COVID-19 Testing Information

Ventura County Public Health is inviting organizations that serve uninsured families and individuals to request at-home COVID-19 test kits. Community-based organizations can apply online by completing the home test kits request form. Requests will receive a response from a Public Health Team Member within 24-48 hours.

Testing is recommended:

If you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold, seasonal allergies, or flu. COVID testing in California is accessible to anyone who needs it.
If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, get tested right away. If you test negative, retest 3-5 days after your exposure date, even if you have no symptoms. Test immediately if symptoms develop.
Consider testing before and 3-5 days after a gathering, a significant event, or travel, especially if you will be around people at higher risk (older adults, immunocompromised, unvaccinated people).
You do not need to get tested if you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months and have had no new symptoms since your recent exposure.
Read the California Department of Public Health’s complete testing guidance. (Your school or workplace may have their testing requirements.)

Testing alone will not stop the spread of COVID-19. The best way to lower your risk of getting COVID-19 is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to continue practicing everyday prevention. This includes wearing a mask covering your nose and mouth in high-risk settings and staying home when sick. Visit the CDC Testing Page and https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/ for more information about COVID-19 testing.

Where to Get a Test

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to get a COVID-19 test. Call or visit the website of your local pharmacy to find out if they offer COVID-19 testing—view how to get at-home test kits at: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/. Test kits may be available by prescription or over the counter in a pharmacy or retail store.

STATE TEST TO TREAT SITES

**Test to Treat Sites are closed Permanently due to the ending of the California State of Emergency. Closure dates vary by location. Please see below for site-specific dates**

The State testing sites currently offer two types of COVID-19 tests. For those who are showing signs of illness, they will be able to test for COVID-19 and flu. For those with no symptoms, they will try for COVID only. Test results will take about 30 minutes and help people determine the best action to take to feel better. Those who test positive for COVID-19 can immediately see a telehealth provider to discuss COVID-19 treatments. If appropriate for the patient’s condition, COVID-19 treatment medications will be available onsite at no cost to the patient. A positive influenza test will help patients work with their medical provider to determine appropriate steps to alleviate symptoms and whether they need to take antiviral medication for influenza.

Cost: Services at OptumServe Test to Treat Sites are free for uninsured Californians.

Eligibility for Test to Treat: Positive test for COVID AND are more likely to get very sick (older than 50, unvaccinated, or have certain medical conditions*). Treatments are available for both adults and children who qualify. Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be most effective.

STATE MOBILE DRIVE-THRU TESTING SITES

State testing sites closed.

STATE MOBILE MINIBUS TESTING SITES

State testing sites closed.

Other testing providers:

Your doctor or health care provider.
A local pharmacy. Call or visit the website of your local pharmacy to find out if they offer COVID-19 test kits. For more information, visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/

What to Know When Getting Tested

Talk to your doctor about which test is proper for you.
If you have to be tested for screening purposes such as for work or travel, ensure you get a test that meets the requirements of your employer, airline, or other institution.

Positive test?

Stay home. Let your work or school know, follow their guidance and COVID-19 isolation recommendations to prevent spreading the virus to others. •
Ages 12 or older? Get FREE medications for COVID-19 that are safe and highly effective at preventing serious illness, when taken within 5-7 days of symptom onset.

Negative test but still have COVID-19 symptoms?