SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sanford Health is experiencing high volumes of inquiries from people seeking guidance on COVID-19 testing.
Sanford Health is currently administering record numbers of COVID-19 tests, averaging 5,500 COVID-19 tests per day across our network. This high demand, matched with supply issues and staffing, is causing an increased turnaround time for test results. Our central laboratory in Sioux Falls is running 24/7 to keep up with the demand.
Sanford Health asks that you don’t go to the emergency room for COVID-19 testing.
At-home testing is an option for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. At-home COVID-19 tests can be purchased at many drug stores and pharmacies.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but have no symptoms, unvaccinated individuals should quarantine. All people, vaccinated or not, should get tested five days after known exposure.
If you have symptoms, please test for COVID-19 right away. At-home tests available today are very reliable at detecting COVID-19 when symptoms are present.
If your at-home test is positive, there is no need to retest elsewhere. Inform your doctor and any close contacts of your positive test result and then follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocol for isolation. If your at-home test is negative when symptoms are present, you likely have another illness, such as a cold or influenza. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms worsen.
If you develop symptoms that are worrisome after a positive COVID-19 test, contact your health care provider. Sanford patients can schedule an E-visit through My Sanford Chart or by calling My Sanford Nurse at (605) 333-4444. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or other potentially life-threatening problems, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.
Doing your part by staying home if you are sick, wearing a mask when around others, getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster when eligible, will protect yourself and others while also slowing the spread of the virus. You can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment through My Sanford Chart or by calling (877) 701-0779.
(Sanford Health contributed this report/news release.)
