Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing and Information

Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19

• Should I be tested?

  If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms or need to learn more about testing, an E-Visit is your best option. You'll answer a series of questions in MyChart about your symptoms. A doctor or clinician will evaluate your answers and provide you with next steps for testing and care. Learn more about E-Visits, or start one now by logging into MyChart. 

  Learn More   Start an E-Visit

  Or, if you prefer to speak with someone, call your doctor or clinician's office. 

• How do I get a test?

  Please be aware that walk-in rapid COVID-19 tests are not available at our hospitals. We do not offer testing for COVID-19 without an appointment. If you need to schedule a test, an E-Visit is your best option. Or, if you prefer to speak with someone, call your doctor or clinician’s office. 

  Learn More About E-Visits   Start an E-Visit

  Treatment for symptomatic illness is available in our emergency departments and health centers.

• How do I request a test for a minor using an E-Visit?

  For safety and privacy purposes, do not submit an E-Visit for someone else using your MyChart account. Parents, guardians and other caregivers can be granted access (known as proxy access) to another person's MyChart account.

  • To request proxy access for a minor under the age of 12, log in to MyChart using your web browser. Navigate to the menu in the upper left-hand corner, then select "Personalize" under "Account Settings."
  • To request proxy access for minor between the ages of 12 - 17, please contact the patient’s primary care doctor or clinician. Please note: Setting up proxy access for a minor between the ages of 12 - 17 may take a few business days. If urgent testing is needed, it is best to call the patient’s doctor or clinician's office.
• What do I do if I test positive?

  No matter what type of test you use (including at-home test kits), if your result is positive stay home, and stay away from those you live with as much as possible. Most people who test positive for COVID-19 recover at home without additional medical treatment or need for testing. Keep in touch with your doctor or clinician using MyChart or telehealth visits whenever possible. If you need to be seen in person, call before visiting to help staff minimize the risk of exposure to our patients and care team.

  If your condition worsens or you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain or pressure, call 911. Those in high-risk groups such as patients being treated with immunosuppressive medications, transplant patients, cancer patients, patients older than 60 or those who are obese should pay particularly close attention to these symptoms and consider acquiring a pulse oximeter.

• How do I know if I have been exposed to or in close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

  You have been exposed if you were within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes total in a 24-hour period, regardless if you wear a mask.

  Start an E-Visit to receive your next steps for testing and care. Or, call your health care doctor or clinician's office.

• What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  Four types of human coronaviruses cause the common cold in humans, while other coronaviruses infect animals. Sometimes, these animal coronaviruses evolve and enter the human population. These are called new, or novel, coronaviruses. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as a cause of respiratory infection in people in Wuhan, China, and it is now known as 2019 novel coronavirus or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2). COVID-19 is the name for the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2.

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• What kind of COVID-19 treatments are available?

  For patients with COVID-19, antiviral medications may be treatment options. 

  • Antiviral oral medications (Paxlovid™ and molnupiravir) are widely available for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. These medications are given to patients who meet eligibility requirements outlined by the FDA. 
  • Remdesivir (Velkury^®) is administered through intravenous (IV) infusions at a health care facility for three consecutive days. This treatment is given to patients who meet eligibility requirements outlined by the FDA. Patients who are eligible to take investigational oral medications or remdesivir will be contacted via MyChart or phone. You can also request treatment through an E-Visit.

  Learn more about oral antiviral medications and remdesivir.

• How does coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?

  The virus spreads mainly from person to person within 6 feet of contact. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. It is also possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Who is most at risk?

  Anyone exposed to SARS-CoV-2 is at risk of infection. Individuals most at risk for developing a severe illness from COVID-19 are adults ages 65 and older, people with suppressed immune systems and people with underlying medical conditions such as:

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Obesity
• How can I prevent the spread of COVID-19?

  The following tips can help prevent you and others from becoming infected:

  • Avoid direct contact with people who have symptoms.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% to 95% alcohol.
  • Clean and disinfect items and surfaces that are frequently touched using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wear a face mask in public settings in areas of medium or high transmission. Learn more about the most effective face masks to wear.
• Should I wear a mask?

  People may choose to wear a mask at any time. The CDC recommends wearing face masks in public settings in areas of medium or high transmission. 

  When visiting one of our facilities, please wear a mask in hospital patient rooms and care spaces, emergency department patient rooms and care spaces or if you have a fever, sore throat, runny nose or cough. Masks are optional everywhere else. Learn more about our face mask and visitor guidelines.