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News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Thursday March 28th 2024

Tips from a COVID-19 Case Investigator

By LINDSEY FENNER

With all of the news about COVID-19, it can be hard to know what to do when YOU are the one feeling sick or when you find out you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It”™s important that you do your best to follow public health recommendations for testing, isolation, and quarantine so that together we can stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable loved ones. 

When should I get tested?

You should get tested if:

  • You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
  •  You have been identified as a close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19
  • You were present at an event or gathering where testing is recommended because of a possible outbreak 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after you are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms, and some people may not have any symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, it is very important that you ISOLATE. You should stay home and away from other people. For some people, the onset of symptoms can feel very mild, like a cold or allergies. You do not have to have a fever to spread the virus to others. Take ANY symptoms seriously!

Where can I get tested near Phillips? Please call ahead or look online for current hours. Information is accurate as of August 15, 2020.

Community-University Health Care Center

2001 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404,  612-301-3433

Weekday Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

By appointment. Schedule a virtual appointment first through MyChart at www.cuhcc.umn.edu or call. Services provided in different languages. Accepting any symptomatic patient

Indian Health Board and Native American Community Clinic

1315 E 24th Street, Minneapolis 55404 

To schedule a COVID-19 test, call one of our clinics: 

IHB appointments 612-721-9800 NACC appointments 612-872-8086

Penny George Institute for Health and Healing, Allina Health

2833 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, 612-863-3333

Weekday Hours : 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

By appointment. Accepting any symptomatic patient. Accepting the following asymptomatic patients: Close contact of someone known to have tested positive for COVID-19

Whittier Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare System

2810 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, 612-873-6963

Weekday Hours : 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last patient accepted at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.)

Hennepin Healthcare Patient: Walk-in, Call or E-visit via MyChart at www.hennepinhealthcare.org/mychart/ | Non-Hennepin Healthcare Patient: Call 612-873-2922 to Register.

Accepting any symptomatic patient. Accepting the following asymptomatic patients: Pre-procedure/travel; Congregate Setting; Close Contact; Mission Critical Staff; Post-Social Event

You can find more testing locations in the state of MN here: https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/get-tested.jsp

What if I don”™t have health insurance? The testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 is free for many uninsured Minnesotans. When you go in for your test, ask your health care provider for the application for free COVID-19 testing. The provider will submit the application to the state and will bill the state for payment if you meet eligibility requirements.

What should I do while I”™m waiting for test results?

If you are experiencing symptoms: you need to ISOLATE: stay home, in a room away from other people. If you need to be around other people in your home, you should wear a mask. Avoid sharing personal household items like utensils, dishes, food, and towels. Clean frequently touched surfaces daily. Wash your hands often.

If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive: You need to QUARANTINE. This means you should stay home for 14 days since your last contact with the person who tested positive and wait to see if you get symptoms. You should avoid other people in your household, wear a mask, and avoid sharing personal items.  If your test result is negative for COVID-19 but you were identified as a close contact of someone with a confirmed COVID-19 infection, it is important that you still complete your full 14-day QUARANTINE. In the early stages of the infection, it is harder for the tests to detect the virus and so many test results give what is called a “false negative.”

Information and guidance is from the Minnesota Department of Health, and is current as of August 15, 2020. For any questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call the Minnesota Department of Health: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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