They can mean the same, but not necessarily. My friend got covid could mean that they got it recently and still have it. This form is used more in American English. In British English, it is more usual to say my friend has got covid in this situation, My friend got covid could also mean that they had it at some time in the past but no longer have it now. My friend has covid means they have it now - it describes a present state. Generally speaking, we use 'have' to describe a present state - when we are not focusing on when the state began or will end. We use 'get' to describe a change in state - something is true now that wasn't in the past. I have a driving licence. - Just a fact, don't know when it happened. I got my driving licence last week. - This tells us that before last week we didn't have it, and now we do - we are emphasising the change in state.

Hi Jasmine, the two sentences are correct and can be said normally. Great question keep up the awesome work

Yes, this is right. You can say either. ☺