- Robert Alongi
CDC Revises COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing Stance
Dear Pharmacists,
On September 18th, the CDC revised its previous statement on asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 patients given in late August. With rising asymptomatic/pre-symptomatic cases, the CDC now recommends patients be tested if they have been in close contact with positive COVID-19 patients (see statement here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html).
With plenty of patients confused about the regulations of COVID-19 with recommendations constantly being changed or improvised, it is important as pharmacists to identify and help direct possible COVID-19 patients to get tested and stop the spread of the virus. If a patient asks if they should be tested after being in close proximity (within 6 feet) of a confirmed positive COVID-19 patient for at least 15 minutes, they should schedule a COVID-19 test regardless if they are asymptomatic and self-quarantine for 14 days.
An up-to-date list of common symptoms with COVID can be at the following in addition to severe symptoms that require emergency medical attention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
For more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/