What is COVID-19 Testing?
Tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus tell if you have an infection at the time of the test. Antigen tests and Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are the most common types of viral tests. There are rapid tests which give results quickly and laboratory tests which take longer to get results. Some tests are taken by healthcare providers while others can be self-administered at home. PCR testing is a type of laboratory NAAT test that typically takes 48 hours to give results and is considered highly accurate.
Tests for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus tell if you have had either past infection or have been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Your body creates antibodies after you become infected with COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins that the immune system makes so that you are better able to protect yourself from getting sick in the future. These antibodies can be detected in the blood. Antibody tests cannot show if you have a current infection.
Testing is a very important part of reducing the spread of COVID-19. You should be tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you develop symptoms of infection. You should always discuss test results with your healthcare provider. Additional Information About Testing and Vaccines
Creating your COVID-19 SOS Directive
If you decide you want a COVID-19 SOS Directive, you need to:
Fill out the form and have it signed and dated by you and your witnesses.
Tell your loved ones and doctors that you have an SOS Directive.