COVID-19 Screening and Testing FAQ’s
What is Considered Direct Exposure to COVID-19?
People who have been in close contact/direct exposure with someone who has COVID-19 or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
What counts as close contact?
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You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
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You provided care at home to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
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You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
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You shared eating or drinking utensils
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They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
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Steps to Take During Quarantine:
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Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. In certain circumstances quarantine may be shortened to 10 days
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Watch for fever (100.4°F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
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If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19
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When Should Testing Occur?
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Testing should occur 7-days post-exposure
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If a test is performed prior to day 7, re-testing at day 7-10 days is recommended as false negative results are more likely when the test is performed prior to 7 days
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Quarantine may be shortened to 7 days with a negative PCR test.
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Antigen Testing:
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Rapid tests are antigen tests, the COVID-19 equivalents of a rapid strep test
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As with all rapid tests, there’s a balance between speed and accuracy
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The characteristics of the antigen testing technology may infrequently result in a “false positive” in patients without symptoms.
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PCR Testing:
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PCR testing is the most sensitive and specific test available; however no single test is 100% accurate
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How to Get Your Test Results:
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Rapid Antigen Test
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If you receive a rapid antigen test, you MUST STAY at the testing facility to receive your results. If you need a copy of your results, please request one as you wait
PCR Test
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A practitioner will call you with your results
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Quarantine Guidelines
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Positive Test Result & COVID-19 Symptoms:
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The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that quarantine be maintained for at least 10 days after onset of symptoms and at least 24 hours after symptoms are resolved; whichever is longer.
Symptom free is defined by:
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At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
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At least 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms
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Negative PCR Test Results & Possible COVID-19 Symptoms:
You may return to work 24 hours after fever resolution and symptoms are improving
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If you develop loss of taste or smell, repeat testing is recommended.
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During this time, you must quarantine until you receive your results
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Continue to wear a mask for the duration of symptoms.
Negative PCR Test & No Symptoms & Direct Exposure:
Local Health Authority recommends quarantine for 14 days from last exposure if it is deemed a concerning exposure (defined as close contact) unless exempted.
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For household contacts this can be as long as 24 days (10 days’ household member is contagious plus the 14 days to exclude transmission to you).
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Exempted patients may be those considered part of the essential workforce and is decided on a case by case basis.
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CORE HYDRATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDS 14-DAY QUARANTINE FOR ANY PATIENT THAT HAS A DIRECT EXPOSURE TO SOMEONE THAT HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
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Options to Reduce Quarantine for People Without Symptoms –according to the CDC:
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CDC update from 12/2/20 allows quarantine to end sooner; 7 days with negative PCR test:
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On day 10 without testing and no symptoms
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On day 7 after receiving a negative PCR test result
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After stopping quarantine, you should:
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Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure
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If symptoms present immediately quarantine and contact your healthcare provider
Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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