WHAT’S NEXT after your COVID-19 test

If your lab comes back POSITIVE for COVID-19

We recommend the following:

• If you have another person living in your household, we invite you to take part in our COVID-19 Household Prevention program. Call our community partner at (800) 394-2279 for support from education specialists and a free kit of supplies to reduce the risk of others in your household getting sick.
• The CDC and Kaiser Permanente recommend that you stay home and separate yourself from others there until:
  • Your respiratory symptoms improve AND
  • You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without using fever reducing medication like Advil or Tylenol) AND
  • At least 10 days have passed since you first had symptoms.
  • If you never had symptoms, wait at least 10 days after your positive test to be with others.
• If you need to seek in-person medical care, wear a mask to your appointment and tell your healthcare team immediately upon arrival that you tested positive for COVID-19.
• Tell members of your household to watch for COVID-19 symptoms and to contact their own doctor if they notice symptoms.
• If you develop worsening shortness of breath, cough, or fevers, call our 24/7 nurse advice line at 404-365-0966. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
• Repeat testing is not recommended by the CDC or Kaiser Permanente because patients can test positive for up to 12 weeks even if they can no longer spread COVID-19.

• Other tips to limit spread:
  • Separate yourself from other people in your home and try to stay 6 feet away from them. If possible, stay by yourself in a well-ventilated room and use a separate bathroom.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Always wear a mask when in contact with others to help reduce their risk of getting sick.
  • Stay home if possible. If you must go out, avoid using public transportation and ridesharing, and always wear a mask.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Don’t share personal items like dishes, towels, bedding, and clothes. Wash these things thoroughly with soap and warm water after every use.
  • Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw away tissues immediately and remember to wash your hands.
  • If possible, don’t provide direct care for others, especially anyone at high risk for COVID-19 complications. If you must care for others, always wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance as much as possible.

If your lab comes back NEGATIVE for COVID-19

What does a negative test mean?

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test means COVID-19 was NOT detected. However, even with a negative test, there is a small chance you could still have the virus.
• A negative test only reflects your status at the time the test was taken.  If you were exposed to COVID-19, infection could develop up until 14 days after the last date of exposure.
• A negative test does NOT mean you are immune to the virus.  You should continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and perform frequent hand hygiene regardless of your test result.
• The virus that causes COVID-19 is in our community, and it is still possible for you to get the illness at any time.

What if I was in close contact with someone who tested positive?

• If you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes), you’ll need to self-quarantine at home for 14 days from the time you were last exposed, even if your test comes back negative.
• If you’re a healthcare worker, check with your employer for guidance.

What is the ideal time to test a close contact?

• If the exposed person has a defined exposure (e.g. non-household contact), testing is ideally done approximately 7 days after exposure.
• If the person has ongoing exposure through a household contact, testing is ideally done approximately 7 days after initial exposure.
• Testing recommendations provided by a public health department should be followed.

Because a small number of people who initially test negative for COVID-19 may later go on to test positive for the disease, we recommend the following to help keep you, your family, and your loved ones safe:

• If your doctor already gave you specific follow-up instructions, please continue to follow the directions of your doctor.
• If you get worse and need additional advice, call our 24/7 nurse advice line at 404-365-0966.
• Monitor your symptoms until you are symptom free for at least 72 hours.
• If your symptoms are mild, stay home and stay away from others. Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash your hands frequently, disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• If your symptoms are severe, such as problems with breathing; persistent chest pain or pressure; new confusion; or bluish lips or face, call 911 or go to the emergency room.