Dear Neighbor,

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With many states, including Florida, beginning the process of reopening, it’s easy to assume the COVID-19 pandemic is slowing down. But this is not the case. New surges are emerging all over the country. This week, Florida reported its highest numbers of daily new infections—with multiple days of over 2,000 new cases.

If you are confused about the status of COVID-19 testing, you are not alone. I hope this newsletter will provide some useful information.

Rep. Shalala Meeting with Florida Congressional Interns

Many testing sites in Florida have expanded testing to individuals who are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Places like CVS and Walmart have also started providing testing. Click here or visit my website to find a testing site near you. You can also contact the 24-hour Florida Health Department COVID-19 call center by calling 866-779-6121 or by e-mailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Note that some sites require you to make an appointment, and some are drive-through. Homebound local seniors can get tested by calling Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue at 305-960-5050.

Expanded testing helps us understand how many people are infected and how and where the disease has spread. The more we test, the better we understand the virus. For this reason, I encourage those who have engaged in activities that may have put them at risk for contracting COVID-19, are feeling ill, have been exposed to an individual known to have COVID-19, or plan to resume personal contact with an at-risk family member or friend, to get tested—including those who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.

I also want to provide you with an overview of the different types of tests for COVID-19. To date, the FDA has authorized over 100 tests, which include viral detecting diagnostic tests and antibody tests. Each test has a different purpose and use.

A viral test tells you if you have a current infection. These tests look for the genetic material of the virus by taking samples from the nose with a swab to identify if an infection is present. New nasal swab tests only require a swab of the inside of your nose, as opposed to the nasopharyngeal sample that was previously needed. Some viral tests are point-of-care tests, meaning results may be available at the testing site in less than an hour. Other viral tests must be sent to a laboratory for analysis, a process that may take several days. Viral tests are most accurate after symptoms appear.

An antibody test tells you if you previously had COVID-19. These tests do not show if you have a current infection, as antibodies develop one to three weeks after infection. We do not yet know if having antibodies to COVID-19 can protect you from becoming infected with the virus again, or how long any protection they provide might last. The CDC does not currently recommend using antibody testing as the sole basis for diagnosis of acute infection, and antibody tests are not authorized by the FDA for diagnostic purposes.

While waiting for your test results, and no matter if you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should continue to take precautions to protect yourself and others—including social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands regularly. If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick later. This means you could still spread the virus, even if you test negative.

If your viral test comes back positive, you should self-quarantine and monitor your symptoms. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. If you have a current infection, you should not leave your home except to get medical care. If you must leave your house to get care, avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, and taxis. If you live with others, try to separate yourself by using a separate bathroom and minimizing interactions. If you need to be around other people or animals in your home, wear a cloth face covering. If you interacted with other people while you may have been infected and before you began quarantining, you should let those people know that they may have been exposed to the virus so they can take appropriate precautions, including getting tested and self-quarantining.

Finally, be sure to take care of yourself. Get rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to reduce your symptoms. You should also stay in touch with your doctor or primary care provider. Remember to call ahead before visiting your doctor so they can take precautions to prevent others from becoming infected. If you have trouble breathing or have any worsening symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

If you have concerns to share with me, you can always send me an email or call my office—use (305) 668-2285 to reach my Miami office and (202) 225-3931 to reach my D.C. office. My staff and I are practicing social distancing, but we are able to help you get the assistance and support you need via phone or email. We are also updating our website daily with resources for you during this challenging time: shalala.house.gov.

Stay safe and healthy,