Louisiana Department of Health discovers the state’s first presumptive-positive case of coronavirus. A Jefferson Parish resident is currently being treated in Orleans Parish. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says someone who experiences symptoms would first need to call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing. If they do, special accommodations will be made.
“They are going to put you in a room by yourself so that you are not with other people. And then the people doing the test, the doctors and nurses, have specific instructions on how to conduct that test while wearing personal protective equipment,” said Welch.
Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.
“It’s probably unlikely that somebody both had the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. So if we know that is not the flu and we move forward with the COVID-19 test, it’s going to take about 24-48 hours to get that answer at the soonest,” said Welch.
While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.
Welch says LDH is working with all insurers within the state, including Medicaid, to make sure the test is covered. As far as uninsured individuals, LDH is working with the federal government to try and make sure that cost is not a hurdle in getting tested.
“Certainly, that is the suggestion by many of the politicians and other people on TV suggesting that they will not be charged for a COVID-19 test. I certainly hope that comes true but I haven’t seen it in writing yet,” said Welch.
The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana, 14 came back negative and one is positive. It still must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
