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1. Who should get a COVID-19 test?

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19, you should test immediately.

If you have been around someone that tests positive for COVID but do not have symptoms, you should start taking precautions like wearing a face covering and test 5 days after your exposure.

Certain high-risk environments may require a test as a screening process.

Consider testing before you are going to be around someone that is at high risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 testing is available throughout New Hanover County through local healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other organizations. 

2. What should I do after my COVID-19 test?

Steps to Take Immediately After Your COVID-19 Test

If you have COVID-19, or are sick and believe you could have COVID-19, you should follow current CDC isolation guidelines regardless of your vaccination status.  

For a limited time, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and StarMed Healthcare have teamed up to offer free telemedicine appointments for those that have tested positive for COVID-19.  These appointments can screen you for COVID-19 treatment eligibility and if you are eligible for treatment it is important to start it as soon as possible.  Appointments are available 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm and insurance is not required.  Appointments can be made at https://starmed.care/nc/ or by calling, 704-941-6000.

If you were tested for COVID-19 but have no symptoms and no known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID19 (for example, as part of a workplace screening program), you do not need to stay home while waiting for your results unless you are told to do so by your employer or by a public health official.

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 with No Symptoms

Begin isolation, day 0 is the day you take your test and day 1 is the first full day after you take the test. If you do not develop symptoms you may end isolation after 5 days. If you develop symptoms within 10 days of your test, the isolation clock resets to 0 on the day symptoms start. 

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 with Symptoms

Begin isolation, day 0 is the day your symptoms start regardless of when you test.

During Isolation 

• Stay home and stay separated from others in your home for at least 5 days.
• Wear a high-quality, well fitting mask if you must be around others in your home.
• Improve ventilation in the home, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Do not share household items such as towels and dishes.
• Be aware of your symptoms and seek emergency medical care if needed.
• Do not travel.

Ending Isolation

• If you did not have symptoms, you can end isolation after day 5.
• If you had symptoms, you can end isolation after 5 days if you are fever free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving.
• If you experienced moderate or severe illness, or have a weakened immune system, isolate for 10 days or until advised by your medical provider.

Take extra precautions and wear a well fitting face covering for 10 full days after your positive test, or until you have two negative antigen tests, 48 hours apart.