At-Home COVID Tests
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Alcona Health Center was able to distribute this At-Home COVID-19 Test Kit for no charge through a program from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Whether you picked your test kit up directly from one of our health center locations or events, or if you obtained your test from one of our community partners – We’re happy that you are visiting our site to get the information you need!
When to test
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, test right away. If you have had a known close contact exposure to COVID-19 the CDC’s recommendation is that you test 5 to 7 days after the exposure even if you do not have symptoms. For more information on testing from the CDC click here or watch the video below –
If you are using your test kit(s) and need more check with your nearest health center location or request COVID tests by mail – COVIDtests.gov – Free at-home COVID-19 tests
Info on Using Your Self-Test Kit
Follow the instructions that come with your kit very carefully. Click on the image below to view, download or print it in pdf format.
For more info about self-testing Alcona Health Center recommends watching the how-to videos here –
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
(Or have had a close contact exposure)
COVID-19 QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION CALCULATOR – People who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have COVID-19 can use this interactive tool from the CDC to determine if they need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19. (The calculator does not apply to certain groups and high-risk settings.)
If you test positive for COVID-19 – Oral Treatment is Available!
Some people have been eligible for intravenous treatments for COVID-19 for some time. Now there is an oral medication (Paxlovid) that has been approved by the FDA under Emergency Use Authorization for the treatment of COVID-19. Treatment with this medication needs to begin within the first 5 days, so it is important that you reach out to your healthcare provider right away if you have a positive test. For more information on the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization and on the safety of Paxlovid, visit Pfizer’s website –https://www.covid19oralrx-hcp.com/
Know Your Community Risk Level!
Understanding the community risk level helps you to make informed decisions about how to keep yourself and your family safe. With the end of the Public Health Emergency, the CDC is now using county level hospital admission rates as the marker for risk level. The tool above is a great way to monitor your community’s risk level and the risk level of anywhere you may be traveling.
Masks
Consider wearing a mask in areas of high community transmission or if you or those around you are at high risk for infection or severe disease. Those who are isolating or in quarantine should wear a mask if they have to be around others. When you are in a congregate setting, like a long-term care facility or a correctional facility, or in a healthcare setting you should also mask up! For more information about masking visit our COVID-19 Alerts page.
Vaccines
Vaccination is our best tool to protect against COVID. Alcona Health Center continues to offer COVID vaccines (first series and boosters) to all eligible for no out of pocket expense. For more resources and information about vaccines, see our COVID-19 Alerts page. If you have questions and want to speak to a healthcare professional, you can use the free COVID-19 Vaccine Answer Line at (989) 736-9819 and follow the prompts. You will get scheduled call back (typically from the RN Care Manager).
Still looking for more info? Visit COVID.gov
If you need a COVID test kit got to COVIDTEST.GOV to have one shipped to your home!