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Tracking the silent carriers of COVID-19

Posted at 11:34 PM, Apr 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-28 23:39:42-04

INDIANAPOLIS – Marion County residents have stepped up to help the IU School of Medicine with a study to see how far COVID-19 has spread in our community.

The project is called "Tracking Asymptomatic COVID-19 Through Indianapolis Communities," or TACTIC for short.

"The interest at this point has been outstanding," Dr. James Wood said.

Wood said he and his team were met with overwhelming response when they asked for volunteers to take part in the study.

"We're hoping to be able to continue to enroll more people as we move on but right now, we're at capacity,” Wood said.

Wood hopes the TACTIC study creates a better picture of how widespread the virus is by identifying silent carriers.

At the beginning of this week, test kits were prepped and delivered to the front porches of study participants like Hayley Trussell.

Trussell wanted to participate to make a difference by providing researchers with sound data to better understand the virus.

Sue Stewart is another participant.

"I can't cure the common cold,” Stewart said. “I can't cure this, but I can maybe help someone avoid this."

Although this study is full, Wood said you should be on the lookout for future research projects related to COVID-19.

"We're looking for folks and if they're interested, we'll definitely get their contact information and be in touch,” he said.

Nobody who participated in the study has tested positive for COVID-19.