COVID-19 Treatment is Available
Oral antiviral medications are available for treatment of COVID-19 and have been proven to decrease hospitalization for those that are at risk for severe disease. When given soon after a positive diagnosis, these antivirals also help fight infection and shorten recovery time. All treatments require a prescription and those who test COVID-19 positive should talk to their health care provider.
Westchester County residents who test positive and do not have a health care provider, regardless of income or health insurance coverage, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. The Hotline is available 24-hours per day, seven days a week and operated by experienced Health + Hospitals professionals who have the clinical training to prescribe treatment and referrals if needed.
Who can be tested for COVID-19?
COVID-19 testing is available to all New Yorkers statewide.
Where can I be tested for COVID-19?
COVID-19 Home Test Kits
- FREE At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available
The federal government has relaunched its free at-home COVID-19 testing program. Beginning September 25, 2023 every household in America can order up to 4 at-home test kits. The no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service. Visit COVIDtests.gov to place your order.
FREE At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available for Blind or Low Vision People
As of September 25, 2023, you can place another order for one set of #12 free at-home tests with enhanced accessibility for blind or low vision people, while supplies last. Here's what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- Your order will include #12 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests with enhanced accessibility for blind or low vision people. COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)
- Supplies of tests with enhanced accessibility are limited. Only order these tests if you do not have other options for using the standard COVID-19 tests
- Tests require you to use a compatible, Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, as well as download and install an app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android)
About COVID-19 Home Test Kits
What should I do while I wait for my test results?
If you have symptoms of the disease, or if you have been in contact with someone who is infected, you will be asked to stay apart from others. This is also called isolation or quarantine. COVID-19 spreads easily. Staying apart helps stop the disease from spreading.
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19:
- Isolate for 5 days, where day 0 is the day of symptom onset or (if asymptomatic) the day of collection of the first positive specimen.
- If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends and you should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
- Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised should continue to follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
- Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after a 5-day isolation should also follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
What should I know about Rapid COVID-19 testing?
Rapid antigen tests are highly specific but not very sensitive. Therefore, if you receive a negative result from a rapid COVID-19 Antigen test and/or you have symptoms of COVID-19 and receive a negative result from a rapid COVID-19 Antigen test, you must have the negative result confirmed by a conventional COVID-19 RT-PCR test.
What should I know about COVID-19 antibody testing?
Many people have been inquiring about a blood test that can confirm if they have been infected with COVID-19 in the past. This type of blood test is called an antibody or serology test, and it checks your blood by looking for antibodies that show if you had a previous infection with the virus.
As antibody testing becomes available in the community, the public should be aware of the limitations of these tests. COVID-19 antibody testing or serology testing should not be used for:
- The diagnosis of COVID-19
- Establishing immunity to COVID-19
- Determining when persons can safely return to work
- Determining when to discontinue social isolation measures or appropriate precautions, including the use of PPE
COVID-19 antibody or serology testing is useful for:
- Testing a population or large groups of people to determine the aggregate percent of a population that has been infected
- Clinical studies
If you choose to have an antibody or serolgy test, see information from the New York State Department of Health on What Your Antibody Test Results May Mean.
Can COVID-19 be treated?
Oral antiviral medications are available for the treatment of COVID-19. Also, people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment in a hospital might be required. Call your healthcare provider to find out more about what care and treatment is available to you.
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