Testing is recommended if:

• If you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold, seasonal allergies, or flu. COVID testing in California is free to anyone who needs it.
• If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, get tested right away. If you test negative, retest 5-7 days after your exposure date. Those who are unvaccinated should also test 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after any high-risk events.
• If you were fully vaccinated when exposed, you should get tested 5-7 days after close contact with someone who has recently tested positive.
• If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 3 months and have had no new symptoms since your recent exposure, you do not need to get tested.
• Read the California Department of Public Health’s full testing guidance. (Your school or workplace may have their own testing requirements.)

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 in high-risk settings, and staying home when you are sick. Visit the CDC Testing Page and https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/ for more information about COVID-19 testing.

Where to Get a Test

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to get a COVID-19 test. The State also offers no cost testing to community members at various locations in Ventura County (schedule below). Pharmacies and private businesses like Covid Clinic and Curative offer testing. 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, or by ordering from the federal government at www.covidtests.gov.

STATE TEST TO TREAT SITES

The State offers both COVID-19 testing and immediate treatment for individuals who are eligible. Test to Treat sites allow individuals to get tested, be seen by a provider, and receive prescription antiviral pills on site (Paxlovid or Molnupiravir).

Cost: Services at OptumServe Test to Treat Sites are free for uninsured Californians.

Eligibility for Test to Treat: Adults and Children of all ages can be tested at a State Site. Persons 12 years and older who weigh more than 88 pounds (40 kg) and have high-risk conditions may be eligible for prescription antiviral pills. Treatment must be provided within 5 days of infection.

Appointments: Test to Treat sites offer Rapid/Antigen tests by appointment and PCR tests by walk-in. Make an appointment at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123.

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.