Family Tree Clinic

LGBTQ COVID-19 Resources

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a novel coronavirus. It attacks the lungs and respiratory system. This virus spreads through respiratory droplets that travel about 6 feet in the air or land on surfaces or people when an infected person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 can also be spread through contact with infected saliva, mucus, or feces.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache,  loss of taste/smell, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. Most often, symptoms start 5-7 days after exposure. But it is important to note that you can have COVID-19 without any symptoms at all, and can still pass it on to others.

When can I get tested for COVID-19?

You should get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms. If you have been attending protests, cleanups, or any other events with large groups of people, it is recommended you get tested 5-7 days after the event even if you do not feel sick. If this test comes back negative but you are still concerned, MDH recommends being re-tested 12-14 days after potential exposure. If you have been within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more, you should get tested while following a 14 day quarantine period.  In some specific cases, a shorter quarantine period may be okay— see the first link below for more information.

For a more in-depth layout of who should get tested for COVID-19 and when to quarantine: 

Close Contacts and Tracing: COVID-19 

Health Advisory: Testing Asymptomatic Persons

Where Can I get tested for COVID-19?

  • MDH has a map with all current testing locations, their contact information, and who they are testing. You can find that map here.
  • You can also take an at-home saliva test for COVID-19. More information on how to do so can be found here.

let us know how covid-19 has affected you

Family Tree Clinic is working with the MN Department of Health (MDH) to assess the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community during the pandemic.  We created a survey to help do this. All information will be compiled by Family Tree and given to MDH to help understand which resources are lacking in the community and how to create greater access to needed resources. All answers are confidential. E-mail ejaeger@familytreeclinic.org with questions. 

Where can I get updated information on COVID-19?

  • health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus
  • cdc.gov
  • who.int
  • Call the MDH COVID-19 hotline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Additional Questions? Contact the Community Care Coordinators at JustUs Health. The new JustUs Health COVID Community Coordinators are available at (612) 254-0116 for any COVID-related concerns. If you have questions about testing sites, prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE), housing assistance, and more, they will help you to access the resources you need. The JustUs Health Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, and any calls that come through outside of those times will be returned within one business day. Their focus is to serve the LGBTQ+ Community and those living with HIV, but their comprehensive services are open to all. They also provide free PPE.

    COVID Community Coordinators contact information:

  • MDH Information Sheet on COVID-19 and the LGBTQ Community

Check out these links for more comprehensive lists of resources and mutual aid available

Telehealth Hormone Care

  • https://getplume.co
  • Family Tree Clinic is also currently accepting new adult and pediatric hormone care patients. Call or text the clinic at 651-645-0478 to schedule or get more information.

  • Virtual pharmacy that can deliver your medications to your door: https://www.capsule.com/

    • Able to deliver hormones and injection supplies as well as other medications
    • Insurance not required, and they will help lower the price if you aren’t using insurance

RESOURCES FOR TRANSGENDER FOLKS DURING COVID-19

RESOURCES FOR SAFER SEX DURING COVID-19

LGBTQ Virtual Support Groups

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES