San Antonio Metro Health Expands Coronavirus Testing To Asymptomatic Individuals

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

May 11, 2020

SAN ANTONIO (May 11, 2020) – Today, San Antonio Metro Health announced the expansion of COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic individuals. Local health care providers, drive-thru locations, and the San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program (MIH) will continue to partner to bring the community accessible testing at no cost, while prioritizing underserved communities.

Previously residents were required to show symptoms of the disease, which included a fever, dry cough, chills, amongst other symptoms of COVID-19. Starting today, individuals will have access to testing even if they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

“We continue to remind the public that COVID-19 testing is a snapshot in time. Just because a person tests negative, it does not mean they have not contracted COVID-19 previously or cannot contact it in the future,” said Dr. Dawn Emerick, Director of Metro Health. “For our residents who are insured, they also have the option to contact their provider to access testing. It is important for the uninsured residents to know they also have access to testing at no charge and have resources to make sure they are healthy and are aware of services that are available in our city.”

The new health alert issued by Metro Health states that clinicians should use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been reported and will be monitored by Metro Health. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing) but some people may present with other symptoms as well. Clinicians are still encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness.

If testing capacity is limited, then testing will be prioritized based on the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), “Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” issued May 4, 2020.

In addition, the City of San Antonio has an online self-screening tool that can be found at www.sanantonio.gov/covid19. This tool does not replace medical care if a person is feeling ill. A healthcare provider should be visited if symptoms worsen or if underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, or heart disease is a factor in the person’s medical history.

To view testing location options, visit the Metro Health website. It is encouraged to make an appointment at most locations. For a designated time please call the COVID-19 hotline for more information at 210-207-5779.

The updated hours of the COVID-19 hotline are:

Monday- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

FOUR WAYS TO SIGN UP FOR COVID-19 ALERTS

1. Download the Ready South Texas app, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores
2. Text COSAGOV to 55000 to receive SMS text message updates
3. Follow @COSAGOV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
4. Bookmark www.SanAntonio.gov

Public service announcements on social distancing, prevention and testing are available here.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.