Testing is currently recommended if you:

Have COVID-19 symptoms: Talk to a doctor and get tested – even if you are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 in the past.

Have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days. (New CDC guidance as of October 27, 2021) Fully vaccinated individuals should be tested 5-7 days after their last exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. Unvaccinated individuals should get tested immediately if you’ve been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If you test negative, you should retest 5-7 days after your exposure date even if you are asymptomatic. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You should isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.

Are part of an outbreak investigation. If you live or work in a place where other people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you may need to be tested, even if you are fully vaccinated or had COVID-19 in the past.

Testing alone will not stop the spread of COVID-19. The best way to lower your risk of getting COVID-19 is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to continue practicing everyday prevention. This includes wearing a mask that covers both your nose and mouth, and staying home when you are sick. In addition, it is encouraged to wear a mask when indoors in public places.

Where to Get a Test

The State offers free testing sites. Register at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. There is no fee for testing at the State sponsored sites, but the State may bill a resident’s insurance for testing. Testing by state sites is by appointment. Walk-ins may be accommodated as availability allows.

STATE TESTING SITES

STATE MOBILE MINIBUS TESTING SITES

Other testing providers:

• Your doctor or health care provider.
• Private businesses like Covid Clinic and Curative.
• A local pharmacy. Call or visit the website of your local pharmacy to find out if they offer COVID-19 testing. View locations at: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/
• At-home collection kits and tests are available by prescription or over the counter in a pharmacy or retail store. Visit the CDC self-testing website to learn more.

What to Know When Getting Tested

• Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.
• If you have to be tested for screening purposes such as for work or travel, make sure that you get a test that meets the requirements of your employer, airline, or other institution.
• Before you get a test make sure that you know:
  • What type of test you are being offered (NAAT or antigen).
  • How long it will take to get your results.
  • How you will find out the results.
  • What precautions you should take while you wait for your results and what you should do if your result is positive or is negative.
• After you receive your test result, make sure that you understand what your result means and what to do next. You should be given a fact sheet about the test you received. If you did not, ask for one.

Visit the CDC Testing Page and https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/ for more information about COVID-19 testing.