Current COVID-19 testing guidelines

Updated Aug. 16, 2023

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test. 

Symptoms include: 

  • Cough
  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Fever or chills
  • Excessive tiredness (fatigue)
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Less common symptoms include: headache, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

If you have symptoms, test immediately:

  • If you are going to take only one type of test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable test result
  • If you use an antigen test, a positive result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate
  • If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can

If you are not experiencing symptoms, test five days after exposure:

Get a COVID-19 test five days after exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. In the meantime, monitor your symptoms closely. You do not need to isolate, but please wear a mask for 10 days when around other people.

  • If you are going to take only one type of test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable test result
  • If you use an antigen test, a positive result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate
  • If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can
  • If your second antigen test is negative, wait another 48 hours and test a third time

If you test positive for COVID-19:

Stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first five days.

  • Stay home and separate from others as much as possible. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others in your home
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible
  • Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible
  • Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
  • Do not travel

If your symptoms are improving, you may end isolation after day five if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).

If your test is positive, contact a health care provider to learn about treatment options that may be available to you. Treatment should be started within the first few days to be most effective.

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