Atlantic, IA – Cass County Health System now has a hotline available for the public to address concerns about COVID-19 testing. People can call 712-243-7479 to listen to a recorded message about the current COVID-19 testing criteria. As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, the hotline will be updated with relevant information for the public.

At this time, the only people who can be tested for COVID-19 are:
· symptomatic people (i.e. have a fever, cough or shortness of breath) who had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset OR
· symptomatic people requiring hospitalization and a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of symptom onset OR
· symptomatic people with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) requiring hospitalization and without alternative explanatory diagnosis (e.g., influenza) and no source of exposure identified.

Officials say the need for COVID-19 testing will determined by your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about your symptoms and you meet these criteria, please call 712-243-3250.