COVID-19 Self-Testing Guidance

Self-tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms.
When To Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test:
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Test immediately if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
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Test at least 5 days after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again 1 to 2 days after your first test
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Test before you go to an indoor event or a gathering. This is especially important before gathering with individuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including children who cannot get vaccinated yet

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A positive test result on an at-home COVID-19 test does NOT need to be confirmed by a medical provider.
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You do NOT need to report your positive result to the SD DOH.
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Isolate yourself from others. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home.
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Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.
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Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek medical care immediately.
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If you are at an increased risk of becoming very sick, treatment maybe be available. Contact your health care provider right away if your test result is positive.

CALCULATING ISOLATION - Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.
IF YOU
Tested positive for COVID-19 or havesymptoms, regardless of vaccination status
Stay home for at least 5 days
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house
Wear a mask around others for 5 additional days and avoid being around people at high risk
If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves
CALCULATING QUARANTINE - The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has had COVID-19.
IF YOU
Were exposed to COVID-19 and are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations
Wear a mask around others for 10 days
Avoid being around people who are at high risk
Test on day 5, if possible
If you develop symptoms, get a test & stay home
IF YOU
Were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations
Stay home for at least 5 days
Wear a mask around others for 5 additional days and avoid being around people who are at high risk
Test on day 5, if possible
If you develop symptoms, get a test & stay home
IF YOU
were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test)
Wear a mask around others for 10 days
Avoid being around people who are at high risk
If you develop symptoms, get a test & stay home

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- COVID.gov - Find COVID-19 guidance and resources to protect you, your family, and your community
- Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) provides no-cost laboratory-based testing to childcare centers, K-12 schools, congregate settings, and other communities who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Strong Schools Testing Information (DOE)
At-Home Testing Guidelines (flyer)
Got Symptoms? Get Tested. (flyer)
Multi-Language Testing Resources - translated instructions for at-home tests, conversation guides, fact sheets and more. (NRC-RIM)
- Travel Health
CDC Resources