General Contact Number: (530) 621-5567

Health and Human Services

Testing & Treatment


 Free COVID-19 testing and treatment is available to everyone!

When Should I Get Tested?

  • If you have any symptoms of COVID-19,
    • Test immediately, regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status.
    • If your test is negative but you continue to have symptoms, test again 24-48 hours later. Low amounts of virus early in infection can be missed by a test, and the test can be positive a few days later.
  • If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19,
    • Test when notified of exposure and 3-5 days after exposure, even if you have no symptoms.
    • Test immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Consider testing before and 3-5 days after a gathering, a large event or travel,

Where can I get an at-home test?

  • Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
  • El Dorado County Public Health has partnered with the El Dorado County Public Libraries to make COVID-19 home test kits available to all El Dorado County residents at local public libraries. Visit one of their locations to get free home test kits.
  • Get FREE tests with medical insurance at your local drugstore (in-store or online): 
    • MediCal or Medicare – bring your card to a pharmacy window. 
    • Private insurance – contact your insurance company for free tests or reimbursement.

Where can I get tested?

South Lake Tahoe 
  • Private Sector Testing Locations 

    • Barton Health - Primary Care Provider Offices & Urgent Care (Multiple Locations)

West Slope


Pharmacy Locations

Sacramento County Testing Site & Information


What if my test is positive, is there treatment?

  • If you have severe symptoms call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. 
  • Contact a health care provider to see if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments to prevent severe symptoms, hospitalization, or death. If you don’t have a provider, California Department of Public Health has a free service to provide.
    • FREE Virtual COVID-19 Visit for Californians Ages 12 and Up - https://sesamecare.com/covidca
      • Please note, this is a free service to support uninsured and underinsured individuals within the State of California who cannot connect with a healthcare provider within 24 hours of receiving a positive test result. COVID-19 medications must be started within 5-7 days of symptom onset to be effective. If you are insured, please try an make an appointment with your healthcare provider first. If you cannot be seen within 3-5 days, of symptom onset, you may proceed by booking here.
    • Language support: all providers have access to a translation service.
  • Follow recommendations to prevent spreading the disease to others.