FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — For the past few weeks we've heard from people complaining about long waits for coronavirus test results.
Medical experts say one of the keys to controlling the spread of coronavirus is testing, but people are becoming very frustrated by the wide range of wait times for the results.
On Thursday, Channel 2′s Carol Sbarge spoke with Ricky Audirsch, of Forsyth County, who had such a long wait that he ended up in the hospital before he got his results.
“I had pneumonia years ago. It felt a lot like that except it was pressing in my chest very bad,” Audirsch said.
He said it took nine days after getting tested to get the results confirming he was positive.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Judge orders Atlanta mayor, governor into mediation over mask mandate
- GBI charges 3 men in deaths of 2 women thrown from Floyd County bridge
- Police identify two men killed at busy shopping center
“I know they’re all extremely busy and they’re working many hours, but I think that was unacceptable,” Audirsch said.
The day before he got his results, he was so sick he went to the hospital. They tested him and had results back in 45 minutes.
No one seems sure when they take a test, how long it will take for the results.
Dr. Audrey Arona, the district health director for Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale counties, said their current wait time for lab results is five to seven days.
“There’s more and more tests. That puts a load on the labs in terms of lab capacity,” Arona said.
She said she's knows it is tough waiting for results but urges those who suspect they have the virus to self-quarantine until they get them.
That is exactly what Audirsch did as he waited for his results. He didn't want to expose anyone but said it was very frustrating being in limbo so long.
“Something needs to be done,” Audirsch said.
This week, the governor announced the state will be partnering with an additional lab to help get results back quicker.
Cox Media Group
