Over the past few weeks, I have received a number of requests for COVID-19 testing for return to college, for patients who have been exposed at outings and are without symptoms, and for a number of other reasons. I have tried to accomodate these requests in the office. However, it turns out that there is again a shortage of tests in the area due to needs elsewhere in the nation.
Rochester Regional Health Labs are no longer able to provide asymptomatic testing for the following indications:
- Close Contacts Close contact with a COVID positive individual (“close contact” meaning less than 6 feet for at least 10 minutes, both parties not masked)
- Quarantine Individuals subject to a mandatory or voluntary quarantine (includes return from travel to restricted states, including RRH employees)
- Other Includes students, faculty or staff returning to schools/colleges/universities, those needing testing for travel to other states, countries etc.
For the above three categories asymptomatic patients should be directed to utilize testing services available at Monroe Community College, or other testing sites at pharmacies and urgent care centers.
I will need to abide by these new criteria and will only be able to test and send for patients who are symptomatic.