First Results of COVID-19 Blood Tests Announced

01 Apr First Results of COVID-19 Blood Tests Announced

San Miguel County Public Health officials announced today that less than 1 percent of the COVID-19 blood tests collected last Thursday and Friday were positive for antibodies. 97 percent of these groups tested negative.

Positive results on the first test indicate the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in the blood. This means that the individual has been exposed to COVID-19 and may or may not have ever experienced symptoms.

Another 2 percent, although technically considered negative, were “indeterminate,” showing a high-signal flash meaning they have an increased chance of converting to positive.

County Public Health received the results this morning. All of the individuals who tested positive or indeterminate were called by Public Health Officials today, advised of the results and given direction.

Positive and borderline results were told to self-isolate and household members to quarantine for 14 days from the date of testing.

Dr. Sharon Grundy, County Medical Officer said, “These results should alert people that this virus is here. We need to take our public health directives seriously and shelter in place and practice physical distancing.”

Combining the 645 first responders, healthcare providers and their families who were tested earlier with these new results, less than 2 percent are positive or indeterminate and 98 percent are negative.

Dr. Diana Koelliker, Deputy Medical Officer said, “The course of this pandemic is very much in the hands of our community. Your behavior will steer its trajectory.”