Home-based testing by antigen is increasingly the most convenient way to test for COVID-19. We recommend you get tested for COVID-19 if you have have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
You can buy home COVID-19 tests at many retail pharmacies or online. Below are some options to pick up or order COVID-19 tests:
If you use a home testing kit and test positive, you have COVID-19. You do not need a PCR test for confirmation. Please start home isolation immediately and notify your close contacts of your positive test. This guidance may change over time depending on how much COVID is in our community.
If you tested negative with a home test, follow the current guidelines related to quarantine and other testing. If you develop symptoms, you should test again. If a home antigen test is negative and you have symptoms, public health experts recommend to test yourself again with a home test after a day or so, or get a PCR test.
High-risk conditions for severe COVID-19 include undergoing treatment for cancer, currently taking medications for transplant, or immunosuppressant medications for other conditions. Other high-risk conditions, including having chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; HIV; obesity; and age 65 years or older, may predispose you to worse symptoms from COVID-19 or influenza. The CDC has more information.
If you have one or more conditions that put you at high-risk for severe COVID-19, this may make you eligible for outpatient COVID-19 therapies if you get COVID.
Updated April 28, 2023