ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. Erie County announced Friday that changes would be made to their testing protocol for COVID-19.<\/p>\n
The epidemiology office will now prioritize COVID-19 testing for:<\/p>\n
People who fall into these categories do not have to have a testing request sent by their heath care provider. They can call (716) 858-2929, and choose option 2 to initiate the testing process.<\/p>\n
Erie County will be scheduling sample collection for individuals suspected to have COVID-19 at sites within Erie County for next week.<\/p>\n
If you fall into these categories and are scheduled for testing, you will be given isolation information when your sample is taken, and you will receive your results by phone.<\/p>\n
The county continues to urge anyone with a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19 to contact their healthcare provider or physician for medical advice and instructions on how to manage their symptoms.<\/p>\n
Kaleida Health is also expanding its testing capability to include other healthcare workers and first responders. <\/p>\n
They say this testing includes testing Catholic Health and Veterans Hospital employees plus Buffalo Fire Department and Buffalo Police Department personnel as well paramedics\/EMTs from AMR Ambulance, Twin City and volunteer fire\/EMS companies. Those who are symptomatic or who believe they need to be tested should also call the Erie County Coronavirus Hotline, (716) 858-2929.<\/p>\n
RELATED: One new COVID-19 death on Friday brings Erie County COVID-19 deaths to 53<\/p>\n
RELATED: More than 125 WNY area healthcare workers have COVID-19 virus<\/p>\n
RELATED: Out of quarantine: Buffalo woman talks about recovering from COVID-19<\/p>\n
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Erie County updates testing protocol to prioritize those connected to health care settings - WGRZ.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. Erie County announced Friday that changes would be made to their testing protocol for COVID-19 Continue reading