COVID-19 Testing

• Get tested regardless of vaccination status.
• If you have had COVID-19 in the prior three months, you still need to get tested if you develop new symptoms. You should take a COVID-19 antigen test instead of a PCR or other molecular test (for example, a PCR or NAAT test) because molecular tests can continue to detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) even after you have recovered from your illness.
  • If your test is negative, get a second antigen test in 24 to 48 hours or, if you are using a home antigen test that comes with two tests in the package, you should use the second test within the time period stated in the manufacturer's instructions for use.

If you leave your home to get a test, wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from other people.

• Get tested five days after the last time you were close to a person with COVID-19.
• If you start to have any symptoms, get tested immediately.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months you do not need to get tested after close contact with a person with COVID-19. Get tested immediately if you start to have new symptoms. You should take a COVID-19 antigen test instead of a PCR or other molecular test (for example, a PCR or NAAT test) since molecular tests can continue to detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) even after you have recovered from your illness.
  • If your test is negative, get a second antigen test in 24 to 48 hours or, if you are using a home antigen test that comes with two tests in the package, you should use the second test in the time period stated in the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Visit Close Contacts and Quarantine for more information about what to do if you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, including quarantine.

You should also follow Masks: COVID-19.

Travel within the United States

• Visit CDC: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 for more information on vaccination and testing requirements.

International travel

• Visit CDC: International Travel for more information vaccination and testing requirements.

An example of a high-risk event is a large gathering or event where people are not wearing masks and are not able to stay 6 feet apart. Whether or not you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, you should:

• Consider testing with a rapid test on the day of the event before attending.
• Get tested five days after the high-risk event if you had close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Consider testing five days after an event even if you did not have a known exposure.
• If you develop any symptoms, get tested right away.

This may include first responders, health care workers, child care providers, teachers, coaches, and retail staff.

• Even if you do not have symptoms or you have not had close contact to someone known to have COVID-19, you should still get tested according to setting-specific guidance or your employer's guidance.

Setting-specific guidance for testing includes:

• For guidance on regular testing for staff or school-age kids refer to CDC: Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools: Screening Testing.
• For guidance on child care settings refer to CDC: COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs: Screening Testing
• College and trade-school students and staff should follow testing recommendations in COVID-19 Response Toolkit for Institutions of Higher Education (PDF).
• For guidance on health care workers, refer to Health Care Worker Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations.

People who are immunocompromised may not respond as well to COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your health care provider for testing recommendations.

Follow testing requests from health care providers or public health workers. Specific recommendations may be provided for cases and contacts associated with outbreaks or clusters.