THE NEW CRITERIA FOR DEFINING A PERSON AS HAVING COVID DISEASE AS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOSPITALIZATION/OR DEATH

● Acute onset or worsening of at least two of the following symptoms or signs:

fever (measured or subjective),

chills,

rigors,

myalgia,

headache,

sore throat,

nausea or vomiting,

diarrhea,

fatigue,

congestion or

runny nose

OR ● Acute onset or worsening of any one of the following symptoms or signs: 

cough,

shortness of breath,

difficulty breathing,

olfactory disorder,

taste disorder,

confusion or

change in mental status,

persistent pain or pressure in the chest,

pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone,

inability to wake or stay awake

Severe respiratory illness with at least one of the following:

Clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia,

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A2.

Laboratory Criteria for Reporting ●

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a post-mortem obtained respiratory swab or clinical specimen using a diagnostic molecular amplification test performed by a CLIA-certified provider, OR ●

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence, OR ●

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antigen in a post-mortem obtained respiratory swab or clinical specimen using a diagnostic test performed by a CLIA-certified provider, OR ●

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) specific antibodies in serum, plasma, or whole blood by a CLIA-certified provider. NOTE: Some jurisdictions may opt to include testing performed by individuals at home using over-the counter tests.

CDN/CDC