More details released on COVID-19 testing site being opened in Jasper
Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver announced a partnership with OptumServe Health Services to expand COVID-19 testing in Indiana.
Starting next week, Optum will open 20 testing sites in Indiana National Guard armories across the state, including Jasper. Each site will be open for at least 8 hours a day, Monday-Friday.
According to Dr. Weaver, no one will be charged for the testing and having insurance is not a requirement. However, if you do have private health care insurance, you are asked to bring that to the testing site.
Widespread testing would allow us to better track infections and isolate sick people and monitor the spread of the virus. Testing is a key part of the strategy to reopen the country and loosen social distancing rules. Dubois County Health Department
Optum is providing its own supplies, PPE, testing kits, staffing and lab, which the state health department says will increase Indiana’s overall testing capacity. Optum will collect the swabs, manage the testing and report the data to the state. This testing will provide a more complete picture of the spread of the virus.
Widespread testing would allow us to better track infections and isolate sick people and monitor the spread of the virus. Testing is a key part of the strategy to reopen the country and loosen social distancing rules.
Dubois County Health Department will not be involved with the direct operations of OptumServe’s clinics. Dubois County Health Department will receive the positive case results of Dubois County residents and will continue to work with the ISDH and local officials to ensure that contacts of the patients are identified and monitored.
We advise the public to look for more information from Optum Serve on when the testing site scheduled in Jasper, IN will open.
Who can get tested?
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box is issuing a standing order for the test for any Hoosier who has COVID-19 symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, cough, etc. No visit to a health care provider will be needed. Additionally, Optum will be testing close contacts to infected persons.
How do I get tested?
All testing will be by appointment only. The registration portal will be open 48 hours before testing site opens. You will go to the portal and self-report your symptoms using the online screening tool. If you qualify, an option will appear to register for an appointment date and time. A call-in option will available as well.
How soon will the results come back?
People can expect to get the results within 48 hours. Optum will send a text or email to the patient if the test is negative. A phone call will be given if there is a positive test result.
