Today, the Florida Department of Health (Department) issued updated testing guidance and recommendations to maximize the benefits of COVID-19 testing in Florida. A copy of the full COVID-19 testing guidance can be found here.

Overview

Many individuals with COVID-19 may have no symptoms or a mild illness. If you get symptoms, you should avoid contact with others. A positive COVID-19 test result will not change this recommendation.

There are certain groups who are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Severe illness means that an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 may need hospitalization, intensive care, or that they may even die. Groups at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• Older adults, especially those age 65 and older.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, heart conditions, and a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).
• Pregnant or recentlypregnant

Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 and who are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:

• Should get tested for COVID-19 soon after symptom onset.
• Should seek early monoclonal antibody or antiviral drug treatment and seek other medical treatment as necessary.

Individuals with symptoms and who are not at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:

• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 soon after symptom onset.
• Seek medical treatment only as necessary.

Individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, but have no symptoms:

COVID-19 testing is unlikely to have any clinical benefits.