DOVER, Del.- Twelve people who were initially told they were negative for COVID-19 after being tested in Sussex County actually tested positive for the coronavirus.
The error occurred when Delaware, through its association with the Walgreens pharmacy chain, collected 2,971 samples at established driving test sites across the state. The 12 samples in question were collected statewide, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
“In the process of delivering results, 12 people who tested positive for COVID-19 inadvertently received negative results over the phone due to an internal error in the DPH system, however, all correct laboratory reports were reported to our surveillance and were appropriately included in the state test numbers and contact location system, “said DPH spokeswoman Jen Brestel.
Since realizing the error, DPH has contacted all those whose test results were incorrect and all results collected through Walgreens’ collection sites have been reviewed again, according to Brestel.
“Patients with negative results were not given incorrect results. The problem was identified and improvements to the internal system have eliminated the possibility of this happening again. In addition, DPH continues to work with its provider to establish automatic delivery of results, “he said.
DPH said the problem did not originate from the Walgreens test site.
Katey Evans, a Bridgeville business owner, said in a Facebook Live video Thursday that her husband Kevin was among 12 people who received false-negative results. She has been hospitalized after becoming seriously ill after a false report of a negative test, according to Evans.
“Someone has to be responsible for this,” he said in the clip.
Kevin was getting stronger and kept a positive attitude, Katey Evans said in a Facebook post on Friday.
“They have been analyzing all possible infections in the sun and keeping a close eye on him, I’m glad they are aware of all this. The oxygen levels are excellent and he is sitting upright and continues to move when he can,” he said.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details as they become available.
