OBSERVER Photos by Natasha Matteliano County Executive PJ Wendel speaks at the Thursday conference on COVID-19 in Fredonia.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, in his weekly Monday Morning Memo, again addressed the lack of testing that is taking place locally.

“We know many people are anxious to be tested for COVID-19. The reality is that hospitals, physician’s offices, and labs across the state have received only limited testing supplies,” Wendel said. “Because of this national shortage of personal protective equipment, collection swabs, and viral transport media supplies, it is critical that laboratory testing be prioritized for the most at-risk and hospitalized patients.”

“Locally, we have recommended that health care providers save the limited testing resources in Chautauqua County for the sickest people and the people who are most at-risk. Persons with mild to moderate COVID-like symptoms not requiring hospitalization are to be instructed to stay home and call their health care provider for advice. This is safer for patients and health care workers. Testing does not currently change clinical treatment or recommendations about staying home.

“We will keep the public informed of updates as quickly as possible.”

Talk to your health care provider before you visit a clinic or hospital emergency department. It’s critical for all of us to make sure hospitals are seeing only those people who need hospital care.