Everyone wants to keep their families and friends safe and healthy. And we’re ready to help. Get the latest COVID-19 information here.

COVID-19 is a virus that is spread through contact with someone who is infected. You may breathe in droplets when that person coughs or sneezes, or you may touch an infected surface then touch your mouth or face, exposing yourself to the virus.

The best options for preventing illness include:

1. Wear a good-fitting medical grade mask if you are in close contact with others, especially indoors. Avoid homemade masks or gaiters.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer).
3. Keep your distance, especially from anyone who exhibits symptoms of illness.
4. Get the initial COVID-19 vaccine series and booster as they are approved and you become eligible.
5. Also, get the flu vaccine. By itself, flu can still cause severe illness, hospitalization, and death in some people. Those most at risk include the elderly, young children, and people with other health conditions. Getting both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time puts you at even higher risk of severe illness.

If you do end up with COVID-19:

• Isolate from others
• If you cannot avoid family members, wear a mask
• Get lots of rest
• Drink lots of fluids
• If your symptoms are severe (especially if you have trouble breathing) call your doctor or go to the emergency department
• Some people with may be given an antiviral medication to reduce the severity of the illness; this must be given within the first five days of symptoms starting. Ask your doctor if this is a good option for you.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's (CDC's) isolation and exposure calculator tool can help you determine if or how long you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.

It is possible to get COVID-19 more than once. Just because you have had it once does not mean you are immune. Continue to exercise caution.

A Note About Long COVID

A percentage of people who get COVID-19 – even those with milder cases – may get “long-haul COVID,” with symptoms continuing weeks or months after they have tested negative. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue and memory issues. If you experience these issues more than a month after you have recovered from your initial illness, check with your doctor. 

Planning to attend a gathering with family and friends? Get tested for COVID before you go. Home test kits make it easy. Prefer a lab test? Find a convenient location and make an appointment. We can do Moore Together to protect each other.

If you test positive, take precautions to prevent passing the virus to others, especially those with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems. If you have mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and get plenty of fluids. If you have existing health issues or have more severe symptoms, check with your doctor within five days of getting sick to see you are eligible for antiviral treatments that often help lessen the severity of the disease and prevent hospitalization.

Test Options

As of this date, insurance companies are required to cover up to eight (8) home test kits per person per month at a maximum of $12 per kit. (Keep your receipts; unless they have a preferred pharmacy, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company.) You may also find free test kits at various locations in NC. If you have Medicare, you may get a list of participating pharmacies here.

Many doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and labs now offer COVID-19 testing. There are also many community sites that offer free or low-cost tests.

Need more information about different types of tests?  Use this helpful list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).