Owensboro Health has secured at least 200 rapid COVID-19 tests that are being used for emergency surgeries and procedures, allowing healthcare workers to quickly determine whether a patient has the coronavirus or not.
“In anywhere from about 45 minutes to an hour, we can have results,” said OH Chief Medical Officer Francis DuFrayne.
A positive result on a rapid COVID-19 test will not prevent a patient from getting their emergency procedure, DuFrayne said, but it will prepare those in surgery to take extra precautions.
The hospital has also increased its testing capacity in general, DuFrayne said.
“Testing is the key for this,” he said. “It’s the way we’re really going to limit the spread and control this virus.”
Owensboro Health’s highest number of COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital at one time has been 24 — a far cry from the potential hundreds of patients OH was anticipating in the case of a surge.
DuFrayne commended the general public for these lower-than-expected numbers, acknowledging the community’s sacrifices in practicing social distancing for an extended period of time.
“Here in western Kentucky, the community has done a great job,” he said.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
