Oneida County Health Department, MVHS, Slocum Dickson & Rome Memorial Hospital Provide Guidance for COVID-19 Testing

With four confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently in Oneida County (as of 3/19/20), and many more tests awaiting results, the Oneida County Health Department, Mohawk Valley Health System, Slocum Dickson Medical Group and Rome Memorial Hospital are providing guidance for testing procedures.

Testing for COVID-19 is now being limited to those who are at highest risk based on CDC guidelines for priority testing. In order to determine when it is appropriate to self-isolate and when it is appropriate to call a physician or healthcare provider, the public should adhere to the following:

Self-isolate if:

• You have mild symptoms (slight fever and cough).

• You have recently traveled and are displaying respiratory symptoms and fever.

• Believe you might have been exposed to a person suspected to have COVID-19.

• Don’t have any chronic medical conditions and aren’t immunocompromised.

Those self-isolating should stay home for 14 days, monitoring symptoms. If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor/healthcare provider.

Call physician/healthcare provider if:

• You self-isolated because of mild symptoms and aren’t getting better.

• You have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath) and you have any chronic medical conditions or are immunocompromised (ex. diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease or taking immunosuppressive medications).

Please do not report to a physician’s office, urgent care or emergency room unannounced.