COVID-19 Testing
Free, confidential COVID-19 testing is available to every Californian.
Get vaccinated to reduce the need for testing.
When Should I Get Tested
If you have symptoms
If you were exposed
Anyone exposed should consider getting tested as soon as possible, even if you have no symptoms.
Test again 5 days after exposure.
If you go to a high-risk event
Unvaccinated people should test before and 3-5 days after.
For
mega-events of more than 1,000 people, it’s strongly recommended that attendees test 1 day (antigen test) or 2 days (PCR test) before the event.
If you travel
Unvaccinated people should test 1-3 days before travel, and 3-5 days after.
Vaccinated or not, anyone entering or re-entering California should test 3-5 days after arrival.
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 a 3rd round of 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 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. This is not an antibody test to determine if you have contracted the virus at an earlier time.
As of 4/4/22, the El Dorado County Sites now offer Rapid Antigen and PCR tests. When scheduling online, only rapid antigen testing option will show. PCR testing can be requested at the testing sites.
To register for an appointment, people can visit
https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 1-888-634-1123. Walk-in appointments are available if online registration is completed.
South Lake Tahoe
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
- 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 888-634-1123, walk-in appointments may be available.
- Please use testing site entrance at the lower parking lot and follow the testing signs.
Private Sector Testing Locations
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.
To help the counties, the California Department of Public Health using the Primary.Health software has created At Home Test Reporting portals specific to each county. To report your positive at home test, please use the link below: