Rocio Villalobos 
UTRGV – “We have plenty of testing. Our biggest problem is this, this.”
Since COVID-19 testing at UTRGV became available to the public on March 30, the UT-Health RGV clinical staff has been testing more than 50 people a day in both Edinburg and Brownsville.
While contact with the patient is minimal and healthcare workers are wearing personal protective equipment, Senior Director of Clinical Operations for the UTRGV School of Medicine, Dr. Linda Nelson says they are being extremely cautious in their homes.
“We’re shedding our clothes outside, putting them right in the washer and leaving our clothes outside or in the car and then getting in the shower before we touch anyone or talk to anyone at all,” Dr. Nelson said.
People can call 1-833-UTRGVMD to be screened. If their symptoms match coronavirus warning signs set by Centers for Disease Control, which include: fever, coughing and shortness of breath they receive an appointment to go by either campus for drive through testing.
As for students who want to be tested, they must go through their Student Health portal. Results are obtained within 24 hours and Dr. Nelson says they have already seen a few positive cases.
She stresses the importance of taking this virus seriously and following the ordinances set by both Cameron and Hidalgo County, ordering residents to stay home and avoid non-essential activity.
“If we do what we’re told to do, hopefully we will contribute to flattening the curve,” she said. “We’re not there yet, we’re a long way from there. And so it’s something we’ve never seen or had to do or endured before but we have to do it. Each of us has to do our part.”
Since there is not yet a vaccine for COVID-19, Dr. Nelson says only the symptoms can be treated. While awaiting their results, patients are instructed to completely isolate themselves.
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