By Jessica Sharac, James Hernandez, Maria Velasquez, Peter Shin, Feygele JacobsAs coronavirus cases reported in the U.S. surpassed three million cases and several states’ hospitals are strained by a surge in COVID-19 patients, the latest Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA’s) COVID-19 weekly survey summary shows that the number of COVID-19 viral tests conducted by health centers as of July 3rd (167,190) was at its second-highest level since reporting of patient testing began. However, while testing has ramped up, so has average turn-around time for COVID-19 viral test results, with nearly half (47 percent) of health centers reporting average waiting times of four or more days. The number of temporarily closed sites was at its lowest level over 14 weeks of data, at 1,168, or one in ten sites nationwide.The data note is available here.
Key Updates from the Health Center COVID-19 Survey (Week #14): Nearly Half of Community Health Centers Reporting Average Turn-around Times for COVID-19 Viral Test Results of Four Days or More
July 14, 2020