COVID-19
Need a COVID-19 Test? Something You Should Know Before You Dash to Your Doctor
Sniffles, sneezes, and sore throats seem to run rampant this time of year. If you’re concerned that you have been exposed to or have COVID-19, but are symptom free, it’s important that you visit the right location to be tested. In fact, you should avoid visiting a walk-in clinic, emergency room, or primary care physician exclusively for COVID-19 testing.
Finding the right COVID-19 testing location in Delaware is easy. Simply visit Coronavirus.Delaware.gov/Testing and enter your zip code to find the nearest COVID-19 testing site.
“During these times with strained healthcare resources, we want to remind all our neighbors of the importance of seeking appropriate care at the appropriate location,” said Bayhealth Occupational Health Medical Director Parvathi Somasundaram, MD.
“If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 but aren’t experiencing symptoms or have very mild upper respiratory/cold symptoms, only requiring over the counter medications, please don’t visit your primary care doctor, a walk-in clinic or emergency department to be tested. There are some wonderful testing sites that are free of charge to you.”
When you select the appropriate location to receive testing and care, Dr. Somasundaram said, “You’ll be helping free up an appointment at the doctor’s office for someone who is experiencing symptoms that require a prescription when over the counter medication hasn’t worked. It also frees space for people who have a chronic medical condition that makes them high risk and in need of immediate medical care. Our goal is to see our high-risk patients early to keep them from being hospitalized.”
Dr. Somasundaram also wants to stress the importance of getting emergency medical care if someone is showing any of these signs: trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to walk or stay awake; or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Visit Coronavirus.Delaware.gov for the latest information on COVID-19 symptoms, testing locations, and other resources.
Finding the right COVID-19 testing location in Delaware is easy. Simply visit Coronavirus.Delaware.gov/Testing and enter your zip code to find the nearest COVID-19 testing site.
“During these times with strained healthcare resources, we want to remind all our neighbors of the importance of seeking appropriate care at the appropriate location,” said Bayhealth Occupational Health Medical Director Parvathi Somasundaram, MD.
“If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 but aren’t experiencing symptoms or have very mild upper respiratory/cold symptoms, only requiring over the counter medications, please don’t visit your primary care doctor, a walk-in clinic or emergency department to be tested. There are some wonderful testing sites that are free of charge to you.”
When you select the appropriate location to receive testing and care, Dr. Somasundaram said, “You’ll be helping free up an appointment at the doctor’s office for someone who is experiencing symptoms that require a prescription when over the counter medication hasn’t worked. It also frees space for people who have a chronic medical condition that makes them high risk and in need of immediate medical care. Our goal is to see our high-risk patients early to keep them from being hospitalized.”
Dr. Somasundaram also wants to stress the importance of getting emergency medical care if someone is showing any of these signs: trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to walk or stay awake; or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Visit Coronavirus.Delaware.gov for the latest information on COVID-19 symptoms, testing locations, and other resources.