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And remember your neighbors

POLK COUNTY—Area residents who are sick may be wondering how to get tested for COVID-19, or the Coronavirus. 

Polk County Health and Human Service Agency Director Joshua Kennedy said people who are sick should call their local healthcare provider first. 

The guidance currently is that healthcare providers will ask a series of questions and if the patient needs to be seen, the healthcare provider will make that determination. 

One of the questions regards any respiratory issues and without respiratory issues or other symptoms, a test for Coronavirus will not be given. Healthcare providers can also rule out other illnesses, such as flu A and B and strep throat. 

Kennedy said county officials and healthcare providers are looking at options with the state so more testing can be done in the area, as well as talking about drive-up options for the future. 

Currently there are systems in South Carolina for drive-up testing and at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville, but none in the immediate area. 

Kennedy stressed that anyone who is sick should first call a healthcare provider. Same with going to the hospital if a person thinks they could have the virus is to call the hospital prior to showing up. 

“The mitigation efforts that are underway are very important so the system is not overwhelmed,” Kennedy said. 

The county is also working with Thermal Belt Outreach as well as local churches to ensure the community is taken care of for all their needs. 

Both Polk County Schools and District One in Spartanburg County are providing food for students. Check with your school system to see where the drop off points for the food are located. 

Kennedy said the county is talking to organizations to make sure people who need food or medicine can get them and that neighbors help neighbors. Local churches are setting up teams of volunteers to go to grocery stores and pharmacies in particular to ensure everyone has supplies.  

“I’m impressed with the people in Polk County,” Kennedy said. 

He said whether it is a snowstorm or other emergency, this community remembers its neighbors.