Should Covid-19 Tests be Trusted?
Photo by John Bakator on Unsplash
Recently, the author was tested for covid-19 since he was around his father who tested positive and showed symptoms. On Saturday (11/16), he received an email from the pharmacy (a Lubbock, TX CVS) where he got the test: NEGATIVE. Praise God, he thought.
The next day, Sunday the 17th, the author got a mysterious call from 833-753-0909. The lady on the line said she was with the Texas State Health Department and wanted to inform the author that he had tested positive. Understandably, he was confused and told her that he already got information about his test from the pharmacy. She suddenly became eager to get off the phone. Either she was nervous or embarrassed (or both!).
After searching from online forums, the author found mixed results (see here and here). KRGV reported that the number is a legitimate. It’s also possible that the number is legitimate but that scammers are using a program to mask their real number to pretend to be the Department of Health. Whether this number is a scam or legit, we have some sad conclusions to make. Either this is another example of a lack of responsibility and organization on the part of covid testers (both the pharmacy and the government), or this is more proof of human depravity.
Remember to always be careful when receiving texts, emails, or calls from unknown numbers. The burden of proof is on the caller to verify her identity.
Today, (Monday 11/16), the author called back the number. The woman who answered said that CVS had been reporting incorrect results. “This is isn’t the first clinic to be honest,” she said. Apparently, clinics and pharmacies are reporting the wrong results. Nonetheless, the author’s CVS “MyChart” page still shows that that he is negative.
Recently, Erykah Badu, an American singer-songwriter and actress, came out saying that she tested positive for covid-19 in one nostril but negative in the other. She tweeted, “Was tested for COVID. Same machine. Left nostril positive. Right nostril negative.”
Additionally, Elon Musk claimed he was tested four time in one day at the same location. Two of the results were positive and two were negative. While some people have tried to explain these results, what is clear is that the tests are not precise nor consistent. While helpful, we cannot call something precise if there is continual confusion over the results.
Nonetheless, covid-19 is a real threat. Texas has surpassed one million cases. Cities such as El Paso, Lubbock, and Midland are becoming overwhelmed. The threat of covid-19 is increased by inaccurate testing and clinics reporting the wrong results. This will cause the political arena of covid to become even more polarized.
“Why should I social distance and quarantine when the there’s so much confusion. I need to live my life!” one might say. The other then says, “I need to be extra careful, social distance, and stay indoors because there is so much confusion. I’ve got to do what is necessary to keep myself and others alive!” Both sides, those who are fearful and those who are carefree, will find justification for their views from this data.
Mitchell D. Cochran is from Midland, Texas and is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is currently attending Calvary University for his Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. Mitchell currently resides in Lubbock, Texas with his wife Katherine.
