x
Breaking News
More () »

Indiana expands free COVID-19 testing to all who live or work in the state

"This is what we've wanted all along": Local health officials say more testing will guide reopening decisions

CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Indiana has expanded access to coronavirus testing, opening dozens of sites on Monday to anyone who works or lives in the state. 

All sites operated by Optum will now test Hoosiers of any age, no matter whether they are exhibiting symptoms of the virus or not.  

"This is what we've wanted all along," said Clark County Health Officer Eric Yazel. "Being able to test any single person that wants to be tested regardless of their reasons, that's huge for us." 

The Clarksville Community Center is one of the Optum sites that is now offering the free testing. Yazel says that site specifically has the capability to test up to 132 patients a day. 

"The more we test, the more positive cases we will find," said Yazel, adding that it continues to be important to watch the percentage of positive cases rather than the number as a whole. 

"That's been a steady gradual decline over the last 6-8 weeks," said Yazel. Even as we've reopened we've seen our percentage of people testing positive go pretty steadily down." 

Now as reopening continues Yazel says this access to testing will help give context to guide decisions. 

"Sports are going to start up again, schools opening and things like that so having that wealth of information is huge for us as we start to make those decisions," he said. 

Indiana now has more than 200 testing sites. Click here to find more information about sites near you. 

Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out