COVID-19 Results Instructions

After getting tested for COVID-19, you will receive your results from pharmacy personnel or the health department. Test results will be shared with you typically within 48-72 hours. This time may take longer depending on when the test arrived at the laboratory and the testing volume.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHILE I WAIT FOR MY RESULT?

  • If you have symptoms or if you have been in close contact with a person who has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, self-isolate to your home.

  • If you live with others, self-isolate in a private room and use a private bathroom if possible.

  • Whoever else lives in your home should also stay at home.

  • Make a list of close contacts you have had from two days before you became sick until you
    isolated. Close contacts are people who have been within 6 feet of you for a period of 10
    minutes or more.

  • Wear a mask when you enter shared living areas. Interact with others as little as possible.

  • If you develop additional symptoms or if your symptoms get worse, notify your healthcare
    provider for instructions.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TEST POSITIVE?

  • Notify your close contacts and let them know they should quarantine at home for 14 days. This includes your family members. They should be tested for COVID-19.

  • When contacted by a public health worker, please answer the call by providing a list of people you have been with for contact tracing.

  • Self-isolate in your home until each of the following conditions are met:

    1. At least 3 days (72 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).

    2. At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Consider taking a new

      test to confirm negative status.

  • If your symptoms get worse or if you require hospitalization, notify your healthcare provider

    immediately and follow instructions about wearing a mask when you arrive at the facility.

  • If you do not need hospitalization, continue to self-isolate at home.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY TEST IS NEGATIVE?

  • If you had a known exposure to a confirmed case, continue to quarantine until 14 days after your exposure.

  • If you were tested but had no known exposure to a confirmed case, and you are symptomatic, you may have another respiratory pathogen that is circulating in the community. Avoid work and group settings until three days after the last day of your respiratory symptoms and fever.