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COVID-19 Information

Guidance if you are sick

In March 2024, the CDC released new recommendations about preventing the spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. These steps can help reduce the spread of COVID and other illnesses, like flu and RSV. Recommendations include:

  • Stay home and away from others when you are sick. This includes symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.
  • Go back to normal activities once your symptoms improve overall for at least 24 hours, and you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
  • When you go back to normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.

COVID-19 Testing

Get Free COVID Home Test Kits

Testing for COVID-19 should be performed by a healthcare provider. “At-home tests” will be accepted for return to work or school clearance if symptoms of illness are present. Pick up locally: Available for pick-up at the Wyandotte County Public Health Department, 619 Ann Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. 

Do I need to be in isolation if I am waiting for test results?

  • Yes, if you are suspected of having COVID-19 because of symptoms or exposure (travel-related or exposure to a known case). A person who is being tested for COVID-19 because they are suspected of having the disease is required to be in isolation until test results are received. Do not attend school or school activities while waiting for test results, whether you are a staff member or a student.
  • No, if you are being tested for another purpose, such as a test before surgery (i.e. pre-operative screening test) you are not required to isolate while waiting for results. 

COVID-19 Symptoms

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, body aches, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. A person may say that food “tastes bad” or “tastes funny.”

Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include: shortness of breath, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is recommended that you keep in contact with your primary care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. Symptoms that are due to a pre-existing medical diagnosis that is under the care of a medical provider are not subject to this guidance.