IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE: COVID EXPOSURES AND COVID TESTING (updated 1/20/2022)
We have limited PCR testing available at the office for our sick patients. At this time, we do not have testing capability for asymptomatic exposed patients. Results are also taking longer these days (up to 7-8 days) and will be available through MyChart. If you have not already signed up for MyChart, please call our office to set this up ASAP.
Quarantine after possible exposures. Isolate when are you infected even without symptoms.
FOR UNVACCINATED PATIENTS:
If your child’s test is NEGATIVE AND your child does not have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19
Your child may return to daycare/preschool/group activities after symptoms have improved, with no fever and improving symptoms for at least the last 24 hours WITHOUT using a fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to returning. We will provide a letter through MyChart if this is needed to return to school, daycare, etc.
If your child’s test is NEGATIVE (done at least 5-7 days after exposure) AND your child has had known direct exposure to someone with COVID-19
Your should still quarantine at home for at least 5 days. If there are high risk individuals in the household, you may consider extending the period of isolation. If your child has a negative test at 5 days after exposure AND is asymptomatic, they can return to school.
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine window (fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell, upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose or sore throat, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle aches, and/or fatigue), please contact us and we will arrange repeat testing.
If your child’s test is POSITIVE AND If your child is asymptomatic,
Your child will need to isolate for 5 days after the positive test. A rapid antigen test can be done at 5 days--if negative, your child can leave isolation but must be able to wear a well fitting mask. If the rapid test is positive at 5 days OR your child is unable to wear a mask reliably, your child will need to isolate for the full 10 days.
If your child’s test is POSITIVE AND your child is symptomatic,
Your child will need to isolate for 5 days from the start of the symptoms AND symptoms should be improving for at least 24 hours without medication before they can return to school, camps, daycare, etc. A rapid antigen test can be done at 5 days. If the test is negative AND your child's symptoms are resolved or improving, your child can leave isolation but must be able to wear a well fitting mask. If the rapid test is positive at 5 days OR your child is unable to wear a mask reliably, your child will need to isolate for the full 10 days.
Please notify person(s) that your child came into contact with while contagious (such as your child’s school, camp, etc.). Your child is under strict isolation and may not go to any public places, including going for walks outside your residence or to a grocery store.
FOR VACCINATED PATIENTS ONLY:
If you or your vaccinated child has symptoms with or without exposure (e.g. fever, runny nose, congestion, rash, vomiting etc), you/your child should quarantine at home until the results of the COVID test are known and appropriate action can be taken based on test results.
If you or your vaccinated child has no symptoms but has had known direct exposure to someone with COVID-19, your child should wear a mask indoors in public for 10 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. Testing should be done at least 3-5 days after exposures even if there are no symptoms.
If your you or your vaccinated child test positive, isolation guidelines are the same as for unvaccinated persons (see above)
Vaccinated family members of an unvaccinated exposed child should wear a mask indoors in public for 10 days following exposure or until the exposed family member has a negative test done at least 3-5 days after the last exposure.
BPMG is working hard to provide the best care for your family and trying to stay on top of the latest information. However, due to the current surge of Delta variant, information is changing on the a daily basis, please refer to www.cdc.gov for the most up to date information on testing, quarantine, and isolation. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.