Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

Covid-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads easily through the air and mucus droplets from someone’s nose or mouth. It is very contagious. 

Vaccines are the best way to prevent getting very sick, going to the hospital or even dying from Covid-19.

With Covid-19 still spreading, it’s important to keep your vaccine up to date to protect against serious illness.

Symptoms

Covid-19 often causes respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold, flu or pneumonia. Most people have mild symptoms, but some can become severely ill and can die. Covid-19 symptoms»

Update your Covid-19 vaccineCOVID-19 Vaccines

CDC recommends everyone over 6 months of age get the newly updated Covid-19 vaccine.

Everyone 5 years and older should get one dose. Children 6 months to 4 years old may need multiple doses.

Where to Get Covid-19 Vaccines

Don't have a regular doctor? Get free vaccines at our Community Immunization Clinic»

Youth ages 5-18 can get free vaccines at our Student Health Centers»

Need help finding a vaccine? Call 503-988-8939.

Latest vaccine recommendations from the CDC»

Two packages of COVID-19 self tests COVID-19 Testing

Get tested if:

  • You have  Covid-19 symptoms  
  • You were a close contact of someone with Covid-19

Take a home test, ask your doctor, or find a community testing site.

Covid-19 testing resources»

A family at the door is greeting or saying goodbye to each other, a woman hugging an older man with a broad smile on her face. Were You Exposed?

If you had close contact (15 minutes or more, with or without a mask) with someone who has Covid-19:

  1. Watch yourself for symptoms for 10 days and wear a mask around others.
  2. Test 5 days after you were together or if you develop symptoms. If your home test is negative, test again in 48 hours. 
  3. Limit in-person contact or wear a mask around people who are at greater risk for 10 days. 

Sick African American man calling for medical helpIf you feel sick

If you have Covid-19 symptoms, assume you're contagious. 

  • Stay home and away from others
  • Take a Covid-19 test
  • Tell people you were around that you got sick
  • Take care of yourself and learn about treatment options

What to do if you have COVID-19»

Treatment 

There are medicines that can make a COVID-19 illness less severe when started early. Talk to your provider early in your illness if you have risk for severe disease. 

COVID-19 Treatments and Medications | CDC 

gramma and grandaughter together washing handsPrevent the spread of COVID-19 

To lower your own risk of getting COVID-19 and increase protection for those who are more vulnerable:

  • Stay home when sick 
  • Get vaccinated
  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces

Coping with respiratory illnesses»

teen guide on covid19Masks

Masks are always welcome as a way to reduce risk for yourself and the community. They are an important tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19.

We recommend wearing masks indoors if you are around others and you are 

  • At high risk
  • Sick or tested positive and can’t stay home
  • Or if you have recently been exposed to COVID.

Employers and businesses may have their own mask requirements. 

At times of high COVID spread, Multnomah County Public Health may recommend everyone wearing a mask indoors until disease activity quiets down. 

Use and care of masks (CDC)

Getting Care

If you don't have a doctor, call 211. Interpreters are available. You can also call our Community Health Centers 503-988-5558 to enroll as a patient.

Covid-19 Data