About COVID-19 Testing

When and why

Who should get tested for COVID-19?

Testing for COVID-19 can help you make informed decisions about your health, including whether you may benefit from treatment and what steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

We recommend you get tested for COVID-19 if you have respiratory symptoms. There are two testing options: home antigen testing and nucleic acid amplification testing (PCR) which is administered by a healthcare provider.

At-home tests

How can I get a home antigen testing kit?

You can buy home COVID-19 antigen tests at retail pharmacies or online. Below are some options to pick up or order COVID-19 tests:

• COVID-19 Testing Resources – Search by State | CDC
• At Home COVID Test Kit | CVS Pharmacy
• COVID-19 Testing & Locations | Walgreens Find Care
• COVID-19 Tests - Amazon.com

We also have community vans that offer limited COVID-19 and flu vaccines on select days and times; no appointment needed. Please view the schedule for when we will be in your neighborhood.

I tested positive with a home antigen test. Do I need to get a PCR test?

If you use a home antigen test and test positive, you have COVID-19. You do not need a PCR (or any other) test for confirmation. Please stay home and away from others until:

• Your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours AND
• You have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

There is no need for repeat COVID-19 testing.

I tested negative, but I still have respiratory systems. What should I do?

If you have respiratory symptoms, you should stay home and away from others until:

• Your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours AND
• You have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

If you have no symptoms, you do not need to stay home and away from others.

Testing positive

I tested positive for COVID-19. Am I at high risk for severe COVID-19?

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. These include undergoing cancer treatment, taking medications following an organ transplant, or using medications that weaken the immune system. Other factors associated with a higher risk of severe illness include chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, HIV, obesity, and being 65 years of age or older. The CDC has more information.

I tested positive and am at high risk for severe COVID-19. Are there any available therapies?

If you have one or more conditions that put you at high risk for severe COVID-19, you may be eligible for outpatient COVID-19 therapies. Contact your doctor’s office to ask about COVID-19 treatment or go to a local urgent care clinic.

I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m not at high risk for severe disease, but I am worried about my symptoms. What should I do?

• If you test positive, have mild symptoms, and have no risk factors for severe disease, stay home until your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours AND
• You have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

If you have moderate symptoms, call your doctor.

If you have severe symptoms, go to the emergency room.

I tested positive and I am at high risk for severe disease. I’m worried about my symptoms. What should I do?

If you are at high risk for severe disease, you should contact your doctor’s office to ask about COVID-19 treatment or go to a local urgent care clinic.