I tested negative for coronavirus. Now what?

With the expansion of coronavirus testing throughout North Texas, more and more people in our community will get tested and find they don’t have the virus. But what should you do when your test comes back negative? 

Continue Isolation 

Until your physician clears you, you should continue isolating in the same way as before you found out you tested negative. This includes: 

• Staying home except to get medical care – Don’t go to work or school, and don’t use public transportation. Try to have family members or delivery services deliver groceries to you. 
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home – Stay in a specific room away from your family as much as possible, and use a separate bathroom if you can. Also, avoid contact with your pets during this time. 
• Call ahead before seeking medical care – Village Health Partners offers telehealth options for most appointment types, so you never have to leave your home! Many doctor’s offices are also implementing extra steps to protect other patients and team members, so calling ahead allows them to take these extra precautions. 
• Wear a face mask – When you are around other people, including sharing a room or vehicle, when you’re at a healthcare office and when you’re around your pets, you should wear a mask to protect those around you. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes – We know you learned this in school, but it’s always important to remember to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. The best way to protect those around you is to use a tissue, and immediately throw it away and wash your hands (for 20 seconds)! 
• Clean your hands often – Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Do this often, but especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom, and before eating or making food. 
• Avoid sharing personal household items – Don’t share dishes, utensils, cups, towels, or bedding, and after using these things, make sure to wash them with soap and water. 
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces daily – Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, and clean counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. 
• Monitor your symptoms – Your physician recommends home isolation because your symptoms are mild. If they worsen, seek medical attention. To schedule an appointment, click here.

When you’re symptom-free, contact your doctor 

When you are feeling better and are symptom-free, you should follow up with your physician to see what next steps they recommend. Until your physician directs you, continue to follow all isolation recommendations. 

Are you feeling under the weather? Click here to schedule a televisit appointment with a physician.