COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough
  
• Shortness of breath or dificulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• ​​​Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Refer to the CDC's page for symptoms for the most current information.

 Where Can I Get Tested?

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services has been offering free walk-up and drive-through COVID-19 testing for residents.  Once a specimen is collected, it is sent to one of the approved laboratories, and results get reported back to the Office of Health Services.  The Office of Health Services will then contact you by phone with a positive or negative result.  The process takes, on average, about 3-5 days, but our office is closed on Sundays, and has a reduced schedule of operations on Saturdays.   

If you are traveling somewhere​ that requires a negative test result or you would like to be tested before the next available date offered by Middlesex County, you can explore one of the other testing options in Middlesex County by clicking here or on the link below.  Many of these locations offer free or reduced-fees for testing and may be able to provide results faster.  Phone numbers are included for each location.

How Long will it take to get my COVID-19 Test Results?

For the Middlesex County Saliva-based COVID-19 diagnostic tests, results are *usually* provided within 3-5 business days.   Please note that our office is only administering the tests.  Once a specimen is collected, it is sent to one of the approved laboratories, and results get reported back to the Office of Health Services.  (This timeframe can vary slightly based on the lab, but their average has been 2-4 days.)  The Office of Health Services will then contact you by phone with a positive or negative result.  As previously stated, the process takes, on average, about 3-5 days, but our office has gone back to being closed on Sundays, and has a reduced schedule of operations on Saturdays, which may impact the length of time it takes for results to be shared.  

You can also find a more comprehensive list of testing locations in Middlesex County here​.  Many of these locations offer free or reduced-fees for testing and may be able to provide results faster.  Phone numbers are included for each location, so you can call to check first.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

How do I Protect Myself & Others?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.  Since there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), follow these suggestions for protecting yourself:

• Understand How it Spreads  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

• Wash Your Hands Often  Wash 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.
• Cover Up Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• 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.

When Will Things Go Back to Normal?

Governor Phil Murphy announced his vision, “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health,”​ to restart New Jersey and put the state on the road to recovery.   Included in this plan are six principles and key metrics that guide the process for lifting restrictions and restoring New Jersey’s economic health through public health.  The six principles are as follows: