ATLANTA, Georgia – The Centers for Disease Control have released this information to answer questions residents may have about the current state of COVID-19 in the nation.
Review the questions below to determine when to get tested. If you have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days and recovered, you do not need to be tested unless you develop new symptoms.
Do you have COVID-19 symptoms?
Get tested immediately.
Have you had close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19?
Get tested at least 5 days after exposure.
Are you traveling?
Learn more about testing for travel by visiting Travel | CDC
Are you planning to attend an upcoming event or gathering?
Reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by getting tested as close to the event date as possible.
Where can I get a test?
Visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website for the latest local information on testing.
Many pharmacies and community centers provide access to free COVID-19 tests. Visit Community-Based Testing Centers or the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) website to find testing locations in your area.
Self-tests
Order free tests at COVIDtests.gov. Free tests are also available through local health departments.
Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.
Isolation After You Test Positive
People who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status. This includes:
- People who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
- People with symptoms of COVID-19, including people who are awaiting test results or have not been tested.
At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, or wear a well-fitting mask or respirator when they need to be around others.
Use CDC’s Quarantine & Isolation tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
Finding COVID-19 Treatments
If you test positive and are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease.
People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with older age), people who are unvaccinated, and people with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.
Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider, health clinic, or pharmacist to learn about treatment options, even if your symptoms are mild right now.
Use the Test To Treat locator tool: Test To Treat (hhs.gov) , or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to find a testing location that can provide treatment in your area.
Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
Who Should Get a COVID-19 Boosters?
Boosters are an important part of protecting yourself from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. They are recommended for most people.
It is never too late to get the added protection offered by COVID-19 boosters.
If you need help scheduling a booster, contact the location that set up your previous appointment.