Omicron variant brings guidelines on testing positive and FAQ
From North Central Public Health District and Oregon Health Authority:
COVID-19 cases continue to rise sharply in Oregon among children ages 0 to 17 with the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, according to the Oregon Health Authority’s the latest weekly dashboard report of pediatric COVID-19 case data.
In the most recent full week’s data, published today, hospitalized pediatric case rates are increasing for children ages 0 to 4 and 12 to 17. OHA will continue to monitor trends in pediatric case hospitalizations.
What to do if you test positive
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched a new website (oregon.gov/positivecovidtest) that includes information on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 if you have been exposed, and how to seek resources if you’re isolated at home and need support.
There is also a new COVID-19 Case Support Hotline at 866-917-8881 available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. This should be the go-to number for general COVID-19 information for those who test positive.
We're also moving to an "opt-in" model for investigating COVID-19 cases. People can report their positive at-home test results through the online survey linked at www.oregon.gov/positivecovidtest, or get help completing the survey through the hotline.
While it is not required for individuals to report at-home test results to local public health, we strongly encourage those who have a positive test to notify their close contacts. And for those who have high-risk medical conditions, they should reach out to their health care providers with medical questions or concerns.
Hospitals, health care providers, labs and local public health authorities are still required to report test results.
Yesterday's launch follows an OHA decision to revise state guidelines for investigating COVID-19 cases to focus less on interviewing individual cases and conducting contact tracing, and more on outbreaks in high-risk settings, such as those in congregate care, health care, K-12 education and food chain industries.
(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)
Slow the Spread
As Omicron COVID-19 cases increase, one of the ways we slow the spread is to stay home and away from other people for five days when we test positive, have symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19, and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days. If you are up to date on your vaccines you do not need to stay at home or miss work if you have been exposed (as long as you have no symptoms), but you must wear a proper mask around others for 10 days.
Here are some definitions to keep in mind:
Up to date on vaccinations – You have received a booster or received your second dose of Pfizer within the past 5 months, Moderna within the past six months or received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson within the past two months.
Not up to date on vaccinations – It’s been more than six months since you completed your initial Moderna vaccine series, 5 months for Pfizer or more than two months since you received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson or you are not vaccinated.
Exposure – Being in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period) with a person who has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Symptoms – COVID-19 symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common Questions
What if I test positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms?
Stay at home and away from others for five days regardless of vaccination status. If you have no symptoms, or your symptoms are resolved after five days, you can leave your home. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional five days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until it goes away.
What if I am up to date on vaccinations and was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms?
Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days. Test on day five, if possible. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home.
What can we do to protect everyone in the home when someone is exposed to, or infected with, COVID-19?
People in isolation should stay separate from the rest of the household as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all members of the household wear well-fitting masks during the stay-at-home period. If possible, one person should provide care to the person who is, or maybe, infected to limit the exposure and best protect everyone in the home.
(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)
