An Important Message from the NCDHHS Division of Public Health

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If you or someone you love tests positive for COVID-19, here's what to do next:

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Stay home and away from other people until your symptoms have been improving and you have not had a fever (without the help of medicine) for at least 24 hours.

Once resuming normal activities, it is recommended you consider ways to reduce the spread of disease for five more days. This includes taking steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.

There is effective medicine for reducing your chances of being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19, but it must be taken early – no more than 5 days from when you started feeling sick.

Call a doctor or healthcare provider, visit an urgent care, or go to the nearest COVID-19 treatment location to see if medications to treat COVID-19 are right for you. The key is: Don't wait.

If you’re having trouble breathing, or are experiencing any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room.

Need help with food or other resources in order to stay home and away from others? Find organizations that provide information and/or assistance related to food, housing and more. You can do this by calling or texting 2-1-1 or by submitting a request to NCCARE360.

Need help coping? 988 is a Suicide & Crisis Line, providing 24/7 support via talk or text.

If you were around people in the two days before you felt sick (or two days before your positive test if you did not feel sick), they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

You can let these people know on your own, or anonymously through the free service: Tell Your Contacts.

 

We’re here if you need us. 

To talk to someone on the phone, call your local health department or the NC Public Health Outreach Team at 1-844-628-7223.

If you think this is an error, have questions or need support related to COVID-19, call the NC Public Health Outreach Team at 1-844-628-7223 or your local health department. The NC Public Health Outreach Team or your local health department may also contact you. Please answer the call!