By Wendi Rank

Chester County residents with symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to call their healthcare provider for testing. Residents without a regular provider can call the Chester County Health Department.

Chester County Hospital is testing county residents whose provider has ordered a test. Residents are not charged a co-pay. There is no fee for uninsured residents.

Residents without a provider’s order can be tested at several CVS locations in Chester County, according to 6ABC.com. Testing through CVS requires registering in advance. Testing is done by self-administered nasal swab at the drive-through window.

Tower Health Urgent Care in Malvern also offers testing without a provider’s order, although it is encouraged. Residents without a provider’s order for testing will be screened first.

Reach out to any close contacts while awaiting results. Results are available in seven days but can take longer. The provider who ordered testing will receive the results.

Residents with minor symptoms can monitor from home. Isolate from other members of the household. Wear a mask in the home’s common living areas. Wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, and maintain social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of disinfectants.

Residents with severe symptoms are encouraged to call 9-1-1. Severe symptoms of COVID-19 include extreme shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, sleepiness, and bluish lips or face.

Any resident with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test should remain home until they have not had a fever for three days, their symptoms have improved, and it has been 10 days since symptoms began.

Information for testing at Chester County Hospital is here. To register for a test with CVS, see here. Visit Tower Health’s website here for more information on testing at their urgent care locations.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendi Rank is a graduate of Abington High School and La Salle University. She has previously written for the journal, Nursing.

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Top photo credit: The National Guard West Virginia National Guard via photopin (license)

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