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Anyone planning to have a rapid antigen test at a testing site operated by Miami-Dade County should have a PCR test. It detects early COVID infections more accurately, but takes some time to process the results.
The changes, which began Thursday in high test demand, were recommended by Dr. Peter Page, Chief Medical Officer of Miami-Dade County, to ensure that people get the most accurate test results possible, the county said. Spokeswoman Natalia Jaramiro said in an email to the Miami Herald on Friday. Both tests will be conducted during the same appointment.
No need for anyone who wants a PCR test Get an antigen testAccording to the Miami New Times, which first reported on the updated policy.
Change comes when Florida sees a record number of new things COVID-19 cases and hospitalization, Supported by the epidemic of the more contagious delta variants. There is a long line at a popular test site Patient influx is seen again, as in tropical parks and hospitals, but this time it is said to be young and rarely vaccinated.
Some hospitals, including the South Broward Memorial Healthcare System, Selective surgery temporarily suspended Helps protect space and staff to assist in the care of COVID patients.
“The three best tools we have to do to counter the recent surge in our community are 1) vaccination, 2) testing and 3) wearing a mask,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine. Cava said in a statement. “It is very important to identify positive cases as soon as possible to prevent the spread. This new policy will help ensure that the community has timely and accurate information about COVID positivity. increase.”
Here’s what else you need to know:
What is the difference between antigen and PCR tests?
Antigen tests usually provide results within 24 hours, and in some cases results can be obtained within 1 hour. Some home antigen tests, such as those sold through CVS and Walgreens, give results within 15 minutes. However, because antigen testing is less “sensitive,” false-negative results occur more often than PCR testing.
PCR test results, on the other hand, are usually ready within a few days. If you are lucky, the results may arrive within a few hours. Of course, there are also home PCR tests that can be purchased at some retail stores such as CVS and Walgreens.
Isolate anyone who has been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for at least 15 minutes) with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. I take the testAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fully vaccinated people No need to quarantine According to the CDC, unless you have symptoms and need to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, with or without symptoms.
I have antigen results, but I am waiting for a PCR test. What should you do?
Miami-Dade County recommends that people with COVID symptoms be quarantined until the PCR results are negative. Asymptomatic individuals should continue to comply with important COVID precautions such as masking, increasing social distance, and disinfection.
How to find a COVID test site?
all State-owned test site It is closed, including the popular site of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The county-run site is still open. Some pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, hospitals, clinics, emergency medical centers and clinics also offer tests.
In Miami Dade, the best way to find a free drive-through or walk-up test site is in the county Online COVID-19 test site locator To find the one closest to your home.
By plugging in a zip code, you can filter your site by a variety of factors, including the type of test you are offering and whether it is a drive-through test site or a walk-up test site. The locator also provides information about when reservations are required, whether there is a minimum age (important when testing children), and the time of all test sites.
Broward also has an online locator that you can use to search. Drive-through or walk-up test site.. Broward’s test site only offers PCR tests.
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