State to start random testing of Hoosiers to better know prevalence of COVID-19
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health in Indianapolis is overseeing a study to examine the prevalence of COVID-19 among Hoosiers.
Indiana health commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said in Thursday’s state coronavirus briefing that the study will help determine plans to reopen the state.
Dr. Nir Menachemi, Fairbanks’ endowed chair professor and Health Policy and Management Department chair, said during the briefing that postcards are in the mail and phone calls have begun to Hoosiers. They are being asked to undergo testings for COVID-19 and antibodies from Saturday through Wednesday in the first of four phases in the study.
Indiana will be the first to do such a study. At least 5,000 Hoosiers representative of the state’s population will be tested in each phase. Menachemi said people selected were chosen from state tax filers, “co-tax filers” and their dependents.
Phase 2 will begin about May 23. Phase 3 will be in October. Phase 4 will be in April 2021.
Menachemi said once the data is back, which should be in less than a week, the study will have results to share in about three days to share with the state.
Box said Hoosiers selected for the study represent various demographics, including race and locations throughout Indiana. She asked those chosen to please participate.
The study will determine the prevalence of COVID-19 and help determine a true count of cases, which is not currently available in any state. With the numbers, Indiana government leaders can determine the resources needed to stay abreast of the virus spread.
Menachemi said the current testing information is from people who are high-risk. What the state doesn’t know is how bad each community in the state is infected. With the numbers now, it seems the state is only looking at the tip of the iceberg.
Box said test samples will be taken at eight fixed drive-thru sites and 10 mobile recreational vehicle sites. Community partners are also providing testing sites. Those sites include seven Ivy Tech Community College campuses, 46 Walmart stores, Teachers’ Treasures in Indianapolis, Health Beginnings in Elkhart, Ascension St. Vincent and Parkview Health, according to a graphic from the state. The eight fixed drive-thrus will be in Allen, Porter, Hamilton, Delaware, Johnson, Vigo and Dubois counties.
Box said nasal swab specimens and blood draws will be taken. Unfortunately, those people not chosen will not be able to be tested in these study locations.
The governor said the state is letting data drive decisions on reopenings. “We’re on the path of getting more and more and more information,” he said.