By Sentinel Staff
The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium announced Tuesday that it has stopped free asymptomatic testing for COVID-19.
“The success of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in Southeast communities has given us a clearer picture of how COVID has impacted our region,” Dr. Elliot Bruhl, senior vice president and chief medical officer, announced. “Due to the low incident rate and the high volume of tests, the best way to care for our community coming into flu season is to prioritize symptomatic testing, ensuring testing supplies remain ample and test results can be processed as rapidly as possible.”
A news release said that patients wanting asymptomatic testing for travel or work must cover testing fees with private health insurance plans or pay out of pocket at the time of testing.
In making the announcement, SEARHC said that the consortium is “committed to preparing Southeast communities for a possible winter surge of COVID-19 cases. As of November 2, SEARHC has revised its COVID-19 testing protocols in Sitka to prioritize testing for those showing symptoms of COVID-19, or those who have been in close contact with a positive case.”
The free testing was available through last weekend at a drive-up facility on Japonski Island. The site will remain open for symptomatic or asymptomatic testing, scheduled through the COVID-19 hotline at 966-8799.
The free asymptomatic testing was available through a grant from the Indian Health Service, which allowed SEARHC to test more than 12,500 people since the service started in July.
“Eleven asymptomatic tests resulted in positive cases in Sitka,” SEARHC said. “Due to the quantity of testing, the grant has been exhausted. SEARHC will continue testing frontline healthcare workers and emergency response personnel.”
SEARHC said COVID-19 tests are available to all who meet the symptomatic guidelines - including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
“If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you must provide this information when scheduling, and SEARHC will bill your insurance. You will not have any out-of-pocket charges for symptomatic or close contact testing,” the news release said. “Symptomatic COVID-19 tests are by referral only for community members who meet testing criteria.”
Bruhl said in the announcement: “SEARHC’s highest priority continues to be the health of our patients, staff and communities. ... We want to reassure you that by prioritizing symptomatic testing, we are here to care for you when you need us most. As cases rise in Alaska and the lower 48, we urge everyone to do your part to stay healthy and safe: wear a mask, wash your hands regularly, keep socially distanced and get an annual flu shot.”
The news release said those with symptoms should call their healthcare providers or the COVID-19 hotline 966-8799.
Those needing information on SEARHC’s pandemic response, including testing guidelines, can go to covid19.searhc.org
