Prepare Yourself and Your Family

Orange County Testing Resources

COVID-19 testing is recommended if you are experiencing symptoms and/or have come into close contact with COVID-19 positive individuals. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• Primary symptoms may include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
• Other symptoms may include: fatigue (feeling tired), muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Ask your  healthcare provider about testing. If you have health insurance, contact your healthcare provider about FREE testing and care. If you do not know how to reach your healthcare provider, call the customer service number on your insurance card, or click here to view websites of major healthcare providers in Orange County.

How it Spreads

The virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another, meaning they are within about 6 feet for 15 minutes or more. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or  noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

1. Clean your hands often 

Click here for a video.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

2. Avoid Close Contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

3. Stay home if you’re sick

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

4. Cover coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

5. Follow facemask guidelines

• Stay up-to-date with the Orange County Health Officer's Orders and Recommendations for face masks in public spaces.
• For more information about face masks, refer to the CDC's mask guide. 

6. Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

7. Seek out accurate vaccination and testing information

• Stay informed with the Orange County Health Care Agency's Vaccine and Testing Resources.