JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced it will expedite testing and test results for some first responders and other healthcare workers who are on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.
DHSS said the specimens of workers who have had close contact with a suspected COVID-19 patient and is experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath would be processed through the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory.
The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory can provide test results within 24 hours of receiving a specimen, which is a faster rate than the 8-9 days of some commercial labs, according to a press release.
First responders must meet these criteria to be eligible for testing at the state lab:
- Close contact with a suspected COVID-19 patient
- Symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath
Testing is not available for people who are asymptomatic, according to the release.
First responders who meet the criteria can ask their healthcare provider to call the COVID-19 24-hour hotline at 877-435-8411 to request testing.
More Coronavirus Coverage
- 'Red-alert concerned' | Advocates worry about domestic violence survivors during stay-at-home orders
- Missouri has largest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases, now at 670
- Facts not fear: St. Louis' top coronavirus questions answered
- Everything we know coronavirus in the St. Louis area
- Is social distancing working? And how much longer do we have to do it?
- These St. Louis businesses are offering deals for essential workers