COVID-19 Community Resources

If you suspect that you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, you can use the following protocols to determine if you should be tested. These recommendations are based on guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local health departments.

The CDC has a Self-Checker tool that individuals can use to help them determine if they need to seek testing for COVID-19.

Are you severely ill?
You should seek testing and treatment for COVID-19 immediately if you start to experience any of the following emergency warning signs:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
If you have other symptoms that are severe or concerning, you should also consult a medical provider immediately.

However, if you are not experiencing severe symptoms, you may not need to get tested. The questions below will help you determine the necessity of testing for COVID-19.

Have you been exposed to the coronavirus?
Generally, exposure to the coronavirus comes from having close contact with an infected individual. Close contact includes the following:

Living with someone who is sick with COVID-19
Caring for a person who is sick with COVID-19
Being within six feet of a sick person for 10 minutes or more
Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person via kissing, sharing utensils, being coughed on, etc.
Recent travel to a coronavirus hotspot
Do you have symptoms of coronavirus?
If any of the above criteria apply to you, pay attention to whether you start displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. Based on current data, symptoms usually emerge 2-14 days after exposure to the disease. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever
Dry cough
Tiredness
Shortness of breath
Aches and pains
Sore throat
Other symptoms that have been reported to occur include nausea, diarrhea, runny