Connecticut State Connecticut COVID-19 Response

Testing Positive for COVID-19: What You Should Know

Why did I receive a text message?

People who test positive for COVID-19 may receive text message that says “Your test result has been reported to the health department. Please review these recommendations to stay safe and stop the spread of COVID-19.” These messages are sent to people who test positive for COVID-19 when there are a lot of cases in the community to make sure that everyone receives important public health recommendations as quickly as possible.

You may also receive a follow-up text message with a link to anonymously report your positive result to COVID ALERT CT. The link that you receive will only work if you already have the COVID ALERT CT app on your cell phone. If you have the app, clicking on this link will allow you to privately share your positive result with people that were close to you. We will not tell anyone who you are, but it will let them know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 so they can take steps to protect themselves and people near them. After you click on the verification link you will need to answer a few simple questions to complete the process.

 

Do I still need to talk to a contact tracer?

Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a call from a contact tracer.

  • If you missed a call from a contact tracer please call them back at the number provided
  • If you would like to speak with a contact tracer and have not yet received a call, please call 860-952-3405 or contact your local health department
  • Please notify your school or employer of your positive result
  • If you have already spoken to a contact tracer there is no need to call them back now, but please be sure to complete your daily monitoring if contacted by phone, email, or text

 

I am concerned about my positive test result. Where can I get help?

If you are having a medical emergency please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you have questions about your test result or symptoms, you may:

  • Call your primary care provider or the provider that ordered your test
  • If you have medical insurance, call the nurses line listed on your insurance card
  • If you do not have medical insurance or a healthcare provider, please call 2-1-1 to learn more about how to be connected to medical services in your community.

 

If I tested positive for COVID-19 can I still go to work or school?

If you test positive for COVID you should stay home and away from others for at least 5 days after your symptoms began. If you do not have any symptoms you should stay home for 5 days after your positive test date. If you do not have symptoms or your symptoms are resolving, after 5 days you can leave your house but should continue to wear a mask around other for 5 additional days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

 

How can I isolate safely?

Please stay in your home and away from others unless you are visiting a healthcare provider. If you live with others, please try to stay away from others in a separate room. If you need to go outside of your separate space, wear a mask and wipe down everything you touch with disinfectant. If possible, use a separate bathroom from everyone else in your home. If a separate bathroom is not possible, clean all touched surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner after use. Try to have your family or friends deliver food to you outside of your door.

 

I am fully vaccinated. Do I still need to isolate at home if I test positive?

Yes. Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home, even if they are fully vaccinated.

 

Do the people I live with need to quarantine?

People that you had direct contact with or were within 6 feet of for more than 15 minutes are considered close contacts and should quarantine. Please see the CDC guidance for specific quarantine recommendations based on vaccine status: CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC.

 

How can someone quarantine safely?

To safely quarantine, please stay in your home unless you are visiting a healthcare provider. If you live with others, please try to stay away from others in a separate room. If you need to go outside of your separate space, wear a mask and wipe everything you touch down with disinfectant. If possible, use a separate bathroom from everyone else in your home. If a separate bathroom is not possible, clean all touched surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner after use. Try to have your family or friends deliver food to you outside of your door.