Effective May 11, 2023, the federal Public Health Emergency Declaration related to the COVID19 pandemic ends. What does this mean? In summary, the services, treatments and preventive options for coronavirus and its varients will remain; however, some of the federal programs put in place during the emergency declaration will cease, and some state and national data reporting will end.
Testing, vaccines, medications and therapies related to COVID19 remain available through Columbus Regional Health. Below is a list of changes patients and consumers should note:
- A provider order is now required to received a COVID test through CRH Laboratory Services. With a provider referral, patients can still schedule their test via MyChart
- COVID-19 at-home tests may no longer be free, or be covered by insurance. Insurance providers will no longer be required to waive costs. Check with your insurance provider on its approach.
- Vaccines will remain available. The US government continues to distribute free COVID-19 vaccines for all adults and children for the time being. For a vaccine or booster, contact your primary care provider, pharmacy or free-standing vaccine site
Other Information
All Columbus Regional Health facilities are mask-optional for workforce members, patients, and visitors. The exceptions are:
- If you have had a close-contact exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days, wear a mask.
- If you are experiencing any potential symptoms of COVID-19, you should wear a mask.
CRH facilities will remain mask-optional as long as the local Community Levels remain in the Low or Medium range.
Provided below is information with the latest local updates, prevention tips and information about exposure risk and testing options.
Visitor Options
For the most up-to-date visitor guidelines, please review our Patient Visitation page.
Have Symptoms or Potential Exposure?
COVID-19 can cause a wide range of mild to severe symptoms. In most cases, symptoms may appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Some more common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms get tested and contact your primary care provider and wear a mask around others.
Looking for information about the COVID-19 vaccine?
CRH Vaccine Information Page
COVID-19 Testing Protocols
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated, it is important to stay home except to get tested or to see your primary care provider (PCP).
Call your primary care provider office if:
- You are symptomatic. Your doctor will provide the best recommendation and a test order as needed.
- Your symptoms worsen.
- You have health risk factors or other underlying conditions such as diabetes, CHF or COPD.
- You have questions about COVID-19 or your health that you would like answered by a health care provider.
With a provider order, you may schedule a drive-thru COVID-19 testing appointment if:
- You are asymptomatic and would like to be tested.
- You have been exposed to COVID-19 but are NOT displaying symptoms.
- You are in need of a test for travel, work or school.
With a provider order you can schedule your drive-thru testing appointment in MyChart for quicker scheduling and access to your results. If you do not have a MyChart account, please sign up for an account at mychart.crh.org. You may also call 812-376-5419 to schedule your appointment.