By John Estridge
It is believed antibodies from people who have survived COVID-19 are an important weapon for patients suffering from the virus’ ill effects.
Testing is now available on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a trailer outside the Union County Health Department at the intersection of South and South Main streets in Liberty.
Alvin Day, public health awareness coordinator, told the Union County commissioners about the testing at the commissioners’ meeting Friday morning, June 19.
There is no charge for the testing. This is limited to UC residents. People must call (765) 458-5393 Option One to make an appointment as this is only by appointment. Hours for appointments are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
According to Webmd.com, COVID-19 antibody testing is important for a couple of reasons. If a person is found to have COVID-19 antibodies, then through questionnaires and other methods, researchers can find out much information concerning how the virus affects many people. And how wide spread the virus is. Also, it is believed plasma, from those with the antibodies, will help those who are sickened by the virus to fight off its debilitating symptoms.
The website said the test can be done with a finger prick much like diabetes patients use to check their glucose levels.
Those administering the tests are looking for two separate antibodies:
IgM antibodies, which happen early in an infection.
IgG antibodies, which are more likely to show up later.
It said most people have the IgG antibodies about 14 days after symptoms start. In other viruses, it stays in the blood for long periods of time; however, it is not known how long they stay in the blood with the new coronavirus.
Also, the researchers are trying to determine if those who survive the virus, have immunity from the virus and/or to what amount of immunity.
“Once scientists know who has had the virus, they can find out how sick it makes most people,” according to the website. “And they can study what happens if people who’ve had it come into contact with it again. Along with other scientific information, this can help researchers understand who might be immune to the virus.”
Day was asked about the accuracy of the tests. He did not have a definitive answer, and the website did not either.
“Companies make their own claims about the accuracy of their antibody tests,” according to the website. “Some say it’s up to 100 percent. Government researchers are studying how well the tests are working, but it’s too early to say for sure.”
In other business, the commissioners:
*Discussed the periodic bids for the Community Crossings Grant. This grant program was started by the state legislature several years ago when the same legislators increased the state’s gasoline tax. Money from the tax increase goes to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for the building and upkeep of state highways. INDOT also gives out grants up to $1 million per grant, to counties for the upkeep of county roads and bridges.
Counties have to put up matching funds up to 20 percent of the grant.
Commission President Paul Wiwi updated his fellow commissioners via speakerphone about this year’s Community Crossings Grant application. He said county highway superintendent Jeff Bowers is ready to turn in the grant. It was not known if the state was going to continue the grant program due to the COVID-19 virus and subsequent state-wide quarantine which led to a sharp decrease in fuel consumption within the state.
Wiwi said it is believed the state is going to continue the grant program. Wiwi did not have a list with him of which roads are on the application.
*Wiwi also reported the Gradall is working. It took about $1,000 to fix it this time, and there does not seem to be any oil leaking.
*Wiwi reported the county will receive a nice settlement from the insurance company due to the damage done by straight-line winds to the county’s highway department facilities located off Kitchel Road. The county is talking to some area contractors about fixing the damage.
*A lift is needed to fix the remaining clock high in the courthouse. It needs a new minute hand. There is also a piece of slate hanging off the edge of the roof. Wiwi wanted commissioners to ask the company with the lift if they can take the piece of slate down and look to see if there is any damage on the roof.
Commissioners at the meeting said a roofing company is coming in August to look at the situation.
*Received and signed a grant for UC Public Transportation from executive director Trisha Persinger. She said it is an 18-month grant running from July 1 of this year to Dec. 31, 2021. It doubled the money the public transportation is receiving, she said.
*Heard from commission vice president Tim Williams who said the balance in the county’s Economic Development Fund is slightly more than $36,000. He said there is not much the county can do with $36,000 to promote economic development.
*Talked about a pending contract with American Elevators Inc. of Cincinnati. However, the quote from that company includes an inspection fee, and the inspection has already been completed by Tri-State Elevator. Some buttons within the elevator need to be replaced as they are currently inoperable, commissioners said.
Commissioners want to talk to American Elevators Inc., to see if the quote will be diminished if the company does not have to do the annual inspection, also.
*Agreed to allow a county employee to carryover unused vacation time.
*Approved Debbie Weaver to replace Bev Wiwi on the library board.