Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Received this email from a friend? Sign up now

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
February 1, 2022
This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.
Illustration of family in house with different types of ventilation

Steps Everyone Can Take to Make Gatherings Safer

If you are attending a gathering, think about the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.


Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.


If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and are ages 2 or older, you should wear a mask indoors in public.


In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, people might choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with other people, particularly if they or someone they live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.


Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who do not live in your household. Good ventilation can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19.


Stay home if you test positive or are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.



Illustration of man holding mask up to face

How to Use Your N95 Respirator

Respirators are made to protect you by filtering the air and fitting closely on the face to filter out particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19. They can also contain droplets and particles you breathe, cough, or sneeze out so you do not spread them to others.


Respirators must form a seal to the face to work properly. This is especially important for people at increased risk for severe disease. Respirators have markings printed on the product to indicate they are authentic, see appropriate N95 and KN95 markings.


Wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe. If you have heart or lung problems, talk to your doctor before using an N95.


The Strategic National Stockpile has distributed N95 respirators to pharmacy distribution centers throughout the country. For specific manufacturer’s instructions for your N95 model, visit Free N95 Respirator Manufacturers.



Illustration of clipboard with checklist

COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know

When to get tested for COVID-19:

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms
  • At least 5 days after known or suspected close contact to COVID-19
  • For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.)
  • Before and after travel
  • When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official

A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from your nose or mouth.


There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. A laboratory test, such as a PCR test, usually provides results in 1-3 days. Results are reliable for people with and without symptoms.


A rapid test, such as an Antigen test, usually provides results in 15-30 minutes. Results may be less reliable for people without symptoms and follow-up test may be required.


Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 rapid Antigen tests. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.


New Edition Out Now! Friday, January 28, 2022 In this week's edition: - Effectiveness of booster doses Find the latest data in CDC's COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review Subscribe: bit.ly/CDTsubscribe

COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review

Data show that people who are fully vaccinated and boosted have the highest amount of protection against both the Delta and Omicron variants, compared with people who remain unvaccinated.


Boosters provide the most protection against infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. It is important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to protect yourself and others.


  


Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

February 1, 2022

US states, territories, and District of Columbia have reported 75,012,446 cases of COVID-19 in the United States.


CDC provides updated U.S. case information online daily.


In addition to cases, deaths, and laboratory testing, CDC's COVID Data Tracker now has a Vaccinations tab to track distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in your state.

This map shows COVID-19 cases reported by U.S. states, the District of Columbia, New York City, and other U.S.-affiliated jurisdictions

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348
Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe

FDA authorizes Pemgarda to help prevent COVID-19 for immunocompromised people

This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC. Received this email from a friend? Sign up now View this email in your web br...