Testing is recommended:

• 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, get tested right away. If you test negative, retest 3-5 days after your exposure date, even if you have no symptoms. Test immediately if symptoms develop.
• Consider testing before and 3-5 days after a gathering, a large event or travel, especially if you are going to be around people who are higher risk (older adults, immunocompromised, unvaccinated people).
• 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.

STATE TEST TO TREAT SITES

**Test to Treat Sites will be Closing Permanently due to ending of the California State of Emergency** Closure dates vary by location, please see below for site specific date**

The State testing sites currently offer two types of COVID-19 test.  For those who are showing signs of illness they will be able to test for COVID-19 and flu. For those with no symptoms they will test for COVID only. Test results will take about 30 minutes and help people determine the best course of action to take to feel better. Those who test positive for COVID-19 can immediately see a telehealth provider to discuss COVID treatments. If it is appropriate for the patient’s condition, COVID treatment medications will be available onsite at no cost to the patient. A positive influenza test will help patients work with their own medical provider to determine appropriate steps to alleviate symptoms and whether they need to take antiviral medication for influenza.

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

Eligibility for Test to Treat: Positive test for COVID AND are more likely to get very sick (older than 50, unvaccinated, or have certain medical conditions*). Treatments are available for both adults and children who qualify. Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be most effective.

Appointments: Appointment are recommended and can be made at  https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123.

Holiday Closures: State testing sites will be closed the following holidays: Christmas Day (December 25-26), New Year’s Day (January 1-2), Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (January 16), President’s Day (February 20)

**Test to Treat Sites will be Closing Permanently due to ending of the California State of Emergency** Closure dates vary by location, please see below for site specific date**

STATE MOBILE DRIVE-THRU TESTING SITES

State testing sites closed.

STATE MOBILE MINIBUS TESTING SITES

State testing sites closed.

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.