COVID-19 testing is available at no cost to staff and clients. Anyone who has COVID 19 symptoms, who was exposed to someone with COVID-19, who recently traveled, or who otherwise believes they may be at increased risk should consider getting tested. Persons living in congregate settings are at higher risk for COVID-19, as the virus is easily spread when people live and interact with others in small spaces. If a person is exposed, they should get tested, even if they do not have symptoms. Persons who are infected but do not have symptoms can still spread COVID-19 – especially if they are living or working in a congregate setting. Not all persons with COVID-19 have symptoms. Testing locations are available across the state. Go to www.covid19.nj.gov to find a testing site. Health insurance is not required to get tested, although some require an appointment.
Additional resources for substance use providers during COVID-19 include: NJ Division of Mental Health & Addictions Services (NJ DMHAS) General information and resources: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhas/information/stakeholder/index.html
American Society of Addiction Medicine Infection Control: https://www.asam.org/docs/default_source/covid-19/8-tf_infection-control-and-mitigation-strategies-in-residential-treatment_settings_updated-11132020.pdf
New Jersey Department of Health: https://www.nj.gov/health Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):
• Infection Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html#Infection Control
• Congregate Living: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/shared congregate-house/guidance-shared-congregate-housing.html
Let’s continue to do our part to stop the spread of the virus: mask up, social distance, and wash hands to keep ourselves and our clients healthy.