Press release from Henderson County Department of Public Health:
Hendersonville, NC (March 9, 2020) —- The Henderson County Department of Public Health today shared updates released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about testing for COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 has previously only been available through the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health and CDC but is now available through private testing companies. While this increases the availability of testing at private medical clinics, it is important for the public to understand the guidelines that accompany testing. Testing should be reserved only for those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. When people are tested for COVID-19, their healthcare providers are required to report to the Department of Public Health, and all people who are tested for COVID-19 are required to be isolated at home until released by their healthcare provider or public health. These guidelines are created by the CDC to assist healthcare providers in coordinating with public health officials.
Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms:
- Call your healthcare provider. Isolate yourself and wear a mask, if available, before leaving the house.
- If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. Please inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19 and any travel history.
For more information, call the North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline at 1-866-462-3821 (staffed by nurses and pharmacists 24/7), or visit the Center for Disease Control’s website for information and frequent updates at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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