What’s the difference between confirmed and probable cases?

The total number of cases includes both confirmed and probable cases.  

  • Cases are considered confirmed when there has been a positive molecular amplification test (such as PCR) performed by a lab. These tests commonly involve taking a nasal swab which is then sent to specific laboratories for results. 
  • A molecular amplification test detects genetic material from the virus indicating the presence of the virus.
  • Cases are considered probable when they meet one of the following criteria: 
    • A person exhibited symptoms AND had close contact with someone who tested positive 
      • OR
    • A person exhibited symptoms AND tested positive using an antigen or serologic test. 
      • An antigen or serologic test is a blood test that looks for antibodies in your blood. This test can detect the body’s immune response to the infection caused by the virus rather than detecting the virus itself. 
      • OR
    • A person has an epidemiologic link*AND has tested positive using an antigen or serologic test
      • *An epidemiologically-link is close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 disease OR travel to or residence in an area with sustained, ongoing community transmission OR a member of a risk cohort as defined by public health authorities during an outbreak.
      • OR
  • A death certificate lists COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death with no confirmatory laboratory testing performed for COVID-19.

Show All Answers

1. What can I do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
2. What is a close contact?
3. What is “Contact Tracing”?
4. What is the difference between Quarantine and Isolation?
5. Can isolation and quarantine be enforced?
6. I have been diagnosed with or am showing symptoms of COVID-19 – what should I do?
7. I think I have been exposed to COVID-19, but I’m not showing symptoms - what should I do?
8. I think I was in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Now What?
9. I was told to quarantine, but I got tested and the test was negative, can I go back to work?
10. Can I get the antibody blood test to see if I had COVID-19?
11. Can you get tested in Grand County for COVID-19 if you meet the protocol? Once the person is tested, where is the specimen sent for confirmation? When will Grand County get rapid testing?
12. What are the Activity Specific Protective Measures and Guidance Playbooks?
13. What is the Compliance Verification Form?
14. What is Protect Our Neighbors?
15. How do we apply for Protect Our Neighbors?
16. How do I know what level my community is in? What rules do I follow?
17. I own a Short-Term Rental, am I allowed to operate?
18. I own a business in Grand County, what do I need to do to open?
19. What is an antibody test?
20. Do you recommend antibody testing? Why not?
21. Why do the numbers change/differ from my local health department?
22. How is it determined which county a case belongs in?
23. What’s the difference between confirmed and probable cases?
24. What community resources are available?
25. What type of healthcare is being provided?
26. What mental health and anxiety resources are available to the Grand County community?