Note: This page uses the official term COVID-19 to refer to the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Many rumors related to COVID-19 circulating on social media are false or contain misinformation. People should be skeptical of rumors they hear on social media that aren’t being reported by reputable health organizations or mainstream media outlets and should not share or repost items unless they are able to confirm that they are true. False and inaccurate social media posts can cause a great deal of harm.
Want to keep up on the latest COVID-19 updates? Here’s some of our favorite credible sources:
- CDC
- FDA
- World Health Organization
- Dear Pandemic
- Your Local Epidemiologist
- Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist
- Stronger
- Project VCTR (Vaccine Communication Tracking & Response)
- John Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Updated 8/26/2021
What is novel coronavirus, or COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It causes a respiratory illness ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to what someone may get from a seasonal illness:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- A decrease in smell or taste
Most people with COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms. However, people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness and even death from COVID-19.
Recommended interventions (such as vaccination, wearing face masks, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, etc.) are effective at preventing transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
What does COVID-19 mean?
This is the official name for the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed 2019-nCoV to COVID-19 using a combination of the words coronavirus (CO), virus (VI), and disease (D). The number “19” is for the year the outbreak was first identified. The name was chosen to avoid references to a specific geographical location, animal species, or group of people to prevent stigma.
How is COVID-19 spread?
From what we know right now, the virus that causes COVID-19 is most easily spread through respiratory fluids. When you exhale, talk, sing, cough, sneeze, or breath hard during exercise you exhale respiratory droplets. Other people can breathe in these respiratory droplets and particles, or get them in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Respiratory droplets can be very fine or aerosolized which means you can’t see them and they can stay in the air for minutes to hours. Other respiratory droplets can be large enough that you can see them (think of someone sneezing or coughing on you and you get “sprayed” with droplets). The largest droplets settle out of the air quickly, within seconds to minutes.
The 3 main ways that COVID-19 spreads:
- Breathing in air that has very fine respiratory droplets or aerosol particles that contain the virus.
- When respiratory droplets get in your mouth, nose, or eyes. This happens when you are close to someone who coughs or sneezes.
- Touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your hands that have respiratory fluids containing the virus on them. Sometimes this can also happen if you’ve touched surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Although not as common, you can get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 even if you are more than 6 feet away from the person who is infectious. This can happen under special circumstances:
- In enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. People have gotten the virus if they were exposed in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation to someone who had the virus or were in the enclosed space shortly after the infected person left. Fine respiratory droplets can build up in the air in these spaces which makes transmission more possible.
- Exposed to a lot of respiratory droplets. Certain activities put more respiratory droplets into the air, such as singing, shouting, and exercising. When you do these activities with other people, it means that everyone is putting more of their respiratory droplets in the air than you would normally have. Especially if people aren’t wearing face masks in enclosed spaces during these activities or in spaces with poor ventilation. People have gotten the virus if they were in environments such as these that increased the amount of respiratory droplets in the air.
- Exposed to respiratory droplets for long periods of time. People can get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 if they are exposed to respiratory droplets for more than 15 minutes.
Are there any medicines to treat COVID-19?
Treatments used for COVID-19 should be prescribed by your healthcare provider. People have been seriously harmed and even died after taking products not approved for COVID-19, even products approved or prescribed for other uses.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one drug, remdesivir (Veklury), to treat COVID-19. The FDA can also issue emergency use authorizations (EUAs) to allow healthcare providers to use products that are not yet approved, or that are approved for other uses, to treat patients with COVID-19 if certain legal requirements are met.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed and regularly updates Treatment Guidelines to help guide healthcare providers caring for patients with COVID-19, including when clinicians might consider using one of the products under an EUA.
Recent studies have shown that treatment with monoclonal antibodies during the early stages of illness can help to prevent hospitalization and severe illness in people who are at high risk for severe illness.
Treatment to manage symptoms can include drinking lots of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever.
Does ivermectin help prevent or cure COVID-19?
No. Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by the FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has also determined that there is currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. Ivermectin is used to treat certain infections caused by parasites. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not a parasite.
It is also used by veterinarians to treat parasitic infections in livestock.
Adverse effects associated with ivermectin misuse and overdose are increasing, as shown by a rise in calls to poison control centers reporting overdoses and more people experiencing adverse effects.
Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
Yes. In the United States there are three different vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA for COVID-19.
- Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty): The FDA announced full approval of the Pfizer vaccine for people ages 16 and older on August 23, 2021. This is the final step in a rigorous approval process to confirm the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. The vaccine is available for people ages 12-15 years through the FDA emergency use authorization.
- Moderna: Authorized for people ages 18 and older.
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen: Authorized for people ages 18 and older.
To find a vaccine provider near you, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine-distribution or vaccines.gov.
Who is most affected by COVID-19?
People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Immunocompromised (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Based on what we know now, people with the following health conditions might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
- Asthma (moderate to severe)
- Cerebrovascular disease (a disease which affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV/ • AIDS, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Liver disease
- Neurologic conditions such as dementia
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
- Type 1 diabetes
Children who have special health care needs or are medically complex are also at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. These children may have neurologic, genetic, or metabolic health conditions or a congenital heart disease.
Smoking may also increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. For more information on who may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and what precautions these individuals should take, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.
What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children?
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. We do not yet know what causes MIS-C. However, we know that many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19, or had been around someone with COVID-19. MIS-C can be serious, even deadly, but most children who were diagnosed with this condition have gotten better with medical care.
Contact your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic right away if your child is showing symptoms of MIS-C. Seek emergency care right away if your child is showing any of these emergency warning signs of MIS-C or other concerning signs.
Does everyone with COVID-19 end up in the hospital?
No. People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 which may include hospitalization. We can’t predict who may suffer from severe illness from COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated.
Most people will be able to recover at home under the care of a healthcare provider.
What is post-COVID or COVID long hauler?
There is no way to know how COVID-19 will impact you. While many who have contracted COVID-19 appear to be “recovered” after one to two weeks, there are many who would say they are far from being in that category. Individuals who are referred to as “long haulers” are those who continue to suffer debilitating effects of the disease months after being infected with the virus. Some studies and surveys with patients show that 50-80% of people continue to have bothersome symptoms up to three months after they contracted COVID-19, even though the virus is no longer in their bodies. Many of these people lived very active lifestyles prior to getting sick; hiking, traveling, regular exercise routines, and more. Now, months after initially contracting the virus, these long haulers say they are nowhere near returning to their familiar lifestyle.
Long haulers are battling symptoms for not just days or weeks, but months. Some of the effects long haulers continue to experience are: chronic fatigue, hair loss, blood clots, hearing deficits, tremors, body aches, tachycardia, heart palpitations and other cardiac issues, insomnia, cognitive issues, short term memory loss, vertigo, random adrenaline rushes, dysautonomia, anxiety, blurry vision, brain fog, and more. These side effects have a devastating impact on these individuals and their families.
Learn more at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/covid19-long-haulers or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects.html.
Do you have immunity once you get COVID?
There is still a lot we don't know about COVID-19 including how much immunity a person will have after being infected with the virus and how that might compare to immunity after vaccination. Our immune systems are incredibly complex and vaccination may provide longer lasting and more robust immunity than natural infection.
We know people can get immunity from both infection and vaccination. Studies have shown varying levels of immunity after infection with COVID-19. Preliminary evidence from the United Kingdom indicates the Delta variant may cause more reinfections than other strains of the virus we’ve seen. According to the CDC, evidence is emerging that people get better protection by being fully vaccinated compared with having had COVID-19. One study showed that unvaccinated people who already had COVID-19 are more than 2 times as likely than fully vaccinated people to get COVID-19 again.
Right now, we recommend that you get vaccinated even if you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 before. We can’t predict who will get severely ill from infection or suffer long-term health effects from it. The overwhelming evidence shows the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the risks of having COVID-19 as a disease.
Can COVID-19 be spread through water?
COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods should remove or inactivate the virus. There is also no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs.
How long does COVID-19 survive on surfaces?
Studies show the virus that causes COVID-19 may last on surfaces for up to 72 hours depending on the surface. That's why it is so important to not touch your face, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often (such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables), and wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
There's a lot we still don't know, such as how different conditions, including exposure to sunlight, heat, or cold, can affect these survival times.
What cleaning agents work best to kill COVID-19?
Use a disinfectant product from EPA List N that is effective against COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html.
Can I get COVID-19 from pets or animals?
There have been a small number of pets (dogs and cats) and animals which have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with someone who had COVID-19. Based on what we know right now, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to humans is considered low.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/pets.html.
If I get a package from an area with coronavirus and open it, will I get COVID-19?
People receiving packages from areas with coronavirus are not at risk of contracting COVID-19. Coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages. These viruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets, such as coughing and sneezing. There have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. associated with imported goods.
Can I get COVID-19 from food?
There is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object, like a packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.
If you are an employee or a business owner and have questions about COVID-19, download the COVID-19 Business Manual at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/business/workplace-resources/.
If you are an employee or business owner of a child care facility and have questions about COVID-19, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/child-care.
Is it a HIPAA violation if someone asks me if I’m vaccinated for COVID-19?
No. HIPAA laws are often misunderstood, so it makes it easy for misinformation to spread. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191). The law was made to make sure employees had health insurance between jobs. However, a privacy rule was added in 2003. The privacy rule is the part that is usually misunderstood.
HIPAA laws:
- Give you the right to access your own medical information.
- Limit how “covered entities” can access, use, and/or share your personal health information without your consent. It also limits who within “covered entities” has access to your personal health information. This includes information about your past, current, or future physical or mental health conditions.
For example, just because someone works at a medical clinic, does not mean he or she can just access your medical records. The person has to have a valid reason, like if he or she were your nurse or doctor. Another example would be that not everyone in the billing department would have a valid reason for access to your health information, but the person who is actually billing your insurance would.
HIPAA laws only apply to “covered entities” and how they use your personal health information. Covered entities are:
- Healthcare providers (like physicians, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies)
- Healthcare plans (health insurance)
- Healthcare clearinghouses (like billing companies).
HIPAA laws do not apply to private businesses or employers. A private business or employer can ask or require proof of whether or not you’ve been vaccinated before allowing you to come inside the business or come to work. You don’t have to tell them, if you don’t want to. However, a private business or employer has the right not to allow you to enter the business or come to work. For more information about Utah employment laws, visit https://jobs.utah.gov/employer/legal.html.
Will the Utah Department of Health provide COVID-19 tests for my business or event?
The Utah Department of Health is not providing COVID-19 testing services to private businesses or to private event organizers. Businesses and event organizers are responsible for getting their own testing vendors and supplies, lab services, and reporting test results to Utah Department of Health. Below are some helpful resources for knowing what kind of test is best for your needs and how to order test kits.
Connect to Test is a tool that can help you find the best type of COVID-19 test based on your business or event needs. This tool also lets you purchase different types of tests that will work best for you.
Project N95 is a national clearinghouse for personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 tests. Project N95 makes group purchases of PPE and testing supplies to lower costs to businesses.
When To Test is an easy-to-use tool that helps you or your business know when to test for COVID-19. It accounts for community spread of COVID-19 in your area, strategies your business is taking to prevent spread of COVID-19, and the level of compliance at your worksite.
Where can I find data on COVID-19 in Utah?
The Utah Department of Health updates a COVID-19 data dashboard at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/ by 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You can also search data on the IBIS-PH data query website.
How are deaths from COVID-19 determined?
For information on how deaths from COVID-19 are determined, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/covid-19-deaths/.
Where can I find data on COVID-19 hospitalizations in Utah?
Data on COVID-19 hospitalizations can be found at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/. You can also search data on the IBIS-PH data query website.
Do hospitals make more money on COVID patients?
Some have alleged hospitals make more money treating COVID patients, which incentivizes them to take more COVID patients or to diagnose patients with two or more conditions including COVID as a primary COVID diagnosis. Hospitals and doctors will be reimbursed for treating COVID cases by health insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid based on established rates of payment. There is no upcharge or financial gain for treating a COVID patient or classifying a patient with a primary COVID diagnosis. Hospitals are urging people to avoid contracting COVID so they don’t need hospital care. Hospitals want fewer, not more COVID cases.
How can I help?
Visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/help/ to see how you can help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can I give blood during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes! If you are healthy and feeling well, you can still schedule an appointment to give blood. Now more than ever before, blood donations are needed to help patients counting on lifesaving blood throughout this pandemic. You can visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/help/ and scroll down to "Give Blood" to find out more.
What is isolation?
Isolation is for people who have tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19. This means you stay at home except to get medical care. You should isolate until you have been:
- Fever-free for 24 hours (this means you did not use medicine to lower your fever), and
- Your respiratory symptoms have improved for 24 hours, and
- It has been at least 10 days since you first got sick.
- If you did not have symptoms, isolate for 10 days from the day you were tested.
If you test positive for COVID-19, try to stay in a different room in your home from other people. You should also try to use a different bathroom than other people. If you can’t stay in a different room or use a different bathroom, stay as far away from other people in your home as possible. Wear a mask if you need to be around other people. Don’t share personal items like cups, plates, or towels. Clean surfaces that are touched often (like phones, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sink handles, countertops, and anything metal).
You are infectious and can spread the virus to others starting up to 2 days before you first had symptoms until your isolation period is over. If you never had symptoms, you are infectious starting 2 days before the day you were tested for COVID-19. Anyone who came into close contact with you during this time should quarantine.
If you test positive for COVID-19, anyone who lives in your home should quarantine for 10 days from the last time they were in close contact with you during isolation, unless they are fully vaccinated or tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 180 days (about 6 months).
A public health worker will also try to contact you if you test positive to conduct a case investigation. Sometimes people call this contact tracing. A public health worker may call you or send you a text or email.
What do I do if I am isolated?
Isolation is for people who are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19. Isolation means:
- Stay home unless you need medical care.
- Try to stay in a different room than other people in your house. If this is not possible, stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
- Try to use a different bathroom than the other people who live in your house.
- Clean surfaces that are touched often (phones, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sink handles, countertops, and anything metal).
- Do not travel if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands with soap and water right after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. If you do not have soap or water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wear a face mask if you have to be around other people (if you have to be in the same room or car). If you can’t wear a face mask because it makes it hard for you to breathe, stay in a different room from other people. If people come into your room, they should wear a face mask.
You can find more information on isolation at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/protect-yourself/.
When should I go to the hospital or call 911 if I am sick with COVID-19?
If your symptoms get worse or you feel like you need to see a doctor or call 911, call and tell them you tested positive for COVID-19 before you go to their office, clinic, or emergency room. This is important so the healthcare workers are prepared for your visit and can take precautions to keep you and others safe. Some of the emergency warning signs are:
- If you have trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- If you have pain or pressure in your chest that does not go away
- If you feel confused or cannot wake up easily
- If your lips or face look bluish
These are not all of the emergency symptoms. Call your doctor or 911 if you are worried.
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Quarantine is for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19, but aren't sick yet. Isolation is for people who are sick or who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Will I continue to receive Medicaid or CHIP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Utah Medicaid will not close any Medicaid or CHIP cases that were eligible as of March 18, 2020. These cases, or members, will continue to receive benefits through the end of this emergency period. Members will be notified at that time if their case will change or close.
Due to COVID-19, Medicaid has also suspended the Community Engagement requirement. Medicaid members do not need to register for work and do not need to complete the assessment, training programs, or job searches. All cases, or members, will continue to receive benefits through the end of this emergency period.
For more information, visit https://medicaid.utah.gov/covid-19/.
What resources are there for mental health support during the pandemic?
The Emotional Health Relief Hotline is a free resource for those seeking emotional health guidance during these uncertain times. Callers are connected with a trained caregiver who can provide appropriate self-care tools, peer supports, treatment options, crisis resources, and more. The hotline has been developed in close collaboration with state partners, including the Utah Department of Human Services and the University of Utah Health UNI Crisis Line. It’s available 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 833-442-2211 if you need help. Interpretation services are available.
You can also visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/Mental-health for more information.
What is the best way to protect yourself from getting COVID-19?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you, your family, and your community healthy and safe. All COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA are safe and are effective. They keep you from getting sick, needing to be hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19. Studies show the vaccines work against the variants of the virus identified so far. By getting vaccinated, you can end the damage to the economy, prevent more illnesses and deaths in America, and eliminate and eradicate COVID-19.
You can get vaccinated as soon as you are no longer in isolation or quarantine and you don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19.
If you can’t get vaccinated or choose not to get vaccinated, the next best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to wear a face mask indoors in public settings and when you’re around crowds. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 can have had a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor and isolate right away. Your doctor will decide if you need to be tested. You can find testing locations at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locations/.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with COVID-19 generally develop symptoms 5-6 days after infection. About 75% of people will develop symptoms within 7 days after exposure. About 95% of people will develop symptoms within 12 days after exposure. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and get tested for COVID-19 right away.
What should I do if I was exposed to COVID-19?
| If you have never had a COVID-19 vaccine: | Quarantine at home and get tested for COVID-19. |
| If you are partially vaccinated. This means it it has been less than 2 weeks since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine: | Quarantine at home and get tested for COVID-19. |
| If you are fully vaccinated. This means it has been at least 2 weeks since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine: | Get tested for COVID-19. You don’t have to quarantine at home but you should wear a mask around other people for 10 days after your exposure. Isolate at home and get tested again if you get symptoms of COVID-19 within the 2 weeks after your exposure. |
| If it’s been less than 180 days since you tested positive for COVID-19: | You don’t have to quarantine at home but you should wear a mask around other people for 10 days after your exposure. Isolate at home if you get symptoms of COVID-19 within the 2 weeks after your exposure. The CDC and Utah Department of Health recommends you not get tested again if it’s been less than 90 days (about 3 months) since you first tested positive for COVID-19. However, if it’s been between 90-180 days (3-6 months) since you tested positive, you should get tested again. |
| If it’s been more than 180 days since you tested positive for COVID-19: | Quarantine at home and get tested for COVID-19. |
Everyone who is exposed to COVID-19 should take safety precautions for 14 days after the exposure, even if you are vaccinated or already had COVID-19:
- Check for symptoms of COVID-19 every day. Get tested right away if you have symptoms of COVID-19 during the 14 days after your exposure.
- Stay home and away from other people as much as possible. Do not go to school, work, extracurricular activities, religious services, family gatherings, or other activities until your quarantine is over. Only leave your home if you have to, such as to get medical care.
- Wear a face mask when you’re around other people.
- Limit the number of visitors to your home.
- Clean surfaces that are touched often (phones, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sink handles, countertops, and anything metal).
- Wash hands with soap and water often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
- Open the windows as much as you can to improve the ventilation and increase air exchanges in rooms.
What does close contact mean?
Close contact means:
- You were closer than 6 feet from someone who has the virus for a total of 15 minutes or longer in a 24 hour period.
- You cared for someone at home who is sick with COVID-19.
- You had direct physical contact with the person who has COVID-19 (hugged or kissed them).
- You shared eating or drinking utensils with the person who has COVID-19.
- The person who has COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.
What should I do if I am sick?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and get tested for COVID-19.
Isolation is for people who are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19. Everyone who lives in your house should quarantine at home if someone in your house tests positive for COVID-19. Isolation is for people who are not sick enough to be in the hospital. Your doctor may tell you to recover at home. Isolation keeps sick people away from healthy people to stop sickness from spreading.
If you are sick or test positive for COVID-19, you should:
- Stay home unless you need medical care.
- Try to stay in a different room than other people in your house. If this is not possible, stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
- Try to use a different bathroom than the other people who live in your house.
- Clean surfaces that are touched often (phones, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sink handles, countertops, and anything metal).
- Do not travel if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands with soap and water right after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. If you do not have soap or water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wear a face mask if you have to be around other people (if you have to be in the same room or car). If you can’t wear a face mask because it makes it hard for you to breathe, stay in a different room from other people. If people come into your room, they should wear a face mask.
More information on what to do if you are sick can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html.
Should I wear a face mask?
There is clear scientific evidence that wearing a face mask prevents the spread of COVID-19. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend everyone in a school wear a mask at this time, whether or not they are fully vaccinated. The CDC also recommends all people ages 2 and older, even if they are vaccinated, wear a mask indoors if they live in an area with high transmission.
While face masks are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it may not be possible in every situation or for some people to wear a face maskConsider adaptations and alternatives whenever possible to help someone wear a face mask or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread if it is not possible for someone to wear one.
Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.
Does having COVID-19 impact pregnancy?
MotherToBaby is a service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), and is the nation’s leading authority and most trusted source of evidence-based information on the safety of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. According to MotherToBaby,
“Studies have shown that people who are pregnant or recently pregnant and have COVID-19 have a higher chance of becoming very sick than people who are not pregnant or recently pregnant. This includes higher chances of being admitted to intensive care and needing to be put on a ventilator (machine that helps you breathe). Some studies have also reported a slightly higher chance of death from COVID-19 among people who are pregnant. The chance of these outcomes is higher among pregnant people who also have other underlying health conditions, such as obesity, pre-pregnancy diabetes, and/or chronic hypertension.
Having COVID-19 in pregnancy increases the chance of preterm delivery (having a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Studies have also reported increased chances of other pregnancy complications with COVID-19 infection, including preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure), effects on the placenta that can affect the baby’s growth, and the need for emergency c-section. More research will help us know how the chance of these and other pregnancy complications might be different depending on how sick the pregnant person is (no symptoms vs. mild symptoms vs. severe symptoms), the timing of the infection in pregnancy, and other factors.
COVID-19 infection can increase the chance of developing blood clots, especially if the infection is severe. One study of women giving birth in hospitals reported that those with COVID-19 had a higher chance of heart attack and blood clots than those who did not have COVID-19 (even though the overall chance of heart attack or blood clots was still small). The American Society of Hematology recommends that all adults who are hospitalized with COVID-19 be given treatment to prevent blood clots. People who are pregnant and admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 should discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers.”
What is quarantine?
Quarantine is for people who are not sick and don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19, but who may have been exposed to it. You should quarantine if you were exposed to COVID-19. This means you were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 while that person was infectious.
Quarantine keeps you away from others so you don’t infect someone else without knowing it. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure. This is why you should monitor for symptoms for 14 days from the last date of exposure, because it can take 14 days for you to get sick.
Do I have to quarantine if I am vaccinated?
You don’t need to quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 if you are fully vaccinated. This means, you don’t have to quarantine if it has been 2 weeks since your final shot, even if you are exposed to someone who tests positive. Fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine and can continue to go to work, school, and participate in events. We know there is a small chance vaccinated people can get COVID-19 (called a breakthrough case), so to be very safe we suggest vaccinated people get a COVID-19 test 5-7 days after they were exposed. You should also wear a mask when you’re around other people for 10 days after your exposure.
However, you must quarantine at home if you aren’t fully vaccinated. You are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after getting your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who has only had 1 dose of a mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or it’s been less than 2 weeks from their final dose should quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19.
Do I have to quarantine if I’ve already had COVID-19?
You don’t need to quarantine if it has been less than 180 days (about 6 months) since you tested positive. We know there is a small chance people who have already had COVID-19 can get re-infected. We also know some people can test positive for COVID-19 even after they are no longer able to spread the virus to other people. The CDC and Utah Department of Health recommends you not get tested again if it’s been less than 90 days (about 3 months) since you first tested positive for COVID-19.
However, you must quarantine if It’s been more than 180 days (about 6 months) since you tested positive for COVID-19. Studies show natural immunity - or immunity from having COVID-19 - may only last about 3-6 months.
When can I end quarantine?
You may end quarantine:
- 10 days after your exposure if you don’t get tested and don’t have symptoms. You can end quarantine 10 days after the last time you had close contact with the person who tested positive if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19.
- 7 days after your exposure if you have a negative test result. You must wait at least 7 days after your exposure to be tested. You can end quarantine if your test is negative and you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- You must quarantine for 10 days if you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, unless you are fully vaccinated or tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 180 days (about 6 months).
- You should quarantine for 14 days if you live or work in a congregate living setting (like a long-term care facility, group home, correctional facility, or shelter) and were exposed to COVID-19 because the chance for spread and severe illness is very high.
Anyone who was exposed to the virus needs to watch for symptoms until it has been 14 days since they were last exposed, even if they are fully vaccinated or had COVID-19 before. It is important to keep checking for symptoms and take extra safety precautions. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you need to isolate at home, call your healthcare provider, and may need to get tested again.
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Quarantine is for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19, but aren't sick yet. Isolation is for people who are sick or who have tested positive for COVID-19.
What should I do if I am told to quarantine?
Take extra safety precautions if you are exposed to COVID-19:
- Check for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after your exposure, including taking your temperature if possible. If you do not have a thermometer, check your skin to see if it feels warm or looks red.
- Stay home and away from other people as much as possible. Do not go to school, work, extracurricular activities, religious services, family gatherings, or other activities until your quarantine is over.
- Wear a face mask if you need to leave your home to get medical care. Only leave your home if you have to.
- Limit the number of visitors to your home.
- Clean surfaces that are touched often (phones, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sink handles, countertops, and anything metal).
- Wash hands with soap and water often. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
- Open the windows as much as you can to improve the ventilation and increase air exchanges in rooms.
- Do not share food or utensils with other people.
What if I get sick while on quarantine?
Isolate and get tested for COVID-19 right away if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 while on quarantine, even if they are mild.
The Utah Department of Health recommends a layered prevention approach to minimize the impact of COVID-19 exposures and outbreaks in school settings and maximize opportunities for children to participate in in-school learning and extracurricular activities.
Parents and school staff who have questions about how COVID-19 will be handled in their school or at extracurricular activities should contact their local health department or school for more information.
Learn more about K-12 school recommendations at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/education/.
How do I know the health department calling me isn't a scam?
As part of the disease investigation process, the health department will reach out to individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19. The health department may try to contact you by phone, text, or email. If you receive a message from the health department, please call the number back right away. Health departments will never ask for a social security number, bank information, etc. The health department will also talk to you about what you need to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or need to be on quarantine. You will also be asked about anyone you were in close contact with while you were infectious. This helps the health department notify other people who may be at risk for COVID-19.
Someone from the CDC called me to ask for money. Is it a scam?
The CDC is aware of a scam asking for individuals to donate money to the CDC. This scam is coming through caller ID or voicemail messages. These calls are a scam. Federal agencies do not request donations from the public. The health department or CDC will never ask you for your social security number, banking information, or for money.
Downloadable apps and some free websites now make it simple for someone to “spoof” a phone call and make it appear to come from any phone number. Unfortunately, current technology doesn’t make it simple to always block these spoofed calls—either on business or personal phones. A spoofed call does not mean that anyone’s telephone has been hacked.
You may also report these calls to the Federal Communications Commission. The Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Justice also provide more information about these types of scams on their websites.
When should I get tested for COVID-19?
Isolate and get tested right away if you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated or you’ve had COVID-19 before, it may be that something other than COVID-19 is causing your symptoms. We know there is a chance people can get re-infected and that fully vaccinated people can get COVID-19 (called a breakthrough case).
Anyone who is exposed to COVID-19 should get tested. We know there is a chance people can be re-infected with COVID-19. We also know some people can test positive after they have COVID-19 even though they are done with isolation and no longer infectious to other people. The CDC and Utah Department of Health recommends you not get tested after an exposure if it’s been less than 90 days (about 3 months) since you first tested positive for COVID-19. However, if it’s been between 90-180 days (3-6 months) since you tested positive, you should get tested again.
We also know there is a chance vaccinated people can get COVID-19 (called a breakthrough case), so to be very safe we suggest you get tested 5-7 days after you're exposed to someone who is infectious, even if you are fully vaccinated.
Wait 7 days after your exposure to get tested. This lets enough of the virus build up in your body to be detected by the tests. The vaccines do not interfere with the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. You may need to get tested more than one time, depending on what type of test you had, when you were tested, and if you had symptoms at the time of your test. After you get tested for COVID-19, go home right away. Don’t stop at the store, your workplace, or other people's homes. Stay at home until you get your test result.
Some COVID-19 tests are more accurate than others. Rapid antigen tests work best when someone has symptoms of COVID-19. If you were tested with a rapid antigen test, you may need to get a PCR test to confirm the results. You should get a PCR test within 24-48 hours after you got your rapid antigen test if:
- You have symptoms of COVID-19 but your rapid antigen test result was negative.
- You do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and were not in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but your rapid antigen test result was positive.
You can find a testing location at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locations/.
What are the types of COVID-19 tests?
There are three types of COVID-19 tests.
PCR test
A PCR test tells you if you have COVID-19 right now and could spread it to other people. A PCR test looks for the genetic material of the virus. It is a very accurate test. A healthcare worker uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from your throat, behind your nose.
Antigen test (rapid test)
An antigen test is a new kind of COVID-19 test. You can get results in minutes. An antigen test looks for proteins found on or within the virus. It tells you if you have COVID-19 right now and could spread it to other people. Like a PCR test, a healthcare worker uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from your throat, behind your nose. Antigen tests are very accurate. However, there is a higher chance of having a false negative test result. This means if you test negative for COVID-19 with an antigen test, you may also need to get a PCR test to make sure you don’t have COVID-19.
Serology or antibody test
Serology, or antibody tests, may be able to tell if you have ever been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. A positive antibody test does not guarantee immunity to COVID-19. A sample of your blood is collected and is used to see if your body has made antibodies to the virus. Your body makes antibodies when it fights an infection. Antibodies in your blood mean, at one time, you were exposed to COVID-19. Antibody tests find these antibodies in your blood and tell you if your immune system has responded to the infection.
Do I need to report at-home test results to the health department?
Some at-home COVID-19 test companies report test results to public health. If you get a positive test result and the company reports the results to public health, then you may be contacted by a health department contact tracer. If you get a positive result and the company does not report it to public health, you do NOT need to report the result to the health department.
More information about at-home COVID-19 testing can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html.
What do my test results mean if I use an at-home test kit?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 but get a negative result from an at-home test, you should consider getting retested with a COVID-19 PCR test. COVID-19 PCR testing is available at no cost throughout the state. Testing locations and hours can be found at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations.
If your test is positive, you should isolate at home for 10 days from the day you started having symptoms. If you didn’t have symptoms of COVID-19, you should isolate for 10 days from the day you took the test. Tell your close contacts to quarantine.
If you are vaccinated against COVID-19 and have a positive at-home test, you should consider the test a true positive. This means you need to isolate at home and tell your close contacts to quarantine.
Negative test results from at-home COVID-19 tests should not be used to end isolation or quarantine early.
More information about at-home COVID-19 testing can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html.
Where can I get tested?
Testing locations across Utah can be found at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locations/.
What if I need to get tested for work or to travel?
Some testing locations may provide work and travel related testing. Check with the testing location to see if they offer testing for work or travel. Keep in mind that COVID-19 testing for these types of reasons may not be covered by insurance. Make sure to call your insurance provider to find out if you will be responsible to pay for the test.
Some travel destinations may also require testing to be done at specific testing locations. You are also responsible for making sure your travel destination will accept the type of COVID-19 test you get. Travel destinations which require proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival may offer testing to travelers or the option for a mandatory quarantine for those who do not wish to be or who are unable to be tested upon arrival.
The Utah Department of Health has partnered with NOMI Health (TestUtah) to offer two dedicated locations for COVID-19 travel testing:
- Salt Lake City - Cannon Health building (288 North 1460 West)
- St. George - Dixie Technical College (610 S. Tech Ridge Drive).
These testing locations have a lane dedicated to travelers who need a COVID-19 test prior to traveling. The sites will also continue to provide COVID-19 testing for all other needs. Travelers may also get tested at other existing COVID-19 testing locations or at private testing companies. Travelers are responsible for making sure testing meets the requirements of their travel destination. Learn more
Is testing for COVID-19 free?
Most people will not have to pay for COVID-19 testing. You should not be asked for payment when you go to a testing location.
If you have health insurance: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures the cost of getting a COVID-19 test is covered at 100% if you have health insurance and you have a medical reason to be tested. This means you have symptoms of COVID-19, you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or you have a referral from a healthcare professional or the health department to get tested.
If you have health insurance, you should not be charged for a test no matter what testing site you go to. Healthcare providers are required by federal law to post a cash price for COVID-19 tests. This is to inform health insurance companies what to pay if you get tested by a provider that is out-of-network. If you are insured and have been charged for a test, please email the Utah Department of Health at COVID19TestingCoverage@utah.gov.
If you do not have health insurance: If you are uninsured and are a U.S. citizen and a Utah resident, you qualify for COVID-19 testing coverage through Medicaid. Medicaid COVID-19 testing coverage for the uninsured covers the COVID-19 tests and all testing related services including doctor appointments (both in-person and through telehealth), ER visits, and any services performed in order to diagnose COVID-19, including X-rays, etc. Testing and other services will be paid for back to the date of your services. You must apply for this program at https://medicaid.utah.gov/covid-19-uninsured-testing-coverage/.
If you are uninsured and do not qualify for the Medicaid option, there are locations that will provide testing free of charge. If you need help finding a location that provides free testing, please call the Utah Coronavirus Hotline at 1-800-456-7707 or use the chat feature on the coronavirus.utah.gov website.
If you are being tested for a non-medical reason: You may be charged if you are getting tested for employment, travel, or non-medical reasons. Testing for general workplace health and safety (such as employee ‘return to work’ programs), public health surveillance, or any other purpose not primarily intended for diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 or another health condition are not included in the requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and may not be covered by your health insurance. Check with your health insurance company for coverage details before you get tested.
How long does it take to get my test results back?
If you had a PCR test done, your sample will be sent to a lab to be tested. When your sample gets to the lab, it will be tested for COVID-19. The result will be sent to the healthcare provider or testing location where you were tested. It can take up to 24-48 hours to get a PCR test result back. However, surges in testing demands may increase this wait time.
If you had a rapid test (antigen or PCR), you should have your test results back within 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Some testing sites will provide your test results on-site and others may ask you to check your email for the results later in the day.
What should I do while I wait for my test results?
Stay home until you get your test results back. Follow any guidance the health department or your doctor gave you. While you are waiting for your test results, you and everyone living in your house need to act as if you tested positive, until you are told otherwise. This means you should isolate. Everyone else who lives in your home should stay quarantined.
Who will call me with my test results?
You will get your test results from the testing provider who took your sample. Call the testing provider or location where you were tested to get your test results.
If I was tested for COVID-19 by TestUtah.com how will I get my results?
If you were tested through TestUtah.com, you should receive your results in your patient portal. If you need help getting your test result from a TestUtah site, call the TestUtah helpline at 801-683-0790.
Will my test sample be sequenced for a variant?
Only PCR samples are able to be genetically sequenced for variants. Testing providers submit positive samples to the Utah Public Health Laboratory for sequencing. Right now, the Utah Public Health Laboratory is sequencing about 60-70% of all positive PCR tests. You can’t request that your sample be sequenced.
How can I find out if I was infected by a variant?
Due to CLIA and the FDA Emergency Use Authorization rules, the Utah Public Health Laboratory is unable to release any results of the genetic sequencing to the individual patient. It’s important to remember that nothing about the Delta variant changes your treatment or what recommendations you should follow if you do test positive - it doesn’t matter what variant has infected you. The delta variant is the most common strain of the virus in Utah and across the United States. If you test positive, right now, you should assume you were infected with the delta variant.
How long should I wait to get tested after an exposure to COVID-19?
Anyone who is exposed to COVID-19 should get tested. We know there is a chance people can be re-infected with COVID-19. We also know some people can test positive after they have COVID-19 even though they are done with isolation and no longer infectious to other people. The CDC and Utah Department of Health recommends you not get tested after an exposure if it’s been less than 90 days (about 3 months) since you first tested positive for COVID-19. However, if it’s been between 90-180 days (3-6 months) since you tested positive, you should get tested again.
We also know there is a chance vaccinated people can get COVID-19 (called a breakthrough case), so to be very safe we suggest you get tested 5-7 days after you're exposed to someone who is infectious, even if you are fully vaccinated.
Wait 5-7 days after your exposure to get tested. This lets enough of the virus build up in your body to be detected by the tests. The vaccines do not interfere with the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. You may need to get tested more than one time, depending on what type of test you had, when you were tested, and if you had symptoms at the time of your test. After you get tested for COVID-19, go home right away. Don’t stop at the store, your workplace, or other people's homes. Stay at home until you get your test result.
Some COVID-19 tests are more accurate than others. Rapid antigen tests work best when someone has symptoms of COVID-19. If you were tested with a rapid antigen test, you may need to get a PCR test to confirm the results. You can learn more about how much COVID-19 testing costs, the types of COVID-19 tests, and how to get your test results at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locations.
If I test negative for COVID-19, what should I do?
Follow the quarantine guidelines if you were exposed to COVID-19, even if you test negative.
A negative test result doesn’t mean you won’t ever get sick with COVID-19. It’s possible that you were very early in your infection and that you could test positive later, or you could be exposed later and then get sick. Continue to monitor for symptoms and if you do get sick or your symptoms change, isolate right away. You may need to be re-tested for COVID-19.
It’s important to wait 5-7 days after your exposure to get tested. This lets enough of the virus build up in your body to be detected by the tests. The COVID-19 vaccines do not interfere with the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. You may need to get tested more than one time, depending on what type of test you had, when you were tested, and if you had symptoms at the time of your test.
Do I need a doctor’s note to go back to work if my test is negative?
The Utah Department of Health does not recommend employers require evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, a doctor’s note, or a note from the health department to prove they are ill, qualify for sick leave, or to come back to work. This places a burden on the healthcare and public health systems.
Studies show people may test positive long after they are infectious (sometimes more than 45 days after). This means a person who at one time was sick with COVID-19 could still test positive, even though he or she can’t spread the virus to other people anymore. This makes it hard for employees to know when they can return to work if their employer requires a negative test result.
If I test positive for COVID-19, what should I do? If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive, you should isolate. This means you stay at home except to get medical care. You should isolate until you have been:
- Fever-free for 24 hours (this means you did not use medicine to lower your fever), and
- Your respiratory symptoms have improved for 24 hours, and
- It has been at least 10 days since you first got sick.
- If you did not have symptoms, isolate for 10 days from the day you were tested.
If you test positive for COVID-19, try to stay in a different room in your home from other people. You should also try to use a different bathroom than other people. If you can’t stay in a different room or use a different bathroom, stay as far away from other people in your home as possible. Wear a mask if you need to be around other people. Don’t share personal items like cups, plates, or towels. Clean surfaces that are touched often (like phones, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sink handles, countertops, and anything metal).
You are infectious and can spread the virus to others starting up to 2 days before you first had symptoms until your isolation period is over. If you never had symptoms, you are infectious starting 2 days before the day you were tested for COVID-19. Anyone who came into close contact with you during this time should quarantine.
A public health worker will also try to contact you if you test positive to conduct a case investigation. Sometimes people call this contact tracing. A public health worker may call you or send you a text or email.
If I test positive for COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms, what should I do?
If you test positive for COVID-19 but never had symptoms, you should stay isolated from other people until it has been 10 days since you tested positive.
A public health worker will also try to contact you if you test positive to conduct a case investigation. Sometimes people call this contact tracing. A public health worker may call you or send you a text or email.
You can also find information on quarantine and isolation at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/protect-yourself/.
Where can individuals who are homeless get tested?
Individuals who are experiencing homelessness and who have symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested at the Fourth Street Clinic in Salt Lake City. Call 801-364-0058 to schedule an appointment.
Do I have to quarantine if I travel to Utah?
No. There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions in the state of Utah. Visitors to Utah or those returning home to Utah after traveling are not required to quarantine upon arrival.
Do I have to quarantine if I travel to another state?
Some states may have travel restrictions. Please visit the state website of the area you are traveling to for information.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test before traveling?
The Utah Department of Health has partnered with NOMI Health (TestUtah) to offer two dedicated locations for COVID-19 travel testing:
- Salt Lake City - Cannon Health building (288 North 1460 West)
- St. George - Dixie Technical College (610 S. Tech Ridge Drive)
These testing locations have a lane dedicated to travelers who need a COVID-19 test prior to traveling. Appointments are REQUIRED. Register at testutah.com (select the Utah Department of Health HQ – Cannon Building or St. George location) to ensure a smooth process when you arrive at the testing location.The sites will also continue to provide COVID-19 testing for all other needs.
Travelers may also get tested at other existing COVID-19 testing locations or at private testing companies. Check with the testing location to see if they offer testing for travel. Keep in mind that COVID-19 testing for travel may not be covered by insurance. Make sure to call your insurance provider to find out if you will be responsible to pay for the test. Travelers are responsible for making sure testing meets the requirements of their travel destination.
Some travel destinations may also require testing to be done at specific testing locations. You are also responsible for making sure your travel destination will accept the type of COVID-19 test you get. Travel destinations which require proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival may offer testing to travelers or the option for a mandatory quarantine for those who do not wish to be or who are unable to be tested upon arrival.
Travelers are responsible for following any travel requirements of their destination. Visit the state, country, airline, or travel destination website of the area you are traveling to for more information and to see what testing locations and types of tests meet their requirements.
Should I travel?
Travel increases the chance you may get infected or spread COVID-19. The CDC recommends you wait to travel both internationally and within the United States until you are fully vaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others around you from any variant of COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated means it has been at least 2 weeks since your final dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
- 2-dose vaccines (Pfzier and Moderna): It has been at least 2 weeks since your 2nd dose.
- 1-dose vaccines (Johnson & Johnson): It has been at least 2 weeks since you got the shot.
For up-to-date travel recommendations, visit https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
Is it safe to travel to other countries now?
The CDC recommends you wait to travel until you are fully vaccinated. The CDC also provides a list of travel recommendations based on how much COVID-19 is spreading in a country at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html. There may be some restrictions on who can enter the United States at this time.
Where can I find information on travel restrictions in the United States?
The CDC has a tool to help travelers get information about COVID-19 restrictions at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-planner/index.html. This tool lets you enter a city, zip code, address, or national park name to learn more about travel restrictions and resources in your destination.
Do I have to show proof of vaccination to enter the United States?
Starting on November 8, 2021, non-U.S. citizens who are not immigrants to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to fly to the United States.Vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cdcresponse/laws-regulations.html.
Am I required to have a negative COVID-19 test to fly internationally?
Travelers are responsible for knowing the requirements of their travel destination.
Air passengers, 2 years or older, traveling to the United States from another country must present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding their flights. Regardless of vaccination status, passengers ages 2 or older are required to present a negative COVID-19 viral test result from a sample taken no more than 1 day before travel. Alternatively, passengers may present documentation showing that they tested positive for COVID-19 on a sample taken within the past 90 days and have been cleared to travel (documentation of recovery). Learn more
All air passengers to the United States will also be required to provide basic contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States. This will allow airlines to better coordinate with public health agencies to share information when needed to keep the public safe and informed, and strengthen their ability to rapidly identify and contact people in the U.S. who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19.
Learn more about these requirements at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html.
What things do I need to know about going on a cruise during the pandemic?
For the most up-to-date recommendations on traveling by cruise ship, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/returning-cruise-voyages.html.
What if I am contacted by a cruise line, airline, etc. that says I was potentially exposed to someone with COVID?
Follow the recommendations from the health department to quarantine. You should also get tested for COVID-19. Learn more at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/protect-yourself/.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you, your family, and your community healthy and safe. All COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized by the FDA are safe and are effective. They keep you from getting sick, needing to be hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19. Studies show the vaccines work against the variants of the virus identified so far. By getting vaccinated, you can end the damage to the economy, prevent more illnesses and deaths in America, and eliminate and eradicate COVID-19.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine.
For a list of common questions about the vaccines, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine-facts or https://coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine-education-resources.
To find a vaccine location near you, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine-distribution or https://www.vaccines.gov/.
What are breakthrough cases?
A small number of people who are vaccinated will still test positive for COVID-19. These are called “breakthrough cases.” This is to be expected. No vaccine is 100% effective but it’s important to keep in mind that the vast majority of “breakthrough cases” don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19 or very mild symptoms. This means that vaccines are still successful and are doing their job of keeping people from getting seriously ill.
The COVID-19 vaccine is extraordinarily effective at preventing serious illness in people who get sick with COVID-19. A growing body of evidence suggests that people who are fully vaccinated are less likely to have asymptomatic infection or transmit COVID-19 to others.
The most important thing you can do is get BOTH doses of your vaccine (for Pfizer and Moderna) and take precautions, like wearing a mask around other people, until you’re fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means it’s been 2 weeks since your final dose. For Pfizer and Moderna, that’s 2 weeks after your 2nd dose. For Johnson & Johnson, it’s 2 weeks after your first and only dose.
Learn more about breakthrough cases at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/why-measure-effectiveness/breakthrough-cases.html.