PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota health officials say the state has the ability to test about 900 people for the coronavirus.
To date, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have surfaced in South Dakota. The Department of Health says it tested five people so far and all were negative.
Department spokesman Derrick Haskins said the state has about 1900 tests for the virus. And since an individual would need to undergo a minimum of two of the tests, including an oral and a nasal swab, the state can test about 900 people.
Anyone who suspects they have been infected should contact their healthcare provider by phone before going to a hospital or clinic, Haskins said.
And since the flu is also circulating, not everyone with respiratory symptoms should be tested, according to the Argus Leader.
Whether a test is ordered depends on several factors, including a patient’s travel history, whether they’ve been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 and their risk for a severe infection, according to health officials.
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