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COVID 19 Testing and Exposure Guidelines

by | Jul 13, 2020 | Uncategorized

 COVID-19 exposure & testing

If you are COVID POSITIVE:

  • Need to quarantine at home and try to isolate from family members  UNTIL:
    • 10 days from onset of symptoms AND
    • 3 days fever free  AND
    • Symptoms improving.
  • Check temperature daily and monitor symptoms closely.  Call your primary care doctor if symptoms are worsening.
  • Everyone in family is then considered “EXPOSED TO COVID POSITIVE” and must start their quarantine for 14 days from the last day they had full contact with positive family member, (meaning more than 15 minutes within 6 feet distance).  See below. 

If you were exposed to someone that has tested COVID POSITIVE (with no protection-mask/eyewear)= HIGH RISK

  • You should quarantine at home for 14 days, AND wear a mask at home to protect family.
  • Closely monitor for symptoms, and check daily temps.
  • You should be tested if you develop symptoms or fever.
  • If you want a test with no symptoms, best to wait for 5-8 days after exposure to limit a false negative.  
  • A NEGATIVE TEST DOES NOT SHORTEN YOUR QUARANTINE.  You must still stay home for 14 days.
     

If you were exposed to someone that has tested COVID positive with full protection (eye gear, mask, and limited contact) = LOWER RISK.  (ex: a doctor performing a test)

  • You should continue to closely monitor for symptoms and continue to wear protective equipment and a mask.
  • If you develop symptoms, you should be tested and start quarantine.
     

If you were exposed to someone that “possibly” was exposed to COVID and is awaiting testing:

  • You need to ASSUME you were exposed to someone positive (just as you should be taking precautions while assuming everyone else is positive) and quarantine at home pending those results until you know that that person tested negative.
  • If negative,  then you can return to practice social distance and wearing masks as recommended to general public.  If positive, see above.  

If you develop COVID symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, etc) with NO known exposure:

  • You should call your primary care doctor and be evaluated by a physician.