LOS ANGELES COVID-19 TESTING

How to get tested for COVID-19

Getting tested is free and easier than ever.

There are many COVID-19 testing sites located in your community and throughout LA County. COVID-19 tests are free for LA County residents, regardless of immigration, employment or insurance status. Most testing locations do not require an appointment. You can walk up or drive-up and get tested.

1. GET A COVID-19 TEST

Find a testing site

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or were in close contact with someone who had COVID-19, call your doctor to get a test. If you don’t have a doctor call 211, or click here to locate a free testing site online.

Free testing is available regardless of immigration status. Your personal information is safe and private. You do not need a driver’s license or Social Security number.

Find a Testing Site Online

Free testing sites are located in your community and across LA County. You can walk-up, drive-up or schedule an appointment online:

Click to find a testing site

2. WHEN TO GET TESTED

Reasons to get tested right away

Everyone with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested right away, but there are reasons to be tested even if you don’t have symptoms:

Everyone:

  • If you have symptoms.
  • If you were asked by a doctor or Public Health to get tested.

People who are not yet fully vaccinated:

  • If you know for sure that you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • Or if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19.

People who are fully vaccinated:

  • If you live in a group setting or work in a crowded place (like a correctional facility, group home or factory) and are around someone who has COVID-19.

If you feel sick while you wait for your results, it’s important to stay home and avoid contact with others, even in your household.

If it’s been less than two weeks since your vaccine, or if you still need a second dose, you are NOT fully vaccinated or protected.

3. COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Remember, COVID-19 symptoms may include

  • Fever or chills (100.4°F or higher)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • New loss of taste or smell

This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19. Some people with COVID-19 never get symptoms.

4. UNDERSTANDING YOUR RESULTS

What to do after you get tested

To slow the spread of COVID-19 it’s important you stay home and avoid contact with others, even in your household if possible, until you get your results back. When you get your results, it’s important you follow public health instructions to make sure we keep our families safe.

If You Test Positive

Testing positive for COVID-19 can be stressful.

LA County has resources to help keep you and your family safe.

Click the link below to learn what you can do right now to keep safe:

Click here if you test positive

If You Test Negative

If you test negative for COVID-19, you still have to protect yourself and others. Continue to stay 6 feet apart from people not in your household, wear a mask and wash your hands often. If you test negative but know you were exposed, you still have to maintain a quarantine period.

Remember, a COVID-19 test result only shows whether you had the virus at the moment you took the test. False negatives are also possible. A negative test does NOT mean it is safe to gather with people outside your household.

In LA County, if you have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 you still need to:

Stay home and isolate from others for 10 days

Monitor your health and track how you feel for 14 days

If you have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you may not need to quarantine – follow this link for more info

If you have had COVID-19 with a positive test in the last 90 days, talk with your doctor about the need to quarantine.