The Cooper County Public Health Center has taken and will continue to take the necessary precautions to keep the community safe, and will continue to diligently monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves by following the CDC guidelines to protect public health and limit spread of this infection.
According to a news release, the Cooper County Public Health Center is providing limited testing per DHSS guidelines for COVID-19 by appointment only.
The process for obtaining COVID-19 medical testing is:
· The individual needing testing must be pre-approved by health center staff through phone interview approval. During the phone interview the individual must meet some criteria:
· Meet medical criteria for testing; and
· Must have transportation to the Cooper County Public Health Center.
Walk-in, face-to-face interviews will not be conducted. The purpose of phone interviews is to reduce the health-center exposure to the medically ill. Phone interviews must be completed in advance. Testing will be done by appointment only, in a drive thru setting. Call (660) 882-2626 for an eligibility interview.
If You Believe You Have Symptoms
· Call the COVID-19 Hotline at (877) 435-8411. Do not go to the emergency room nor doctor’s office before calling. If you are unable to get through, call your local healthcare provider.
· If you do not have a local healthcare provider, call the Cooper County Public Health Center. The center does not have a physician on staff, however it will help you locate a healthcare provider.
· Follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals.
· Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
· Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school or public areas.
· Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride sharing or taxis.
Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.