In this post I link to and excerpt from [COVID-19] Self Testing From The CDC Updated Aug. 2, 2021.
All that follows is from the above resource.
To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
Summary of Recent Changes
Updates as of August 2, 2021
Key Points
- Self-tests are performed by a person at home or anywhere.
- All instructions for performing the test must be followed.
- Self-tests can be used by anyone who is symptomatic regardless of their vaccination status.
- Unvaccinated persons with no COVID-19 symptoms can also use self-tests, especially if they were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- If an individual tests positive, they should isolate and inform any close contacts.
People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. Although the risk that fully vaccinated people could become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 is low, any fully vaccinated person who experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated. Get tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
Fully vaccinated individuals should follow CDC’s recommendations for testing.
If you need to be tested for COVID-19 and can’t get tested by a healthcare provider, you can consider using either a self-collection kit or a self-test that can be performed at home or anywhere else. Sometimes a self-test is also called a “home test” or an “at-home test.” FDAexternal icon provides information on which self-tests are authorized for use.
These self-collection kits and tests are available either by prescription or over the counter, without a prescription, in a pharmacy or retail store. At present, self-collection kits and tests are used for the detection of current infection.
Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions before using the test. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results.
