Illinois doesn’t have enough coronavirus tests. That could be affecting the state’s total.
Public health officials continue to report more cases of coronavirus across Illinois each day, but because there remains a shortage of tests, they can’t be sure how widespread the novel virus really is.
As of Sunday, the state of Illinois reported it had tested more than 27,000 people in the state, 4,596 of which were positive. In the metro-east, there were a total of 51 coronavirus cases in southwestern Illinois: 29 cases in St. Clair County, 10 in Madison County, 5 in Clinton County, 4 in Monroe County, 1 in Washington County, and 2 in Randolph County.
Earlier last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state, along with the rest of the nation, was dealing with a shortage of tests that can detect COVID-19.
He complained that the state had been promised thousands in additional testing kits and personal protective equipment from the federal government but had only received a small portion.
Area officials like St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency Director Herb Simmons are concerned that the shortage of tests most likely skews the number of confirmed cases in the county. He said the actual number probably is higher than what the county currently is reporting.
“We know that if there was more testing the numbers would probably go up,” Simmons said. “If you take a look at the number that’s been tested in the county and the number of positives that’s probably one of the reasons our positive isn’t up because we’re not testing as many.
“In a perfect world everybody would be getting tested,” Simmons said. “I personally would like to have more people tested to just make sure but if they don’t have the equipment they can’t do it.”
Who should get tested for coronavirus?
Should you get tested for COVID-19? Not without a doctor’s order.
Symptoms of the virus typically appear within two to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough or shortness of breath.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people experiencing those symptoms should call their doctor or health care provider before taking any further steps.
Those experiencing “emergency warning signs” for COVID-19 should seek medical attention immediately, the CDC says. Those signs include difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or having a bluish color in the lips or face.
In the meantime, the CDC has set forth several “priorities” on who should be tested:
Hospitalized patients and symptomatic health care workers are first in line for testing.
Next in line are patients in long-term care facilities with symptoms, patients 65 or older with symptoms, patients with underlying conditions with symptoms or first-responders with symptoms.
Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms, other individuals who don’t meet the earlier criteria with symptoms and health care workers and first-responders who do not have symptoms are next on the priorities check list.
Many with mild symptoms who are not at risk, maybe turned away or not tested at all. St. Clair County Health Department Emergency Response Coordinator Samantha Bierman said people who are only mildly symptomatic most likely do not need to be tested.
What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms
As for the metro-east, as the virus spreads more health care clinics and hospitals are finding ways to help test or at least help diagnose COVID-19 symptoms.
Hospital Sister Health System Hospitals, which has locations in O’Fallon, Highland and Breese, is offering anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to use its virtual assessment app, Anytime Care, to have their symptoms assessed.
The hospital said in a news release that the virtual assessments are available 24/7 and can help medical providers diagnose possible COVID-19 symptoms along with diagnosing and possibly treating non-emergent health concerns while keeping health care professionals working at area hospitals and patients safe.
“Using Anytime Care helps patients minimize possible exposure to COVID-19 with a virtual visit,” said Melinda Clark, chief executive officer of HSHS Medical Group, in a statement. “Anytime Care providers are equipped to assess patients who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and provide instructions on next steps for the patient’s health and the safety of those around them.”
Anyone concerned about possible COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to visit AnytimeCare.com, download the app or call HSHS at 1-844-391-4747.
Some health clinics in the area are also are testing for COVID-19 if patients have been directed to do so by a doctor. Collinsville’s MedExpress is offering testing for those who meet the CDC-based screening criteria as supplies remain available.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 5:00 AM.