Two kinds of tests are available for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests. A viral test tells you if you have a current infection. An antibody test might tell you if you had a past infection.
Feb 18, 2021 · Testing 1-3 days before and 2–5 days after travel may reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when combined with everyday precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing, it can make travel safer by reducing spread on planes and in airports and at travelers’ destinations.
- Where do I get tested?Visit your state, territorial, tribal and local health department’s website to look for the latest information on where to get tested.
- When do I need to get a test to travel to the United States and what kind of test do I need?Get tested no more than 3 days before your flight to the United States departs. Make sure to be tested with a viral test (NAAT or antigen test) to...
- Do state and local governments in the United States have separate testing requirements for air passe...Federal testing requirements must be met to board a plane to the United States. Some state and local governments may have similar or more restrict...
- Where can I get a test overseas?For information on where to obtain a test overseas, travelers should review the relevant U.S. Embassy website. Travelers may need to consider a rou...
- Do international destinations have testing requirements for air passengers?Plan ahead and check for any health information, testing, or other documentation required by your airline or destination. Many countries have test...
- What if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine or have tested positive for antibodies? Do I still need a nega...Yes, at this time all air passengers traveling to the United States, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negati...
- What else should I do before I travel to protect myself and others from COVID-19?For 14 days before you travel, take everyday precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing, and avoid the following activities...
- Is one test enough to prevent spread during my travel?CDC recommends getting tested 1-3 days before your flight AND 3-5 days after your trip AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days. Even if you te...
- What if I recently recovered from COVID-19?CDC does not recommend getting tested again in the 3 months after a positive viral test, as long as you do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you ha...
MinuteClinic uses two types of COVID-19 testing to check for active infection. Rapid-result testing locations perform antigen testing, which returns results within hours. Lab testing locations perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which returns results within 2-3 days.
If you had a COVID-19 test with a positive result (COVID detected): We recommend no further testing or retesting for 90 days from the date of the original test. If you feel you need a COVID-19 retest, contact your primary care provider or complete a MyChart e-Visit for COVID-19 screening with Cone Health Connected Care at connectnow.conehealth.com.
About the test: An antigen test is designed for rapid detection of the virus that causes COVID-19. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus but are not as sensitive as PCR tests. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a PCR test.
Testing is currently recommended if you: Have symptoms of COVID-19. Were asked by LA County Department of Public Health to get a test because of a contact tracing or outbreak investigation. Were in “close contact” with someone who has COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to get tested and isolate until you know your results. If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, get tested and stay home and away from others for 14 days. If you go to a test site run by New York State, you will not be charged for your test.