Should I be tested?

As of March 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that testing be prioritized to include:

  1. Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in order to inform decisions related to infection control.

  2. Other symptomatic individuals such as, older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state that may put them at higher risk for (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease).

  3. Any persons including healthcare personnel, who within 14 days of symptom onset had close contact with a suspect or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient, or who have a history of travel from affected geographic areas5 (see below) within 14 days of their symptom onset.

    • “close contact” is defined as:

      • being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case

        – or –

      • having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)

  4. Mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home and contact their physician by phone for guidance about management. Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness.

How to protect yourself and others:

  • First and foremost, rational minds prevail. If you are wondering what to do and where to go, use common sense.

  • If you are sick…stay home! Do not rush to your local Emergency Department or Urgent Care Clinic!

  • Do not hoard stuff…there is no reason to personally empty the aisle/s at your local grocery store, convenience store or “Super Center”.

  • If you have questions, call and/or text us.

  • As always, take good care of yourself! Exercise regularly, eat nutritious, balanced meals, practice stress mitigation techniques, and get a solid 7-9 hours of sleep a night, etc

  • Wash your hands! A lot!

  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose, etc., and get into the habit of washing your hands before eating.

  • If you can, avoid contact with those who are sick or are caring for the sick.

  • The combination of Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea and Elderberry will go a long way.

  • If you are not actively sick (or caring for someone who is), ear-loop/surgical masks are not likely helpful. Healthcare workers will wear masks (and often higher-rated ones than the ear-loop masks), as they have a much higher likelihood of caring for someone with the disease and are prioritizing mitigating the spread to others.

  • Those who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 or those who are being tested for COVID-19 will likely be asked to self-quarantine (currently not mandatory). If your job permits, work from home.