This article was updated May 25, 2024

Covid-19 tests are now widely available at your neighborhood pharmacies, health centers and major online retailers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities, the following groups should get tested for COVID-19:

1. People with Symptoms

Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status. Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

2. Close Contacts

Individuals who have been in close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has confirmed COVID-19 should get tested. This includes:

• Those who have been notified by public health authorities as being a close contact.
• Fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• Unvaccinated people should quarantine and get tested immediately, and if the test is negative, get tested again 5-7 days after exposure.

3. People Who Have Participated in Higher Risk Activities

Testing is recommended for individuals who have engaged in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19, especially when:

• They have been in crowded places.
• They attended large gatherings, particularly where people are not wearing masks or practicing physical distancing.
• They have been in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates.

4. Workplaces and Schools

• Certain workplaces and schools may have specific testing requirements, especially in areas of high transmission or in settings where physical distancing is challenging.
• Routine screening testing is recommended for unvaccinated individuals in these environments.

5. Travelers

• Before and after traveling, especially if the destination or return area has high levels of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated travelers get tested 1-3 days before their trip and 3-5 days after travel, and to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even if they test negative.

6. Healthcare and Long-term Care Facilities

• Regular testing is recommended for residents and staff of healthcare and long-term care facilities, particularly during outbreaks or in areas with high transmission rates.

7. Public Health Guidance

• Follow local and state health department guidelines, which may have additional testing recommendations or requirements.

Sources for Further Information

• CDC Testing Guidelines
• World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Testing
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - COVID-19 Testing Basics

By following these guidelines, individuals can help ensure timely detection and control of COVID-19, thereby reducing the spread of the virus.