Less than one percent of El Paso Covid-19 cases come from self-reported tests

EL PASO, Texas -- More El Pasoans are using at-home rapid tests, but less than one percent of new positive Covid-19 cases come from them, according to a city spokesperson.

The test posing somewhat of a challenge for the health department. "This is negligible and therefore does not provide a good data point."

City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza told ABC-7 the numbers reported by the health department are only a smaller snapshot of how many El Pasoans are actually infected with the virus. He added that they already know there are much more cases than what they report. "Plenty more," he said.

This comes as the area is seeing high levels of infection rates, which could continue with the Fourth of July holiday over, travel rates are up, and the school year approaching.

"It's not just the at-home testing, it's (also) the people that don't get tested because they might dismiss their symptoms," Dr. Ocaranza said.

"The at-home testing is a great tool. Don't get me wrong, it's always great because you have a testing readily available. It gives you the opportunity to know whether you're positive and to stay home in isolate." 

The health department does recommend you self-report your positive test. To do click here or visit epstrong.org.