When to test for COVID-19

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to get tested right away. 

You can test in two ways:

• Buy an at-home test from your local pharmacy.
• Visit a doctor or health care provider for testing at their office.

If you don’t have symptoms but were exposed to COVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing.

Testing helps you decide what to do next.

• Learn more about what to do if you’re sick at Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
• Learn more about COVID-19 testing at COVID-19 Testing | NYS DOH

FAQs and Resources: If you have any further questions, please visit the NYS DOH COVID-19 website.