COVID-19 FAQs:

Updated 2/27/2023

I am feeling sick what should I do?

• Quarantine immediately from the public and others in your household by isolating in a separate bedroom if possible. Follow up with your primary care doctor and seek COVID-19 testing if needed.

Where can I get tested?

• View the list of all community based testing locations.

I tested positive with an over the counter at home test; what should I do? 

• Please contact your health care provider for further guidance.
• Home tests are not reportable to Monroe County Health Department. If you have general COVID questions, please call 305-293-7500.

Do I need a negative test prior to returning to work?

• Contact your employer. However, CDC recommends people not retest after already having a positive test as it may continue to be positive for up to 3 months. As long as the positive person has isolated for the appropriate time frame, has been fever free for 24 hours, and overall has an improvement in symptoms, they are considered “no longer contagious” by CDC guidelines and do not need additional testing.

Who should I contact if I have general questions on isolation/quarantine guidelines?

• Anyone with general questions should call the Florida Department of Health at 305-293-7500 or email MonroeCOVID@flhealth.gov. 

What is a COVID-19 outbreak and how do I report it?

• Please report all outbreaks immediately that meet the below criteria with positive results within 14 days of each other to the Monroe County Health Department at 305-293-7500 or at MonroeCOVID@flhealth.gov.
  • Long Term Care/ Assisted Living Facilities: 1 or more positive residents. 2 or more positive staff.
  • Schools/Daycares, and Camps: 3 or more positive people.
  • Jails/shelters/workplaces/ and other settings: 2 or more positive people.

I tested positive and my employer is requiring a “clearance to work” letter, who should I contact?

• Please email MonroeCOVID@flhealth.gov with your full name and phone number, and someone will follow-up. DOH Monroe does not supply release letters until the last date of isolation, we will not pre-date release letters for you as we need to ensure parameters to leave isolation have been met.

What is the transmission level of COVID-19 in Monroe County?

• Visit the CDC Data Tracker for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html

What do I do if I think I’m sick with COVID-19?

If you are infected with COVID-19 we suggest that you call your primary healthcare provider to get information on what you should be doing to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19. The CDC recommends for those who are ill with COVID-19 to stay home except to get medical care:

• Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.
• Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and call Monroe County Health Department if you have additional COVID-19 questions at 305-293-7500 or MonroeCOVID@flhealth.gov

Healthcare Provider and Facilities Reporting

COVID-19 positive patients and COVID-19 laboratory results are subject to mandatory reporting to the Florida Department of Health (Department) under section 381.0031, Florida Statutes, Chapter 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code and Emergency Rule No. 64DER21-8. ​

Please contact MonroeCOVID@flhealth.gov if you are a healthcare provider or facility looking to report COVID-19 results. We can provide further directions on methods of reporting once email received.​

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

I need a COVID-19 Vaccine Record. How do I get a copy?

You can request your COVID-19 vaccination records directly from Florida SHOTS by filling out the Florida Department of Health form – DH3203 Authorization to Disclose Confidential Information form online, electronically sign and submit it. To fill out the form online and submit, click here

Note: This form is for use only by individuals aged 18 years and over to request their own COVID-19 vaccination record. DO NOT use this form to request records for another individual. Each individual is responsible for their own request. Currently, records of minors (aged 17 years and below) are not available through this request portal. Please contact your healthcare provider or local county health department to request records for minor.

Pediatric Vaccines for those age 6 months and up

• Walgreens in Key West, Marathon and Tavernier are taking appointments and vaccinating those age 3 and up.
• CHI at the Marathon Health Center is vaccinating those age 6 months and up at 2805 Overseas Hwy, MM 48.5, Marathon, FL. Walk In Saturdays from 11am to 1pm. Visit  chisouthfl.orgor call 305-743-4000.
• CHI at the Tavernier Health Center is vaccinating those age 5 and up at 91200 Overseas Hwy, Unit 17, Tavernier, FL. Walk in Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm. Visit  chisouthfl.org or call 305-743-0383.

COVID-19 Data:

• COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report: Florida State Overview is published Fridays by 5pm.
• CDC COVID Trackerincludes the level of community transmission, cases, vaccinations, deaths, hospital utilization, and more. Select “Florida” and then “Monroe County.” This is updated every day at 8 pm.
• The White House COVID-19 Community Profile Report

Questions about COVID-19?

If you have any question, please call 305-293-7500 or email MonroeCOVID@flhealth.gov