The Cherokee County Health Department is offering antibody testing for COVID-19, but it’s only for individuals wondering if they had the virus to have peace of mind, Health Director David Badger said.
There’s no diagnostic value in the tests for the health department, and the results of testing will not be reported.
“It’s not something that’s overly important,” Badger said.
However, from a epidemiology standpoint, he said it could have long-term value in determining the percentage of the public that had the virus. He added there is still a lot of uncertainty about the virus, and testing could help the medical community find answers.
The county has IgG antibody tests. These tests may show negative results in a person who is infected, so the test is for anyone
who suspects they had the virus three or more weeks ago.
He knows there are a lot of people who thought they may have had it – even in February – and the antibody will help with that level of uncertainty.
The health department started offering antibody testing Wednesday. Those interested may walk in to the health department from 7-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, as well as from 7-11:30 a.m. Friday. Tests are $70 each.
Badger did not know exactly how many people had gotten tested for antibodies, but said a few people came in by Friday.
Meanwhile, Smokey Mountain Urgent Care in Andrews is offering drive-through COVID-19 mass testing clinics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. No appointment is needed, and this testing is for both those experiencing symptoms and those not experiencing symptoms.
Badger said the idea for the testing came out of discussions he had been having with local providers.
“I’m really thankful and encouraged that they’re doing that,” he said.
Badger asked that as
Phase 2 opens more public spaces that local residents remain vigilant to protect those in the population who are more vulnerable to the virus.
Local residents are reminded to continue practicing measures to prevent spreading the virus, like using good hygiene habits, staying home if sick and social distancing. In public places where social distancing is difficult, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends wearing a cloth face covering. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of another person for 10 minutes or more.
Since March, the health department has reported 30 positive tests of COVID-19, including two who were residents of another state. Only one person has died after testing positive, and 26 have recovered. More than 1,200 people have been tested in the county.
As of Friday, North Carolina had 23,964 positive cases of COVID-19 and 754 deaths related to the virus since the beginning of March. More than 14,954 of those cases are presumed to be recovered.
The state does not take recoveries away from its total cases as it does deaths, and more than 344,690 North Carolinians have been tested for the virus.
Anyone who becomes sick with a respiratory-type illness is asked to contact their primary care provider or the health department to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19.
According to the CDC, symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell.
Antibody testing, mass testing available
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