In the first of weekly coronavirus updates with Southwest Health System staff, KSJD speaks with Kerri White-Singleton, chief operating officer for the Southwest Medical Group.
Note: Southwest Health System is an underwriter of KSJD.
This week, SHS opened drive-up testing at 1413 N. Mildred Road for people feeling potential flu or COVID-19 symptoms.
First, White-Singleton said, patients are evaluated to see if they meet the criteria for a flu test. If it’s positive, you’re sent home with some information on how to best take care of yourself.
If it returns negative and matches other criteria set by the state, a COVID-19 test is issued — all from your car.
“What has been shown in the research is that if you are positive for flu, it is likely that you are negative for COVID,” White-Singleton said.
White-Singleton also responded to Commissioner Larry Don Suckla’s comment on the uncertainty of whether COVID-19 is already present in Montezuma County.
“We are the sole provider of testing in the county, right now,” she said. “I think that we have met the need of the community in that way. And we will continue to test everyone that meets 100% criteria.”
Hear White-Singleton’s full interview with KSJD below.
Do you have a question about Southwest Health System’s role during the coronavirus pandemic? Email rayzel@ksjd.org.