A shortage of specimen collection kits hurts COVID-19 testing in Manatee, health official says
In the middle of a coronavirus pandemic, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County is struggling to get its hands on the specimen collection kits that help test for the virus.
“Some of the challenges we face are those that you may have heard about in the media,” Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, said at a Friday afternoon press conference. “One particular concern we have at this time is the supply of specimen collection kits and personal protective equipment, such as masks, shields, gowns and gloves.”
According to the Department of Health, Manatee County has only tested 57 patients for the novel coronavirus, as of Friday morning. Ninety-five have been tested in Hillsborough County. In Sarasota County, more than 230 people have been tested for the virus.
Bencie attributed the discrepancy in testing to the size of Sarasota’s hospitals, and urged Manatee residents who experience COVID-19 symptoms to call the local health department hotline at (941) 242-6649 or the state hotline at (866) 779-6121.
“We’re working with all the providers in the community, and if they meet the criteria, they’re tested,” said Bencie. “If you look at the bed capacity in Sarasota Memorial alone, it’s over 800, and our hospitals are not that size.”
Manatee Memorial Hospital has 295 beds, and has tested five patients for COVID-19. Each test has been negative. Sarasota Memorial Hospital has 839 beds, and according to the hospital’s public information officer, the facility has sent in more than 200 tests to state labs.
To address the shortage of kits, Bencie’s staff have filed a request for supplies to the state. The number of specimen collection kits requested was not immediately made available to the Bradenton Herald.
“Everyone needs more testing kits. That’s the rate-limiting step in this entire process. Obviously, the more people we test, the more we will find it,” Bencie explained. “We know there are more people walking around who are asymptomatic.”
Also speaking at the press conference, County Administrator Cheri Coryea thanked residents for listening to orders regarding restaurant and beach closures.
In enforcing those beach closures, Manatee Sheriff Rick Wells said the goal is education, not arrest, for visitors who show up at local beaches.
“We are not out locally on the beaches trying to arrest people who show up and haven’t gotten the message,” said Wells, who also dispelled social media rumor about Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking to issue a “martial law” executive order.
“There has been no discussion of locking residents in their homes, but we need to use common sense and limit out travel throughout the county, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he added. “If it’s groceries or gas or medicine, do what you have to do, and then come back home and shelter in place.”
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 3:42 PM.
