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. Our Symptom Tracker can help you keep track. 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.

Have questions? We're here to help.

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