Positive

Thank you again for participating in the Team-based Rapid Assessment of Community-Level Coronavirus Epidemic (TRACE) project. As our field team discussed with you when they recently visited your home, we are conducting this public health surveillance project to learn how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is spreading in this community and how common it is for people to have this virus whether or not they have symptoms. SARS-Co-V-2 is the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19. You completed a brief interview and provided us with a sample from your nose to test for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We have completed testing the sample from your nose.

What was my test result?

Oregon State University’s TRACE project has obtained a test result that indicates the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the sample you provided.

What does this result mean?

This means that the sample from your nose that you gave us tested positive for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. This result is not a diagnosis. Individuals who have the virus in their bodies are more likely to develop COVID-19 and more likely to spread the virus to others. There is also a possibility that the test result may be incorrect.

We recommend that you contact your medical provider and ask for advice. You should also protect those around you from possible infection by isolating yourself in your home. We also suggest you follow information included here from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) about what do to if you or some you care for is sick or if you or someone you care for are concerned they may be exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

What should I do if I get sick?

Fever and cough are common symptoms of this illness and may last for several days. Resting, staying hydrated, and sleeping are typically helpful. If you require in-person medical care, call your medical provider first to let them know you had a positive test through the OSU TRACE project. They will be able to guide your care. Remember that 80% of people with COVID-19 recover well at home. We recommend that people who test positive for COVID stay at home for at least 7 days from the onset of their cough and fever. In addition they need to be fever free for 72 hours, without taking fever reducing medicines, AND an improving cough before returning to work.

If at any time you develop severe trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion or disorientation, or blue lips or face dial 911 to receive immediate medical attention.

I do not have health insurance. What should I do if I need to see a medical provider?

We recommend contacting a local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHCs are in most cities and in many rural areas. They are dedicated to providing high quality, affordable care to everyone and will help you, even if you have no health insurance. Find the nearest FQHC at https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.

Again, thank you for participating in TRACE. If you have questions, you can contact the TRACE project team at 541-713-0450 or toll free at 1-844-541-4219 or email us at support@trace.oregonstate.edu.

See the websites below that contain helpful resources to protect yourself and those around you as well how to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oregon Health Authority continue to provide updates on COVID-19 and the safety information for the public.

Visit the Oregon Department of Employment website for updates on COVID-19 related business layoffs, closures and applying for unemployment insurance.

Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Apply for emergency related day care through the Oregon Department of Human Services. Oregon Early Learning Division has provided resources for families and child care providers who may face virus-related disruptions.

Governor Kate Brown has expanded child care benefits for families and providers during the spread of COVID-19. Contact the Oregon Department of Human Services Direct Pay Unit with questions at 1-800-699-9074.

Visit the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on the Internal Revenue Service website for COVID-19 tax relief related to paid leave for workers and tax credits for businesses related to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that was signed into law.

Visit the CDC’s Information for Travelers or the State Department’s Travel Advisories if you are planning on travelling outside of the United States.