Today, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reminds Nevadans of COVID-19 testing options, when to seek testing and what to do if a positive test result is received.
COVID-19 testing is available at community-based testing sites, clinics, pharmacies and many other locations statewide. Testing options can be found on NVCOVIDFighter.org. Additionally, the at-home rapid tests ordered by Governor Steve Sisolak are available for free from community partners and Nevadans can order tests to be mailed to their home from the federal government. Testing information is posted at NVHealthResponse.nv.gov/find-covid-19-testing-in-nevada.
The State of Nevada encourages residents to have at-home test kits available for use if COVID-19 symptoms develop. These rapid tests are most accurate when symptomatic. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) laboratory testing, is another option for testing that remains the gold standard as the tests results are reviewed by a laboratory.
If COVID-19 symptoms develop or if a person has a known exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, they should seek testing.
Those who test positive must isolate at home and stay away from others for at least five days, whether or not they are vaccinated. They should also inform close contacts of the possible exposure. Details on what to do if a positive test result is received can be found at NVHealthResponse.nv.gov/covid-19-positive.
Being informed of a potential COVID-19 exposure allows individuals the opportunity to get tested and reduce the risk of infecting others with the virus. If a positive test result is received, Nevadans are encouraged to inform their close contacts of the possible exposure.
One method to help inform close contacts is to voluntarily opt-in to the Exposure Notification System that is available on both iPhone and Android smartphones. This exposure notification technology uses Bluetooth scanning to anonymously exchange information with nearby devices. No location or device tracking takes place.
Nevada has been collaborating closely and joins other western states to expand exposure notification efforts, regardless of whether testing is performed by a medical provider or done at-home, the result can be entered by the individual to be anonymously shared to notify others of a potential COVID-19 exposure.
This feature was developed in response to the growing number of testing options and is an update from Nevada’s COVID Trace app and Exposure Notification Express (ENX) launched by the State in December 2020.
For more information on Exposure Notifications go to NVHealthResponse.nv.gov/exposure-notifications or Google.com/covid19/exposurenotifications.
All eligible Nevadans are encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccination and booster dose to prevent severe disease. The vaccine is free, safe and effective and vaccination clinics can be found at NVCOVIDFighter.org or by calling the helpline at 800-401-0946.
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