Can anyone get a coronavirus test now? Here’s who qualifies

While testing for coronavirus remains uneven across the country, criteria for who can take the test have been loosened. And now that the country is reopening stores, restaurants and phased businesses, concerns about a Second wave of the coronavirus raises the issue of testing for COVID-19 as a priority, especially if people are not legally required to continue social distancing standards and wear masks. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing in half of the states in the US The prevalence of tests may play a partial role.

Many facilities are transformed into COVID-19 test sites, from test drive locations to medical centers. Get an examHowever, it is not always as simple as appearing whenever you want. If you do, there is a chance that you may be rejected because the facilities are overwhelmed or want to reduce large moving groups.

The situation is changing rapidly as more test kits are made and implemented. And until scientists can find a treatment or develop a vaccinetests will help determine if the person should isolate from others. Nasal swabs and antibody tests can you tell us if people including those who appear asymptomatic, have harbored the virus. If they have, they can spread it without knowing it. Helping to identify people who have been in close contact with the infected person can help protect vulnerable groups at increased risk of death from COVID-19 disease.

This is what you need to know about who can be tested for the coronavirus.

Can anyone get tested?

It depends on where you live. New York, which leads the US in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths, still has criteria that a resident must meet to get tested. However, in California, 40 locations in the Bay Area offer free tests to all residents, even if they show no symptoms. They still need to have an appointment, however. Kentucky also allows anyone to register for a COVID-19 test at any Kroger location. And beginning in June, any Indiana resident can be tested without showing symptoms.

Tennessee also tests anyone who wants to get the free test, whether they have symptoms or not. New Jersey, the second leading COVID-19 death site, now allows anyone to get tested.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order (PDF) allowing residents to be tested at no cost if they have been working outside their home for more than 10 days and if they have COVID-19 symptomshow to cough

Having more access to test kits will help cities and states test more people. As a result, sites with a limited number of tests available are often reserved for higher-risk patients. For example, those with underlying health conditions Or those exhibiting strong symptoms that are associated with COVID-19, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, confusion, and bluish lips or face. Latest guidance from CDC He adds that obesity at any age and pregnant women are at increased risk of increasing coronavirus symptoms.

Read more: Are coronavirus tests free? Yes, but you could still receive an invoice.

How do I get a doctor’s order to have the test done?

In many cases, you will need an appointment and a doctor’s order to qualify for a coronavirus test.

Each state has its own testing policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you contact your state health department for more information. It can also let you know which test site to visit.

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When should you seek medical attention

Cough, fever, chills, repeated tremors with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell are symptoms of coronavirus, but the CDC says that if you have trouble breathing, it is a more serious symptom and a indication to seek medical attention. Other serious symptoms include chest pain or pressure, confusion, and bluish lips or face.

You should also seek medical attention if you are considered a person at increased risk: over 65 years of age, or someone with hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune disease, moderate to severe asthma, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, severe obesity, or pregnant.

CDC Priorities for Knowing Who Is Tested First

The CDC has a new guide starting June 13 for patients who must first be tested for coronavirus in areas where testing is limited.

Priority 1:

• Hospitalized patients with symptoms.
• Health workers and first responders.
• Residents in long-term care facilities with symptoms, such as prisons and shelters.
• People who live in large homes or people who live with someone at high risk.

Priority 2:

• Critical infrastructure workers.
• People over 65 years old.
• Individuals at high risk of serious illness.
• Pregnant women.

Priority 3:

• People with symptoms that do not meet any of the above requirements.
• Deceased individuals.

Priority 4:

• People without symptoms who do not meet the above requirements.

What if I don’t get tested and think I have the coronavirus?

The CDC notes that most people who have acquired COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and may recover at home in self-isolation without medical care and therefore do not have an urgent need to be tested. You can also talk to your doctor about get an antibody test to determine if you have previously had the virus.

If you do not meet the above requirements to get tested immediately, this is what you should do if you or someone in your home gets coronavirus. Now is also a good time to make a mask or buy one online to help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

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The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.