The City of Frankfort and Clinton County are getting the first taste of COVID-19 testing in the area as the Indiana State Department of Health has joined with Optum to create a testing center in the Auxiliary Gymnasium at Frankfort High School.
The first day was Wednesday and saw 135 people get tested according to Clinton County Health Department Director Rodney Wann. Day two saw 139 people get tested.
“I expect them to be here to the end of next week,” said Wann. “I’m trying to get them here to the end of the month. It’s a week-to-week contract right now and it’s numbers driven. I’d like to see 75 to 100 folks a day tested as long as we have the need.”
Currently, half of the Auxiliary Gymnasium is in use for the testing site. There are two separate areas — one for the check-in and the other to administer the test. Wann said individuals should know results within 24 to 48 hours.
The testing criteria is for individuals who are symptomatic for COVID-19 or close contacts or confirmed COVID-19 positive patients when it is imperative that the contact continues to work and/or have close contact with at-risk populations. Tests are available for anyone age 13 and above.
Clinton County Health Inspector Jessica Fearnow said they have had a wide variety of individuals come in for the test.
“We have had a couple of healthcare workers who took the test, we had a couple of very ill looking ones who did not take the test, there are people coming in who are scared and there are those coming in for like a reassurance sort of thing,” said Fearnow.
Fearnow conceded there is a bit of fear factor in this especially when individuals receive a positive test.
“I think what the most intimidating thing is people think they have to stay locked up in their homes, they can’t go anywhere and that’s an incredibly intimidating fact,” said Fearnow. “Obviously, going outside, going for a walk and keeping your social distancing are things that will keep us healthy. We still need to take care of our bodies and being outside is so healthy for us to do.”
The one problem with the COVID-19 is that it is still changing almost daily.
“Signs and symptoms have changed now,” said Wann. “Now, you get folks that will come in and tell you they aren’t really experiencing anything but they haven’t been able to taste or smell anything for a few days or they’re had a loss of appetite. This animal is still evolving.”
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported — ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19: cough, shortness or breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
This is one of three sites in the area where COVID-19 testing is taking place. The other two are at Lebanon High School in Lebanon and at the Kokomo Senior Center in Kokomo. Individuals must have an appointment to get tested. You can register at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1116. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.