What you should know about COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines and Free Testing available at the Detroit Health Department, 100 Mack Avenue

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (last client at 4 p.m.)  
Vaccines Available by appointment only.
Call: 313-876-4444


While the City of Detroit remains at a “low” level of hospitalizations due to COVID-19, cases are on the rise, indicating that residents are more likely to be exposed. Individuals at risk for developing serious illness are advised to limit exposure and stay up to date on vaccination once the latest booster becomes available.

Scroll down for Healthy Tips to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

What's the difference between Isolation & Quarantine?

 

Isolation: Indicated ONLY for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Quarantine: Indicated ONLY for individuals who have not tested positive for COVID-19, but have experienced a recent, high-risk exposure as a "close contact"

*If you are in Quarantine and test positive for COVID-19, or begin to exhibit COVID-19-like symptoms, then you move to being in Isolation.

**During both Quarantine and Isolation, one must separate from others. This includes the use of physical barriers. One should have a designated area within the home in which to stay. Meals should be taken separately from all others. Precautions should be taken not to share any dining utensils, toiletries, towels, bedlinens, or other personal items. Shared spaces should be disinfected regularly. If physical separation is not possible within the home, social distancing and constant mask usage should be adhered to.

 

Core Prevention Strategies for Respiratory Viruses, including COVID-19:
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Take steps for cleaner air
  • Wearing a mask
  • Physical distancing
     

When you may have COVID-19:

Stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t getting better. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, amongst others.

  • You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
    • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and;
    • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
  • When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution and follow the core prevention strategies over the next 5 days. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of sever illness from respiratory viruses. 
  • If you are considered high-risk or symptoms continue to worsen, please seek professional medical guidance.

 

For People without Symptoms/Asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID-19:

  • For the next 5 days take added precaution by following the core preventative strategies.


What if my test results are positive?

  • Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home or visit public places without a mask.
  • Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor and call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
  • Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis with mask. 
  • Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive.
Healthy Tips from the Health Department

To ensure you and your family stay healthy and safe:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick—and stay home when you are sick!
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and wash your hands
  • Regularly disinfect commonly used objects and surfaces. 
  • If you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, depression or anxiety due to COVID-19, please call the Wayne County Mental Health Authority's 24/7 Help Line at 800-241-4949. 

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if someone is showing any of these signs:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Chest pain
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds