Fairgrounds Test Site Temporarily Out Of Quick COVID Tests
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Kosciusko County health officials learned of an apparent momentary shortage of quick tests for COVID-19.
The clinic at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds ran out of quick tests but was offering another type that takes three to five days for results.
The clinic run by Bowen Center has seen long lines for tests in the past few weeks, but without the quick tests, there was nobody in line late Wednesday morning.
County Health Officer Dr. William Remington said Wednesday morning that the health department had just been updated on the issue.
Remington said he was still collecting information and was unsure what other facilities had remaining test supplies, but said a recent increase in cases and preparation for the holiday was causing a surge in demand.
In fact, Remington said he was told a shipment was near Kokomo and en route to Kosciusko County.
“We’re not sure when it’s going to land on our door,” he said earlier Wednesday.
He said the health department orders tests about every two weeks.
“The demand is up and the supply chain just didn’t get here quick enough,” Remington said.
Uncertainty over common winter illnesses and a desire by some to be tested before traveling this week likely contributed to the surge in demand, Remington said.
“It’s our understanding it’s a blip,” he said.
Remington said he was sorry for the interruption.