When You’ve Taken a Covid-19 Test

(Sticky Post) Published December 21, 2021 | Board of Health Nurse | Updated January 3, 2022 | Automatically Archived on 6/25/2022

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Covid-19 tests play an important role in protecting yourself and others by reducing the chance of spreading the virus.  The recent availability of home tests or self tests also bring questions about how to proceed when you have a positive result. No matter the type of test you have taken its important to know the following information:

  • Most home tests are not reported to your physician. This responsibility rests with you. 
  • You can help stop the spread by doing the following after you have been notified of a positive result. 
  • If you have a positive result you will be expected to isolate Click on this link to get State Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
  • Please notify your close contacts that they have been exposed. Close contacts are those within 6 feet of you for 15 minutes or more while indoors starting two days before your symptoms began or your test date. 
  • Unvaccinated close contacts should quarantine and any close contacts regardless of their vaccination status should stay home and contact their health care provider about getting tested if they have symptoms.
  • For more information on both isolation and quarantine you can visit mass.gov/isolate 
  • If you need assistance or have questions about this guidance you should call the Health Department at 978-440-5477.
  • Be sure to inform your work contacts as well as the School Nurse or Daycare that your child attends if they are a close contact.