The COVID-19 Antigen Test
The antigen test is a nasal swab that tells you in a short period of time if you have been infected with COVID-19. The accuracy of this test is limited, meaning that while a positive result means that there is a high likelihood that you have COVID-19, a negative test does not eliminate the possibility of infection.
The COVID-19 PCR Test
In some cases, a confirmatory PCR test will be performed if your rapid antigen test is negative. A PCR test is a nasal swab test that will be sent to an external lab for further study. PCR tests take longer to produce results, typically 24 – 72 hours, but they produce more accurate results.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19
If you have been exposed to someone who is test verified positive for COVID-19 or if you have traveled outside of the state of NJ to any hotspot states or countries please quarantine and stay home for 14 days after your last contact or starting with the day of your return to NJ.
You cannot test out of quarantine!
Regardless of testing results, including a negative PCR test, and no matter if you have no symptoms, you should stay home and quarantine. Symptoms may and can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines
Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have COVID-19. Isolation separates confirmed COVID-19 patients from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to COVID-19, for a period of time, to see if they become sick.
If you are in a 14 day quarantine period, do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis. Do not have visitors come to your home. As much as possible the person in quarantine should stay in a specific room in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom or clean bathroom surfaces after each use. Practice frequent hand washing and cleaning of high touch surfaces in the home.
If you are in an isolation period (starts 10 days from the onset of symptoms OR on the day of testing if asymptomatic). Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis. Do not have visitors come to your home. As much as possible the person in isolation should stay in a specific room in your home and should when possible wear a mask. If possible, use a separate bathroom or clean bathroom surfaces after each use. Practice frequent hand washing and cleaning of high touch surfaces in the home.
Stay in touch with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.