{"id":49093,"date":"2020-06-27T23:21:02","date_gmt":"2020-06-27T23:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/virusreports.net\/can-anyone-get-tested-for-coronavirus-now-heres-who-qualifies\/"},"modified":"2020-06-27T23:21:02","modified_gmt":"2020-06-27T23:21:02","slug":"can-anyone-get-tested-for-coronavirus-now-heres-who-qualifies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virusreports.net\/can-anyone-get-tested-for-coronavirus-now-heres-who-qualifies\/","title":{"rendered":"Can anyone get tested for coronavirus now? Here’s who qualifies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tests for COVID-19 are easier to find now than they were at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.<\/p>\n

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\n For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n

While testing for coronavirus<\/a><\/span> is still uneven throughout the country, criteria for individuals who can get tested has loosened<\/a>. And now that the country is reopening stores<\/a><\/span>, restaurants and businesses in phases, concerns about a second wave<\/a><\/span> of the coronavirus puts the question of COVID-19 testing top of mind — especially if people aren’t legally obligated to follow\u00a0social distancing<\/a><\/span> standards and wear face masks<\/a><\/span>. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases is spiking<\/a>\u00a0in half the US states. The prevalence of testing could play a partial role.<\/p>\n

Many facilities are transformed into COVID-19 testing sites<\/a><\/span>, from drive-through test locations to medical centers. Getting a test<\/a><\/span>, however, isn’t always as simple as just showing up whenever you want. If you do, there’s a chance you’ll be turned away because facilities are overwhelmed or want to cut down on large groups milling around.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

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Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The situation is rapidly changing as more test kits are being made and deployed. And until scientists can find a treatment<\/a><\/span>\u00a0or\u00a0develop a vaccine<\/a><\/span>, testing will help determine if the person should isolate from others<\/a><\/span>. Nasal swabs<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and antibody tests<\/a><\/span> can tell us if people, including those who appear asymptomatic<\/a><\/span>, have harbored the virus. If they have, they may spread it unknowingly. Helping identify people who have been in close contact with the infected person<\/a><\/span> can help protect vulnerable groups at higher risk of fatality from the COVID-19 disease<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Here’s what you need to know about who can get tested for the coronavirus. <\/p>\n

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Drive-through testing locations ask that you remain in your car with the windows up.<\/p>\n

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\tCan just anyone get tested? <\/h2>\n

It depends on where you live. New York, which leads the US in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatalities<\/a>, still has criteria that a resident must meet<\/a> in order to be tested. However, in California, 40 locations in the Bay Area\u00a0offer free testing to all residents<\/a>, even if they’re not showing symptoms. They still need to have an appointment, however. Kentucky is also letting anyone sign up to get a COVID-19 test<\/a> at any Kroger location. And as of June, any Indiana resident can get tested<\/a> without showing symptoms.<\/p>\n

Tennessee also tests<\/a>\u00a0anyone who wants to get tested for free, whether they have symptoms or not. New Jersey, the second leading site of COVID-19 fatalities<\/a>, now lets anyone get a test<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order<\/a>\u00a0(PDF) that lets residents get tested at no cost<\/a> if they’ve been working outside their home for more than 10 days and if they have any COVID-19 symptoms<\/a><\/span>, like coughing.<\/p>\n

Having more access to the test kits will help allow cities and states to 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<\/a><\/span>\u00a0or those exhibiting strong symptoms<\/a><\/span> that are associated with COVID-19, such as trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion and bluish lips or face.\u00a0More recent guidance from the CDC<\/a><\/span> adds that obesity at any age and pregnant women are at a higher risk for increased coronavirus symptoms.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Are coronavirus tests free? Yes, but you still might get a bill<\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n

\tHow do I get a doctor’s order to be tested? <\/h2>\n

In many cases, you will need to have an appointment and a doctor’s order<\/a> to qualify for a coronavirus test.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Each state has its own policies about testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you contact your state health department<\/a> to get more information. It can also let you know which testing site to visit. <\/p>\n

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\n Vaccines, antibody tests, treatments: The science of…\n <\/p>\n


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\tWhen you should seek medical attention <\/h2>\n

Coughing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell are symptoms of coronavirus<\/a>, but the CDC says that if you’re having trouble breathing, that’s a more serious symptom<\/a> and an indication to seek medical attention. Other serious symptoms include pain or pressure in the chest, confusion and bluish lips or face.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

You should also seek medical attention if you’re considered a higher risk person<\/a> — aged 65 years and older, or someone with hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune disease, moderate to severe asthma, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, severe obesity or are pregnant. <\/p>\n

\tCDC priorities for who gets tested first <\/h2>\n

The CDC has new guidance<\/a> as of June 13 for the patients who should get tested for coronavirus first in areas where testing is limited. <\/p>\n

Priority 1:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n