The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a virus of global health significance caused by infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
How is it Transmitted?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread from person to person in close contact through respiratory droplets. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is also possible that a person can catch COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the Symptoms?
Currently reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The CDC reports that the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: Fever, Cough, and Shortness of breath.
Is BioReference Providing Testing?
COVID-19 testing is imperative in aiding healthcare provider to identify infected patients more quickly, and BioReference has been working expeditiously to develop and offer a test that will yield high quality and accurate results. BioReference offers a real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) assay, to ensure patients and providers have greater access to testing to promote earlier diagnosis and help limit spread of infection.
- If you are a patient seeking additional information about COVID-19 testing, please click here.
- If you are a healthcare provider seeking ordering information about COVID-19 testing, please click here.
Our priority remains in the health and safety of our employees, and the healthcare providers and patients we serve, and we continue to closely monitor and respond to this rapidly evolving situation. Please visit this page for the most up-to-date information or call 833-684-0508.
Healthcare providers should notify their local or state health department immediately in the event of a patient under investigation for COVID-19. Patients should call their state’s COVID-19 hotline with any state-by-state questions. Please visit the CDC website for more information here.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization
