Coronavirus COVID-19: Testing Information

Chester County Health Department supports testing as a key strategy in the mitigation of COVID-19. The need for testing changes as the pandemic changes. Fortunately, in Chester County there is more than one way to access testing.

Currently, the Health Department is not operating testing sites.

Testing Questions

The Health Department recommends getting tested for COVID-19 if:

• You have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 (wait until 5-7 days after exposure to ensure test accuracy) OR
• You have symptoms of COVID-19:

• If you are fully vaccinated, you should get tested after exposure to someone with COVID-19. The test should be performed 3-5 days after exposure.
• Vaccination is not 100% effective.
  • Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms should be tested right away.
  • Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate according to CDC guidelines.
  • After vaccination, follow guidance for wearing a mask, especially while indoors and avoid crowds.
• For more information, see the CDC’s COVID-19 testing overview.                              

• Instructions for Individuals with Close Contact
  • Instrucciones Para Contacto Cercano
• Instructions for Symptomatic Individuals
  • Instrucciones para Individuous Sintomáticos
• You are not required to quarantine when exposed to someone with COVID-19 if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
  • It has been at least 2 weeks after your single dose or after the 2nd dose in the vaccine series; AND,
  • You have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure.

• Utilize the PA DOH testing map to locate the closest testing center to you:

• The cost of a test depends on your independent insurance. The CDC Testing Insurance Coverage page provides additional cost expectations.
• Insurance is not required
• Specific testing sites offer tests free of charge. Visits the clinic's website or call the site directly for more information
  • CVS
  • Rite Aid
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart (Quest Diagnostics)

• Stay home and avoid contact with others
• Monitor for symptoms — if you feel short of breath or have a worsening cough or persistent fever (a temperature of 100.4 or greater), call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency department.
• If you must be near other people, wear a mask over your nose and mouth.

• Identify and inform your close contacts
  • Individuals who were within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for 15 minutes or more are considered close contacts.
• If you have had symptoms of COVID-19, you may stop isolating 10 days have passed since your symptoms started AND you have had no fever without fever-lowering medicine for at least 24 hours AND other symptoms (like cough and shortness of breathing) are improving.
• If you have NOT had symptoms of COVID-19, you may stop isolating 10 days after your positive test was collected.

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19:
  • You may have received a false-negative test result and still might have COVID-19. You should isolate away from others.
  • Contact your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially if they worsen, about follow-up testing, and how long to isolate.
• If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, and you were exposed to a person with COVID-19:
  • You are likely not infected, but you still may get sick.
  • Self-quarantine at home for 14 days after your exposure.
    • Persons who are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine do not need to self-quarantine at home
  • If symptoms develop during home quarantine:
    • Contact your healthcare provider about follow-up testing; and
    • Isolate at home separated away from others.
• If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a known exposure to a person with COVID-19:
  • You do not need to self-quarantine.
• Organization quarantine requirements may differ. Review your employer and or childcare quarantine guidelines.
• Continue to refer to the CDC Quarantine Guidelines.