COVID-19 Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Information

Please visit the CDC COVID-19 site for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19.

Topics include:

New Masking Policy effective April 10, 2023. Optional for no respiratory symptoms. Required for congestion, cough, runny nose, sore throat, diagnosed with respiratory illness such as flu or covid-19, known exposure to covid within 7 to 10 days.

Following latest data on COVID-19, Dartmouth Health amends masking policy for facilities

Michael Calderwood, MD, MPH, explains the latest science and CDC recommendations to make masking optional for asymptomatic people at Cheshire Medical Center.

View story

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

  • View the CDC’s COVID-19 Testing page to decide which test you need.
  • At-home test kits are available at local retail pharmacies.
  • To schedule a PCR test at Cheshire Medical Center, call your primary care provider(PCP) at 603-354-6760 or contact them via myDH.org or the MyChart app.
  • Self-scheduling for a COVID drive-through test is no longer available.
  • Please wear a mask and report to Lab Registration (past the lobby of the Main Entrance) once your PCP has confirmed your appointment.
  • For PCR testing at Cheshire, most individuals would receive a saliva test; to prepare:
    • At least 30 minutes prior to sample collection: Avoid drinks, food, smoking, nasal sprays, teeth cleaning, and chewing gum.
    • At least 10 minutes prior to collection: Do NOT consume water. 
    • Follow these five easy steps to collect saliva for the test: Saliva Collection Steps (PDF)

If you test positive for COVID-19

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, notify your Primary Care team at Cheshire via myDH or by calling 603-354-6760
  • Discuss care options and if treatment could be right for you.
  • If you experience emergency symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency care. Emergency symptoms include:
    • Significant difficulty breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion
    • Inability to wake or stay awake
    • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

COVID-19 vaccination and boosters

Visit vaccines.gov for a list of locations offering COVID-19 vaccinations near your zip code.

Or visit our vaccination page for information on receiving COVID-19 and flu shots at Cheshire Medical Center.

Masking policy

In most cases, we will not require healthy people to wear masks. There will be times a face mask is required. Including:

  • If you have been around someone with COVID-19 or infected with this virus within the last 10 days
  • If you are ill or have symptoms that include coughing, runny nose, sore throat or trouble breathing.

We are mask-friendly and continue to offer masks at no cost in our buildings. We understand that you may want any member of your care team to wear a mask when they are with you. Your care team will be happy to wear a mask if you ask them to do so.

Please review our whole Visitor and Caregiver policy

We have enhanced safety measures in place when providing in-person care. See our visitor policy to learn about your role in infection prevention at our locations.