Erie County: COVID-19 test requests do not need to come from a health care provider

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Erie County officials have provided an update on the county's response to COVID-19 Monday.

The county is expanding testing to anyone who is symptomatic. Testing and sample collection will be by appointment only.

Officials are encouraging people to talk to their doctor about how to manage their symptoms.

To help expand and make testing easier, testing requests no longer need to come from a health care provider. Although if you have a primary care provider, the county still urges you to contact them if you are experiencing symptoms.

If you do not have a primary care provider you can call (716) 858-2929 and select option two to initiate the testing process.

Below you can find the expanded public health lab testing criteria.

The symptoms individuals should be aware of are:

• Fever of 100.4 or higher
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Officials said Saturday some with COVID-19 may also experience sweats/chills, extreme exhaustion, as well as loss of sense of smell and taste.

Officials also warn of scams during the COVID-19 pandemic in regards to testing you can find that information below.

You can view the full county update below.