County Increases COVID-19 Testing Capacity

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – More Sedgwick County residents can be tested for COVID-19 through the Sedgwick County Health Department.

The criteria for testing have been revised. Residents can be tested if they have a fever and at least two other symptoms of COVID-19. There are no restrictions on age or underlying condition.

The Health Department drive-through location can now sample more than 100 people per day.

Residents with symptoms who want to be tested should dial 2-1-1 United Way of the Plains to be screened for sampling and subsequently scheduled for an appointment by the Health Department.

“We have seen a decrease in the amount of calls coming in to 2-1-1 related to COVID-19 sampling,” said Health Director Adrienne Byrne. “It is important for residents to either call a medical provider or 2-1-1 to be tested for COVID-19 if they are symptomatic.”

Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports that as of today, April 15, more than 1,400 Sedgwick County residents have been tested for COVID-19 and the Health Department has sampled more than 270 residents.

Previously, testing capability has been limited due to strict testing criteria and a lack of swabs. There is still a shortage of swabs, and the County is exploring all options to increase their sampling capacity.

Besides fever, other symptoms of COVID-19 include chills, rigors (shivering), myalgia (muscle pain), malaise (tiredness), headache, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, and lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing).

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