As COVID-19 cases rise, you may be wondering what it's like to be tested for COVID-19, and if you're asked to self-isolate.
There are a number of resources provided by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit and other levels of government to help you prepare if you, a friend, or family member ever has to be tested or is asked self-isolate.
BEING TESTED FOR COVID-19
From Public Health Ontario,
PCR (also known as polymerase chain reaction testing) testing is performed in the lab to help us find even tiny amounts of the virus. It does this by amplifying a virus’ genetic material to a level where it can be detected. The test requires a sample from a person. This sample is collected by a health care provider, typically using a swab inserted into a person’s nose or throat.
A description and video of COVID-19 testing both of a patient and in the lab can be found on Public Health Ontario's website.
CONTACT TRACING
According to Public Health Ontario,
Contact tracing, notification and follow up is a process that is used to identify, educate and monitor individuals who have had close contact with someone who is infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. These individuals are at a higher risk of becoming infected and sharing the virus with others. Contact tracing can help individuals who have been in contact with a case of COVID-19 understand their risk and limit further spread of the virus.
Digital tools like the COVID-19 Alert app helps with contact tracing, but you may be asked to identify anyone you've been close to recently.
LIST OF SELF-ISOLATION GUIDES
If you are looking for information about how to prepare yourself for self-isolation, here are a few guides provided by several levels of government.
- Self-Isolation Explained - Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit
- COVID-19: How to Self-Isolate - Public Health Ontario
- COVID-19: How to Self-Isolate at Home - Government of Canada
- Household Checklist - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you are a caregiver for someone who is self-isolating, click here for a guide.
WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU NEED HELP
If you are struggling with finances, depression, housing, food access, Indigenous services and resources, or anything else, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has a list of resources available here.
You can also call 2-1-1 and be connected with a local service that can assist you. They can also be found online at 211ontario.ca.
For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Chatham-Kent, visit the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit's website.
