Page 28 - February 2022 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

Individuals who are not symptomatic TAKING THE TEST
but have had a known exposure to The procedures for administering at-

someone with COVID-19 should get home tests can vary across diff erent

tested aft er five days have passed since manufacturers. For this reason, it is

Administering and Reporting the date of exposure. The virus takes important to read all instructions for
At-Home Rapid Antigen Tests several days to build up to detectable each test kit carefully, paying special
levels within the body. attention to the timing instructions;
The Maryland Department of Health reading results too early or too late can

(MDH) has launched a new web PURCHASING AT-HOME TESTS result in an incorrect reading. Also be
portal through Maryland OneStop for At-home rapid antigen tests are sure to blow your nose and wash your
reporting results from at-home rapid available for purchase online and in hands before you begin. When it is
antigen tests. Rapid antigen tests are pharmacies and retail stores. To ease time to perform the nasal swab, hold
a safe, easy, and fast way to screen for the expense burden of these tests on the swab by the stick end and insert
potential COVID-19 cases at home or American families, the White House the absorbent tip ½ to ¾ inch inside
in the workplace. At-home tests are a has issued an order that requires the left nostril. Move it in a circular

convenient alternative for anyone who private health plans to cover up to motion at least five times for a total

is unable to access a PCR test right eight over-the-counter COVID-19 of 15 seconds. Use the same swab to
away. test kits per household member, at up repeat this process in the right nostril.
to $12 per test. Consumers can either

WHO SHOULD USE purchase the kits at no cost or submit Then follow the test kit instructions for
AT-HOME TESTS? receipts for reimbursement from their obtaining results.
Any person who is symptomatic and/ insurance companies. NEXT STEPS
or has been exposed to someone who Individuals who receive negative
has COVID-19 should get tested, PCR tests and rapid tests ordered or results either (1) do not currently
regardless of vaccination status. administered by a health provider have an active COVID-19 infection,
Symptomatic individuals should get will continue to be fully covered by or (2) do have COVID-19 but were
tested as soon as possible, though it’s insurance with no limit. tested too early or too late in the
important to note that people infected
Additionally, the White House virus’ progression to show a positive
with the Omicron strain may not test announced that starting on January result. It’s important to remember that
positive immediately after onset of

19, the website http://covidtests.gov/ asymptomatic individuals may still
symptoms. Anyone who receives a
will provide tests at no cost, including transmit the virus to others. To be safe,
negative result but is symptomatic

no shipping fee. There is a limit of four these individuals should retest 24-36
and has had a known exposure should free tests per household. hours after the initial test and should

perform a second test 24-36 hours continue to wash hands, wear masks,
after the fi rst. and limit contact with others until ten

days after a known exposure.

KEEP THE BEAT Individuals who receive positive
results most likely have an active
COVID-19 infection. Th ese
CPR & First Aid Training individuals should isolate themselves
from others, including other
Training for: • Boat Captains household members. Th ey should
• Healthcare • Coaches... also report their positive test results to
• Daycare we do them all!
CPR and First Aid the Maryland Department of Health
valid for 2 years through the Maryland OneStop Portal
410-758-2022 Quality, fun and sign up for a laboratory-based test
WE ARE AHA INSTRUCTORS 147 Log Canoe Cir.
& aff ordable through their local health department
For upcoming classes: Stevensville, MD 21666

training! to confirm the at-home test result.
www.ktbtraining.net Positive individuals should follow the
28