Used properly, home COVID-19 test kits can detect infection early and prevent the spread to others.
Home tests for COVID-19 are sold at most pharmacies, and are also available free from county health departments.
Getting a Free Home Test Kit
Free tests can be picked up at any county health department during normal hours. A family can get 8 tests (4 packages of antigen rapid self-tests) per month without a doctor's note or other documentation. No appointment is needed.
When to Use a Home Test
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19: Use a home test as soon as you feel ill.
- If you were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19: Test at least 5 days after your last exposure. If your result is negative, consider testing again in 1-2 days.
- If you are going to an indoor event or gathering, test right before you go, especially if you will be in a county with a high COVID-19 Community Level. This is important if you will be around people at increased risk (such as those 65 and over), or people who are not vaccinated.