RESPONSE GROUP UPDATE ON VALDEZ TESTING
COVID-19 Screening, Sampling & Testing Process
Hello everyone,
We’ve been hearing some rumors and confusion around town such as “so and so went to the doctor and they got sent home even though they had a fever” or “so and so went to the doctor who listened to their lungs, but then sent them home, what’s up with that?”.
So, let’s discuss the COVID-19 screening, sampling and testing process…
First, as of the time of this post, there are 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Alaska. There are *zero* positive cases of COVID-19 in Valdez.
Second, there is a distinct difference between someone who has been tested for COVID-19 and someone who actually has the disease.
Current guidance from CDC and DHSS states those who show symptoms of COVID-19 (fever over 100.4 degrees, cough & shortness of breath) and have either had contact with someone who has COVID-19 or have traveled from one of the areas where COVID-19 transmission is occurring should be considered for testing.
If someone believes they meet the criteria above, they should contact their medical provider for screening. At this time, you cannot request to be tested just because you want to make sure you do not have the disease.
Following screening, the medical provider will determine if the patient should be tested.
The patient’s sample will be collected locally and then be sent off to the lab for testing. There is currently no “rapid testing” available for COVID-19. So samples must be sent to a designated lab *outside* Valdez.
If the patient is sampled for testing, they will be placed in isolation until their results are received. If the patient’s symptoms are life threatening, they will remain in isolation in the hospital. Otherwise they will be isolated at home.
When we do have a positive case in Valdez, our community will be notified as soon as possible and instructions will be provided on what will happen next.
We will not release personal identifying information about any patients for their privacy and we ask that you refrain from gossiping, speculation or stigmatizing. Remember those who receive a COVID-19 diagnosis are people too. Imagine if it was your loved one and treat them with respect and dignity. #BeAGoodNeighbor
In the event we do have a positive case in Valdez, DHSS/EPI and local medical professionals will conduct something called a “contact investigation”. This means they will determine where the patient has been and who they have been in contact with recently to determine who else might be at risk. If you are contacted by DHSS/EPI, please cooperate with the investigation.
Know that our hospital staff and medical providers are well trained and responding with the appropriate levels of care for each individual situation. Please follow their instructions. Trust them to take good care of you and our community.
Our hope is that we are working together to #akFlattenTheCurve. Stay healthy, Valdez.
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