Feeling sick? Take the test.
Testing for COVID-19 infection is a critical part of keeping yourself and others safe and healthy. Pennsylvanians have several options for testing. In many cases, you can get tested for COVID-19 at no cost to you.
When to Get Tested
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get tested for COVID-19:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms
- After known or suspected exposure to COVID-19
- For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.)
- Before travel
- When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official
Even if you are vaccinated, you should still get tested if any of these apply to you.
Find more information about COVID-19 testing, types of tests, and tools to help you determine when to test and seek medical care on the CDC testing website.
COVID-19 Public Testing Sites
Public testing sites are located across Pennsylvania. Testing is available at many Rite Aid, CVS, Patient First, and Walmart locations.
Get tested from your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment at a public testing site if:
- You’ve been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19
- A contact tracer says that you’ve had potential exposure to the virus
- You’re caring for someone with COVID-19
- You traveled to a high-risk area
Regardless of your COVID-19 test result, follow the latest CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Take an at-home test:
- If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
- When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
You can find more details about the free at-home COVID-19 tests at the COVID Tests federal website.
At-home tests are also available for purchase at many pharmacies across Pennsylvania. If you have health insurance, your health insurance company will pay you back for 8 at-home tests per month for each person on the plan. Learn more about insurance reimbursement for COVID tests at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
If You Test Positive
You should isolate for at least five days if you test positive for COVID-19. For 10 days, you should also take precautions like wearing a mask, avoiding travel, and avoiding being around people who are at high risk of infection. Be sure to follow the CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine.
If you test positive for COVID and are feeling sick, learn more about the Care & Treatment of COVID-19.