Per state regulations, all positive cases must be reported to both the local and state health departments. Cases are reported in the county where the patient resides. Providers are not required to share number of tests conducted or negative test results; however, most providers in the county continue to share the number of tests conducted and negative results.
At this time, it takes about 2-3 business days to receive results. NC Department of Health and Human Services recommends anyone awaiting results from their COVID-19 test talk to the healthcare provider who performed the test about when to expect results and how those results will be received.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or at least two of these symptoms:
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Patients should remain in isolation until they meet all of the following criteria:
If a person has shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, blue lips, or confusion, they should call their doctor or 911 right away.
Testing is available at the Caldwell County Health Department or go to the drive-through Caldwell UNC Health Care Respiratory Diagnostic Clinic. Call the Health Department at 828-426-8446 to schedule an appointment.
Services offered at the RDC include a Primary Care tent staffed by physicians and advanced care providers and a Pediatric tent for both testing and further diagnostic evaluation/care of a respiratory illness.
Testing is recommended for:
Individuals who are at higher risk of getting very sick with COVID-19:
According to the CDC, a test-based strategy (i.e. requiring negative tests) is no longer recommended to discontinue isolation except in very specific circumstances in consultation with infectious diseases experts.
Ways to Protect Yourself
