Used properly, home COVID-19 test kits can detect infection early and prevent the spread to others.
Please report positive home test results to the Department of Health. Our online form makes it easy. Read more
Getting a Home Test Kit
Home tests for COVID-19 are sold at most pharmacies, and are also available free from county health departments.
Free home tests
Free COVID-19 test kits are available by mail from covidtests.gov (limited number per household). How to order
Free tests can also 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.
- See our guidance below for complete instructions.
- Understanding home test results, and what to do: Full guidance PDF
- Isolation and quarantine guidance from the CDC
Report Positive Results to MSDH
Report a new positive home test result for yourself or someone in your household to the Mississippi State Department of Health. This helps improve our ongoing monitoring of COVID-19 activity in the community. Our online form is quick and simple to use.
