Officials at Baystate Medical Center are urging residents not to seek routine covid testing at their Emergency Room. Besides the Omicron Variant and the lack of testing supplies, officials say they are seeing more people try the emergency room for help.
It is an issue that has been apparent through much of the United States.
“During the last couple of weeks, Baystate Health’s emergency departments have seen a dramatic increase in visits from people presenting for COVID-testing that could be done at community sites specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,” said Dr. Andrew Artenstein, Chief Physician Executive and Chief Academic Officer, Baystate Health.
To find a testing location near you, visit mass.gov/GetTested.
People with mild symptoms or who are asymptomatic but who suspect they may have COVID-19, and those seeking testing for travel, should contact their primary care provider or seek out one of the testing sites located on mass.gov/GetTested.
“Going to the ED for non-emergency COVID-19 testing without serious symptoms requiring immediate attention, such as shortness of breath or chest pain which could be symptomatic of COVID-19 or other critical illness, diverts essential, live-saving resources from patients who are experiencing a true emergency,” said Dr. Artenstein.
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