ORSA COVID-19 TESTING

Frequently asked questions

• What does pre-symptomatic transmission of COVID-19 mean?

  The incubation period for COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus (becoming infected) and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, however can be up to 14 days. During this period, also known as the “pre- symptomatic” period, some infected persons can be contagious. Therefore, transmission from a pre-symptomatic case can occur before symptom onset.

• When should I get tested?
  • You have COVID-19 symptoms:Talk to a doctor and get tested – even if you are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 in the past. Your health care provider can talk with you about your concerns. If you do not have a doctor, call 211 or visit the 211LA to get a referral.
  
  
  • You have been a “close contact” to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days*: Get tested 5-7 days after your exposure—even if you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and this test collected on or after Day 5 is negative, you can end quarantine after Day 7. School children who are under a modified quarantine must get tested twice—once as soon as possible after the exposure and the second at least 3 days later. To learn more, visit Quarantine and Other Instructions for Close Contacts: lacounty.gov/covidquarantine
  
  
  • You are part of an outbreak investigation If you live or work in a place where other people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you may need to be tested, even if you are fully vaccinated or had COVID-19 in the past.

  The above are reasons for diagnostic testing. For more information, visit the COVID-19 Testing page on the LA County Department of Public Health website.

  * If you have had a positive viral test for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, testing again is not recommended as long as you do not have symptoms of COVID-19.

  If you are not experiencing symptoms nor have been exposed to a COVID-19, there may be times when you need to “screen” for COVID-19.

• Can the coronavirus survive on surfaces?

  It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days (11).

  The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus.

• Will a COVID-19 test protect me from the virus?

  No. Even if you have a negative result, you should practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, and wash your hands frequently. A negative COVID-19 test does not guarantee that you do not have the virus. With widespread community transmission, there is a daily risk of being infected with COVID-19.

  The best protection available currently is to get vaccinated.

• Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?

  Please do not smoke, vape, eat or drink anything 1 hour before your test. Bring some form of identification and your appointment confirmation (if you made an appointment) to match the registration information. Your identity and your test results are protected by federal law and will not be shared with any other agencies for purposes of law enforcement or immigration. Please also wear your face-covering when you arrive at the testing site.

• What does the test consist of? How long does it take?

  Regardless of whether you have support or not:

  • We use a PCR test to detect the virus that causes COVID-19. There are many ways to get a sample for the test. You will receive information about the collection method for the site you select in the registration process. We are currently taking samples from the nose, mouth and throat:
  
  
• How do I follow up on my results?

  If you have not received the results of your COVID-19 test taken at one of the community testing sites in ORSA GROUP, call US or visit test.orsagroup.com.tr