COVID-19 surge leads to increase in testing demands

Like other health systems across the nation, Mercy Health — Lorain is experiencing increased patient volumes and a higher demand for coronavirus testing due to the pandemic.

The arrival of autumn marks the beginning of cold and flu season when cooler temperatures make it easier for bacteria and viruses to grow and replicate, said a news release.

The weather also keeps people indoors more, making it easier for those germs to spread.

However, many of the symptoms for these annual fall ailments can overlap with that of the COVID-19 virus, making testing an important tool of distinction, the release said.

Mercy Health — Lorain provides several avenues for patients seeking a COVID-19 test, including walkin clinics in six locations.

The clinics are open seven days a week, and in addition to testing, providers at these locations offer both in-person and virtual visits to safely screen, isolate and care for patients who only may experience mild symptoms.

Mercy Health patients can schedule a testing appointment using MyChart without seeing a provider.

Meanwhile, those who already are not patients can set up a virtual visit to see a Mercy Health provider that can order the test for you, the release said.

Anyone experiencing more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain or pressure should seek immediate care.

Mercy Health emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, and testing is available. However, the wait times for those with minor symptoms may be longer than average.

Mercy Health — Lorain continues to encourage prevention methods such as masking, social distancing, frequent handwashing and vaccination, as these are the most effective ways to curb the spread of this virus.