Allegheny County officials disclose 'bottleneck' in coronavirus testing

There is a “bottleneck” in testing Allegheny County residents for the novel coronavirus because of strict guidelines, Allegheny County health officials said Thursday, at the same time working to quell panic among the public.

There are still no known cases of covid-19 in the county, officials said, noting that because of precautionary requirements, emergency rooms are the only places where testing for the virus can take place.

“We’re not at the point now that we’re testing anybody with a fever and a cough,” said Dr. Kristen Mertz, an epidemiologist with the Allegheny County Health Department. She described the situation as a “slight bottleneck.”

“At present, we don’t think there is a reason (to test everyone),” she continued. “We don’t have a known transmission in the county.”

Those taking samples to test for the virus must wear fitted face masks, face shields, gloves and gowns, Mertz said. Because of the limited number of medical professionals who can collect samples, testing has been limited.

She said testing is being limited to those who have an epidemiological risk – like having traveled to an area with a known outbreak – as well as symptoms.

She declined to say how many Allegheny County residents have been tested, though Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said that as of Thursday, 219 residents across the state had been tested.

“The state just released the number for the state,” Mertz said. “I don’t think any other counties have done that, and we’re kind of following suit.”

She said that two commercial entities — LabCorp and Quest — have begun testing. Anyone with a physician’s prescription can be tested for the virus at commercial labs.

“We do believe that the virus will eventually be seen here, too,” said Dr. Lee Harrison, chair of the county board of health. “We are preparing and prepared for it.”

Locally, he said, the county health department is in charge of the collection of samples, which are then sent to the state health department’s lab. He said results are being returned within 24 hours.

“Testing is not available on demand,” he said.“If a person has symptoms that could be consistent with covid-19, they should contact their health care provider for consultation.”

If someone does not have a primary care doctor, he said, they can contact the health department.

He said those at the highest risk are: people over 60 years old, those who have respiratory or heart conditions or diabetes or those who are otherwise immuno-compromised.

County officials said they are not recommending that large events be cancelled, even though Gov. Tom Wolf earlier in the day encouraged events with 250 attendees or more be postponed.

“I think a lot of people are erring on the side of caution,” Harrison said. “Each organization makes its own decision to a certain extent. I think the key thing is that if you are sick, you should not go into a crowded area. If you are very vulnerable … (you) should not go into large, crowded places.”

Asked if one confirmed case of coronavirus would change the overarching recommendations, Mertz said that it will depend on whether it is a case of community transmission or because the individual was in an area where the virus is prevalent.

“I think a lot of places are acting early because they think they are going to have community transmission,” she said. Because of all the variables, “one case might not necessarily change what we say.”

Dr. Debra Bogen, incoming director of the health department, reiterated that most people are not at an elevated risk.

“In general, this virus — for most people — is a mild illness,” she said. “That’s the good news.”

That said, she stressed, “if you are sick even with mild symptoms, please stay home.”