Frequently Asked Questions: Coronavirus

1. Are appointments required for the coronavirus rapid test at The Villages Health?

Appointments are required for testing at The Villages Health. Please visit www.tvhcovidtest.com for scheduling.

2. When will I receive my test result?

An email will be sent out by the end of the day today with your test result. Until you receive the result, please assume you are infected with coronavirus and avoid contact with others.

3. If I tested positive, does this mean I have coronavirus?

Yes, a positive test result indicates that the test detected coronavirus in your system. It is recommended that you isolate for:

  • 10 days after your symptoms first appeared AND
  • 24 hours with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND
  • Your other COVID-19 symptoms are improving

Note: if you develop a severe illness due to COVID-19 or have a severely compromised immune system, you may need to isolate longer than 10 days. Please seek guidance for your situation from your healthcare provider.

4. What if I tested positive but don’t have any symptoms?

If you have not had any coronavirus symptoms and were tested only due to contact with a confirmed COVID case, it is recommended that you isolate for 10 days following your positive test result.

5. If I tested negative but have symptoms of coronavirus, can I resume my normal activities?

To avoid the spread of any infection, it is important that you isolate yourself from others until your symptoms have improved. Coronavirus tests do not catch 100% of coronavirus cases, which means that you may have coronavirus even with a negative test result. You may also have another virus that is contagious. Stay home and avoid others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have improved.

6. What if I tested negative and don’t have any symptoms of coronavirus?

If you were tested only due to contact with a confirmed COVID case and tested negative, you are probably not infected with coronavirus and can resume your normal activities with proper social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing. Be aware that you may have coronavirus but it is too early in the infection process for the test to detect the virus in your system. Continue to monitor for symptoms and seek repeat testing in the future if symptoms develop.

7. How can I reduce my risk of getting sick?

  • Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often
  • Monitor your health daily by watching for common coronavirus symptoms:
  • 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, vomiting or diarrhea

8. Where can I go for more information?

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) or the Florida Department of Health (https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/) websites for more information. The Florida Department of Health COVID Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-779-6121.