The availability of timely and accessible testing continues to be a concern. To preserve supplies so that we can best serve those in need, Central Maine Healthcare is using the following criteria to determine who will be tested for COVID-‐19:
At least one of the following is present, potentially attributable to a respiratory viral illness:
- Fever
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Muscle Aches
And at least one of the following:
- Inpatients
- Emergency department patient requiring admission
- High risk patients*
- Health care workers and first responders
*High Risk is defined as:
- Age ≥ 60
- Severe chronic lung disease (e.g. asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD, etc.)
- Severe heart disease
- Immunocompromised (those with weakened immune systems)
- On immunocompromising medications (e.g. prednisone, chemotherapy, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, TNF inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, etc.)
- Living in a congregate setting (e.g. long-‐term care facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities, jails, shelters, etc.)