As of 12/2020
Who Should Get Tested?
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
- People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.
People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.
When To Get Tested?
If you’re asymptomatic wait 5-7 days to be tested following exposure. If you get tested too soon your results may be inaccurate.
While waiting to get tested, quarantine at home and stay away from others.
What Happens If I Test Positive for COVID-19?
- Follow all instructions from your healthcare provider. You will be asked to self-quarantine for at least 10 days.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek out emergency medical care if you have any of the emergency warning signs: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face
- If you meet all of the below requirements, you may be eligible to have food, prescription medications, and other essentials delivered to you during self-quarantine (call 1-888-349-8323 or visit http://gethelp.dc.gov/ for more information and submit a request for help):
- You or a member of your household has tested positive for COVID-19, been directed by a healthcare provider to quarantine, or is showing symptoms of COVID-19
- No members of your household can go out and get food, hygiene, or pediatric products
- No neighbors or family members can go out and get food, hygiene, or pediatric products for you
- You do not receive assistance procuring food, hygiene, or pediatric products from other providers
- You do not have access to necessary prescription medication
Types of COVID-19 Tests
- Viral Test (PCR test/Rapid Tests)- tests for current COVID-19 infection
- Rapid tests are cheaper and faster, but can be less accurate and are therefore not the gold standard for ruling out COVID-19 infection
- Antibody Test (Serologic Tests)- tests for previous COVID-19 infection, and should not be used to diagnose a current infection
