There’s an uptick in Covid cases in the DC region. In case you missed last week’s Spotlight that highlighted Katelyn Jetelina’s blog, Your Local Epidemiologist, we’ve decided to highlight a few important points with permission from the author:

• Covid Testing - Because the public health emergency has ended, over-the-counter Covid Test Kits are not covered by Medicare Part B or most private insurances. Laboratory tests, like PCR tests, are still covered by Medicare. Free test kits are available at select locations for the uninsured, click here to find a site. Most Covid Test Kits are still valid after the expiration date listed on the box. Click here to check if the expiration on your Test Kit has been extended. New test kits can be purchased at most local pharmacies and retailers.
  
  
• What if You Test Positive Contact your physician right away. If you are over 65, ask about Paxlovid. Please stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. To track isolation, note that day one is the first full day after you had symptoms, which for some, may not coincide with the day you’ve taken the test. It’s best to stay indoors until you test negative, but if you must go out, wait until after the first five days have passed and wear a mask until after day ten or after two sequential negative tests in 48 hours. Click here to learn more about isolation.
  
  
• Covid Vaccine Recommendations – The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get vaccinated, but this is especially true for people age 65 and over.. Click here to learn more about the Covid vaccine and boosters or call your doctor to see what s/he recommends. Be on the lookout for information on a new booster that is anticipated to be available this fall.

P.S. Click here to read Your Local Epidemiologist's recent Guide to Fall Vaccine Options.