Need a COVID-19 test?
You’re not alone. With COVID-19 cases surging throughout the nation due to the highly contagious omicron variant, many Pennsylvanians are seeking COVID-19 tests due to potential exposure, wanting to gather safely with friends or family, or because of requirements related to work, school, travel, or other activities.
There are many options for COVID-19 testing in Pennsylvania, but there’s one to avoid for routine tests: hospitals. That’s because hospital emergency departments are strained—with many at or approaching capacity—as they treat a record surge of Pennsylvanians with COVID-19. By choosing a more appropriate setting for routine COVID-19 tests, we can all help ensure that hospitals are available to respond to emergencies and provide care for the people who need it most.
Routine testing, including for people who are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, is available at:
- Regional, public testing sites that have been established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in Berks, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clinton, Delaware, Luzerne, and Mifflin counties
- Other public testing sites established by local or county governments
- Pharmacies
- Privately operated testing services
- At-home tests
For people experiencing mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, testing is also available at many urgent care centers and community health centers. Check online or call to determine whether a location is offering COVID-19 testing and whether an appointment is required.
At-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available at some pharmacies, and President Joe Biden announced that the federal government will launch a website for American households to order free at-home tests to be shipped to their homes.
Beginning January 15, at-home tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be covered by insurance. Depending on your health insurance provider, you may receive the test free at the point of sale or you may need to purchase the test and submit a claim for reimbursement. For more information, see this guide from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.