El Dorado
County
General Contact Number: (530) 621-5567

Health and Human Services

COVID-19 Testing

 

When Should I Get Tested

Get tested and keep your friends, family and community safe - What you Need to Know About Testing. You should immediately get tested for COVID-19 if you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold (including just “the sniffles”), seasonal allergies, or flu. COVID testing in California is free to anyone who needs it.

  • If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, get tested right away. If you test negative, retest 5-7 days after your exposure date. Those who are unvaccinated should also test before and 3-5 days after any high-risk events.
  • If you were fully vaccinated when exposed, you should get tested 3-5 days after close contact with someone who has recently tested positive. 
  • If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 3 months and have had no new symptoms since your recent exposure, you do not need to get tested. 

Free Rapid Antigen Home Test Kits

  • US Government is offering free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them - https://usps.com/covidtests
  • El Dorado County Public Health announced today that a limited supply of COVID-19 home test kits are available to El Dorado County residents at local public libraries. The iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Home Test kits are limited to one per person, and a maximum of two test kits per household. The kits will be provided on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Where to Get Tested for COVID-19

Testing is free in California for anyone who needs it. There are no out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary testing. The testing provider will bill your insurance directly. El Dorado County has two COVID-19 test sites sponsored by the State and operated by LHI OPTUMServe. Testing is available for all, there is no barrier to being tested. The cost is covered either by your medical insurance or by the State if you are uninsured.  The test is a nasal swab type with results returning between 3-4 days later and determines whether you currently have COVID-19. This is not an antibody test to determine if you have contracted the virus at an earlier time.  To register for an appointment, people can visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123.  Walk-in appointments may be available.


South Lake Tahoe 

  • **NEW SITE** LHI Site - El Dorado Center - 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Suite 100, South Lake Tahoe

    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday (9am - 5pm) | Closed for Lunch (1pm - 2pm)
      • To allow set up of the new testing location, there will be a late start on 1/24. Testing will begin @ 11am.
    • South Lake Tahoe LHI Testing Site Flyer
    • Schedule an appointment, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123, walk-in appointments may be available.
    • Please follow signs to COVID testing area. Do not use the main entrance to the building.

  • Private Sector Testing Locations 

    • Barton Health - Primary Care Provider Office & Urgent Care (Multiple Locations)
    • Test Well - 3678 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
    • Quick Care - 2074 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA

West Slope

  • LHI Site - El Dorado County Administration - 330 Fair Lane, Building A - Conference Room D, Placerville

    • Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday (9am - 5pm) | Closed for Lunch (1pm - 2pm)
    • Placerville LHI Testing Site Flyer
    • Schedule an appointment, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123, walk-in appointments may be available.
    • Please use testing site entrance at the lower parking lot and follow the testing signs.

Pharmacy Locations


At Home Testing Options 

  • See information above for Free At Home Testing Options
  • At Home Rapid Antigen tests are readily available to purchase online or pickup. 
    • Retailers include: Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Amazon 
      • Cost, brand and stock vary by retailer
      • Rapid antigen test: $19.88-$23.99
      • PCR kits: $99+

Sacramento County Testing Site & Information


What should I do as I wait for my results? 

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID, you should isolate. If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine to avoid spreading the disease. If you must be in contact with other people, including your household, always wear a mask and practice physical distancing. If you test positive, you will be given further guidance on treatment and self-isolation from your local health department.



Tested positive for COVID-19?

Help stop the spread by answering the call or text from your health department. Also, if you have CA Notify activated on your phone, choose to anonymously alert those you may have exposed. For more information, visit canotify.ca.gov.