COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
From the Department of Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I go if I want to be tested?
If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), you should seek treatment with your primary care physician or urgent care. Physicians are stringently adhering to the testing criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if a patient qualifies for a COVID-19 test. A doctor will likely test you for other illnesses, such as the flu, before ordering a COVID-19 test.
Please note: The public cannot go to a hospital, physician practice or urgent care and order their own COVID-19 test.
Q: Should I go to the ER if I think I need a COVID-19 test?
Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you should not go to an ER for a COVID-19 test. Physicians can take a collection sample from those patients who meet the testing criteria as set by CDC. The emergency department should be used only by those having a medical emergency, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
Q: What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
If you have traveled internationally or been on a cruise, you should self-quarantine for 14 days immediately upon returning from your travels, even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath during those 14 days, contact your physician and disclose your travel history. Your physician will advise you of next steps. If you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the ER.
Q: Can I get a coronavirus test at the hospital if I am not sick?
No. If you’re not sick, it’s unlikely that you have COVID-19. Currently, all tests are designated for those who are exhibiting symptoms and meet the testing criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Q: I have a fever and cough. Will I be automatically tested for COVID-19?
No. Fever and cough are common symptoms for other illnesses, including the flu. Physicians will evaluate your symptoms, travel history, the potential for exposure and other factors and determine if a test is appropriate. They will also test you for other viruses, including the flu.
Q: How can I be tested?
A physician must order a COVID-19 test, and will only order a test if the patient meets the testing criteria as defined by the CDC.
Q: Where can I be tested?
A physician must order a COVID-19 test. If a doctor deems it appropriate to test you for COVID-19, the sample would be collected in the physician’s office. The test itself is conducted through a lab. (This lab is not the same as the consumer-facing labs where patients go for outpatient bloodwork.)
Q: Are the results instantaneous?
No. Unlike a flu test, which can be administered on-site with quick results, the COVID-19 test takes up to seven days from the time of collection sample to results being shared with the patient. During that time, patients will be instructed to follow CDC guidelines and isolate themselves.
Q: When would I get results from a test?
Up to seven days after administration of the test.
Q: Do doctors and hospitals share results with the Florida Department of Health?
Yes. They are required by law to share positive COVID-19 test results with the Florida Department of Health.
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Q: Where do I go if I want to be tested?
If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), you should seek treatment with your primary care physician or urgent care. Physicians are stringently adhering to the testing criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if a patient qualifies for a COVID-19 test. A doctor will likely test you for other illnesses, such as the flu, before ordering a COVID-19 test.
Please note: The public cannot go to a hospital, physician practice or urgent care and order their own COVID-19 test.
Q: Should I go to the ER if I think I need a COVID-19 test?
Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you should not go to an ER for a COVID-19 test. Physicians can take a collection sample from those patients who meet the testing criteria as set by CDC. The emergency department should be used only by those having a medical emergency, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
Q: What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
If you have traveled internationally or been on a cruise, you should self-quarantine for 14 days immediately upon returning from your travels, even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath during those 14 days, contact your physician and disclose your travel history. Your physician will advise you of next steps. If you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the ER.
Q: Can I get a coronavirus test at the hospital if I am not sick?
No. If you’re not sick, it’s unlikely that you have COVID-19. Currently, all tests are designated for those who are exhibiting symptoms and meet the testing criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Q: I have a fever and cough. Will I be automatically tested for COVID-19?
No. Fever and cough are common symptoms for other illnesses, including the flu. Physicians will evaluate your symptoms, travel history, the potential for exposure and other factors and determine if a test is appropriate. They will also test you for other viruses, including the flu.
Q: How can I be tested?
A physician must order a COVID-19 test, and will only order a test if the patient meets the testing criteria as defined by the CDC.
Q: Where can I be tested?
A physician must order a COVID-19 test. If a doctor deems it appropriate to test you for COVID-19, the sample would be collected in the physician’s office. The test itself is conducted through a lab. (This lab is not the same as the consumer-facing labs where patients go for outpatient bloodwork.)
Q: Are the results instantaneous?
No. Unlike a flu test, which can be administered on-site with quick results, the COVID-19 test takes up to seven days from the time of collection sample to results being shared with the patient. During that time, patients will be instructed to follow CDC guidelines and isolate themselves.
Q: When would I get results from a test?
Up to seven days after administration of the test.
Q: Do doctors and hospitals share results with the Florida Department of Health?
Yes. They are required by law to share positive COVID-19 test results with the Florida Department of Health.
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