can lead to a delay in the reporting.

Newswatch 12 asked if Jackson County has the staffing necessary to support another clinic and OKeefe said, We have to reach outward for that staffing. Staffing is the main limitation.

Of course, home tests are another option but nationwide again, those are limited and were doing everything we can to get those out there. When theres a shortage in the actual test itself, theres only so much we can do unfortunately.

Siskiyou Community Health Center in Grants Pass is expecting a federal shipment of at home tests to distribute to people who need it, according to Jennifer Johnstun who is a registered nurse and Chief Quality Officer at the health center.

Thats coming but its not here yet, there are other resources in the community also for testing and were doing our very best to get our tests turned around as rapidly as possible. All of our tests are rapid result, but with the number of tests were getting, we try to get those results out within 24 hours.

Siskiyou Community Health Centeroffers both the PCR and Antigen tests. PCR tests detect viral RNA while antigen tests detect specific proteins and provide results in as little as 15 to 45 minutes.

Health officials are recommending seemingly symptomatic people not minimize what they are experiencing to a cold, but rather get tested or quarantine as if it is Covid-19.

Covid-19 Testing Resources:

Jackson County

Jospehine County

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Increasing demand for coronavirus tests in Southern Oregon - KDRV