Yes, COVID-19 is still a thing. Here's where to get free tests, vaccinations and more

Amethyst Martinez, Delaware News Journal
·3 min read
1

Of course, it may feel like the pandemic is over — no more masking in most places, fewer precautions and eased-up pressure to get the vaccine and its various boosters.

However, officials are still warning about the effects, as the COVID-19 virus has made itself a permanent fixture in the lives of all.

More: University of Delaware paying out after settling class-action suit over COVID-19 shutdown

A new isolation period?

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering loosening restrictions on isolation periods, according to the Washington Post. This would be the first sign of loosening within the guidelines since 2021.

Oregon and California are some of the first to break away from the CDC guidelines and have loosened up rules for isolation, too.

Currently, the CDC guidelines recommend staying at home for five days due to those being the highest infectious period. After five days, it is recommended to mask up for up to 10 days if symptoms ease.

A different type of COVID-19 vaccine and how to get vaccinated

Similar to the flu shot, the newest COVID-19 shot is designed specifically for the 2023-24 season and is not a booster.

COVID-19 shots are available at most places: CVS, Walgreens, local health departments, doctor's offices and more.

Need a location? Vaccine places can be found at coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/. Free options can be found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/, although the COVID-19 vaccine is typically available at no cost.

More information from the state of Delaware regarding the vaccine can be found at coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/.

COVID-19 numbers in Delaware

As of Feb. 16, 348,931 positive cases have been reported in the state. Over 3,600 people have died in Delaware.

However, many Delawareans have gotten their COVID-19 shot, with over 2,308,000 doses administered. The number of residents with the updated 2023-24 shot is over 140,000. That's around 14.4% of the total population.

Currently, there are over 89 current hospitalizations, according to the state — with 12 of those cases being critical.

Although the current positive case number is 533 people, many who have COVID-19 are not reporting due to not needing medical attention.

If you do test positive, reports can be made anonymously at learn.makemytestcount.org.

I lost my vaccine card. Now what?

Once a necessity for getting into things like events, concerts and more, many of us may have misplaced our COVID-19 vaccine card due to little to no restrictions.

No worries: Delaware offers a public portal for vaccine records, with instructions here.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

Rapid tests, which are antigen tests that can be taken at home, offer the quickest results on whether the test taker is positive or negative. Once a struggle to get, tests are now offered in many drugstores.

The federal government also offers free test kits at a limit of four per household at www.covid.gov.

More: This Delaware woman has made 120 lasagnas for strangers, all to spread some 'Lasagna Love'

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: COVID-19: Eased isolation periods, free vaccinations and tests and more