UPDATE: The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced in partnership with the Department of Education, free COVID-19 test distribution efforts for school districts across the country. This announcement builds on previous Biden-Harris Administration efforts to increase COVID-19 testing in schools to keep students safe and schools open.
UPDATE: Beginning November 20, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Free At-Home Covid Tests
UPDATE: Starting September 25, 2023, U.S. Will Resume Offering Free At-Home Covid Tests
UPDATE: As of March 28, 2023, HVHD will no longer be administering Rapid PCR COVID-19 tests.
You play an important role in stopping the spread of COVID-19 within our community. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, especially if you have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should get tested.
Resources
- Free at-home COVID-19 tests
- COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know
- Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere
- Where Can I Go to Get Tested for COVID-19?
- At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests – Expiration Dates
FAQ
Q: When should I test?
A: Key times to get tested:
If you have symptoms, test immediately.
- If you are only going to take a single test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable negative 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 do not have symptoms but have been exposed to COVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before taking a test.
- If you are only going to take a single test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable negative 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 also negative, wait another 48 hours and test a third time.
Q: Should I conduct a rapid at-home test or should I get a PCR test?
A: You can use an at-home COVID-19 test if:
- You have COVID-19 symptoms
- Have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 48 hours
- Have access to an FDA-approved at-home test kit.
You should get a PCR COVID-19 test if:
- Have COVID-19 symptoms
- Have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 48 hours
- You are unable to acquire an FDA-approved at-home test kit.
- The at-home test was negative, it has been 24 hours since the negative test, and the person continues to have symptoms.
Updated: September 19, 2023