The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) will introduce weekly community COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients across the region in July. Asymptomatic testing will be available to Tribal beneficiaries in Juneau, and to all community members in other SEARHC communities. The initial testing will start on July 11 and 12 in Juneau, Wrangell and Sitka, and in other communities later in the month.
Expanded community testing is being made possible by a grant from Indian Health Services (IHS). SEARHC will offer free testing on weekends and utilize alternate testing sites in each service community. The testing type will be self-swab nasal collection and staff will be available at the testing sites to instruct and answer questions.
"SEARHC is excited to offer COVID testing to asymptomatic patients in Southeast," said SEARHC Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elliot Bruhl. "Quickly identifying and responding to positive cases in our communities is the most effective way to combat the pandemic. Asymptomatic testing will be a reality in the coming weeks and paint a clear picture of how COVID has penetrated our region."
For more information on SEARHC's pandemic response, including testing guidelines, visit covid19.searhc.org or contact the COVID-19 Hotline at 907.966.8799.
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