Being COVID-19 Positive
Information about what to do after you have tested positive for COVID-19.
Test to Treat Program
Through this federal program, people can get tested for COVID-19 and treated with medication all in one place. It is important to go to one of the many local identified clinics as soon as symptoms appear. For more information about the program and locations near you, visit the Test to Treat website or call 1-800-232-0233 (Help is available in many languages).
The federal government has also expanded the Home Test to Treat program, an entirely virtual community health program that offers free COVID-19 health services: at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments, to eligible participants nationwide.
With its expansion, the Home Test to Treat program will now offer free testing, telehealth and treatment for both COVID-19 and for influenza (flu) A and B.
Any adult (18 years and older) with a current positive test for COVID-19 or flu can enroll to receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, medication delivered to their home. Adults who do not have COVID-19 or flu may enroll and receive free tests if they are uninsured or are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs health care system, or the Indian Health Services. If recipients test positive at a future time, they can receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, treatment.
For more information about the program, visit the Home Test to Treat website. (Help is available in English and Spanish).
If You Are Sick With a Respiratory Virus
The CDC has released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. This updated guidance applies to community settings.
- Stay home
- Return to normal activities when symptoms improve and you are fever free for 24 hours without medication
- For the next 5 days, wear a mask and limit close contact with others, especially those at risk for severe illness
You can also contact the Health Department at 410-313-6284 for additional guidance regarding the precautions you should take.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
- Stay home and away from others if you are feeling sick.
- Return to normal activities when symptoms improve and you are fever free for 24 hours without medication.
- For the next 5 days, wear a mask and limit close contact with others, especially those at risk for severe illness
- Identify and notify close contacts, so they can get tested, if needed
- Contact your health care provider for any medical guidance needed and to ask about treatment options.
Treatment
If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms above and think you might have COVID, you should:
- Seek medical care if you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your positive COVID test or suspected diagnosis.
- Stay home except for seeking medical care and avoid contact with others.
- Ask your doctor about Antiviral Treatment
You can also visit the Test to Treat website for locations of local clinics that can provide testing and treatment (medication) for COVID all in one place. You can also call 1-800-232-0233.
The federal government has also expanded the Home Test to Treat program, an entirely virtual community health program that offers free COVID-19 health services: at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments, to eligible participants nationwide.
For more information about the program, visit the Home Test to Treat website. (Help is available in English and Spanish).
Resources for those with Post-COVID Conditions
Contact Tracing
The Howard County Health Department continues to perform contact tracing and provide support for high-risk positive COVID-19 cases. If you or a family member have tested positive for COVID-19 and would like additional guidance regarding isolation recommendations, you can reach our Contact Tracing team at 410-313-6284 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm).
