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Anxiety and confusion over who can get tested for coronavirus

Many who are sick are wondering if they have COVID-19, but they don't meet the criteria to get tested as the test kits are in limited supply.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Doctor Georgine Nanos, Kind Health Group in Encinitas, has a very limited supply of coronavirus tests like most doctors in San Diego county - if they have any tests at all. 

"It is a viral nasal test, which means it could go in the nose or mouth or both. We put it in a tube and send it to Lab Corp, and they send it out for processing. Results come back in three to four days," said Dr. Nanos.

The family practitioner has not had to use one yet. The guidelines are strict for who gets tested. 

Many people are being turned away from getting tested for COVID-19. 

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Who gets tested?

People who have been exposed to someone who has already tested positive for the virus. 

People who traveled to one of the heavily impacted countries outside of the United States in the past 14 days. 

The county has announced that we all need to try and not overwhelm our health care system if we can manage at home. 

Doctors recommend you do not go to the emergency room or hospital if you have flu like symptoms. Instead, stay home and self isolate and contact your primary care provider. 

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