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Medical Care

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

 

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

COVID-19 TESTING

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive or had symptoms, you may register for a COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 Test Registration

Looking for a COVID-19 Test location? Check out the continuously updated map by the Indiana State Department of Health.

COVID-19 Test Site Locations

Take Steps To Protect Yourself

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Always wash your hands after using the restroom and before eating.

Avoid close contact

Stay home

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

If available wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

What to do if you are sick

  1. Stay home except to get medical care
  2. Separate yourself from other people in your home
  3. Call ahead before visiting your doctor or the emergency room of the hospital
  • If you require an emergency room visit call the hospital you intend to go to. DO NOT just arrive in the ER without calling ahead first.
  1. If you are experiencing extreme respiratory distress go to the emergency room
  2. If you are experiencing the following symptoms call your doctor:
    • Fever over 100.4 and…
    • Cough  and…
    • Shortness of breath

What will you have to pay if you get tested for COVID-19

The testing for COVID-19 is treated as a preventable test and will be covered under the High Deductible Health Plan and the Traditional Plan through UMR.  Preventable tests are not subject to deductibles or co-pays.