COVID-19: Get Tested

Page updated on July 10, 2025 at 10:31 AM
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Testing when you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 helps you stay healthy and prevent further spread of COVID-19. 

Where to Get a Test

Check with your health care provider to see if they are offering tests. If your doctor does not have tests, COVID-19 tests are available at some pharmacies. 

Free tests available at Alexandria Health Department and some Alexandria libraries while supplies last*. No ID is required. 

Supplies may become limited as COVID-19 test ordering for public facilities including libraries was paused in March 2025.  Call ahead to confirm tests are available.

Paying for Tests

On May 11, 2023, the COVID-19 public health emergency ended. The costs of COVID-19 tests (previously covered by the government or by insurance companies) has changed. The availability and potential costs of tests are outlined below:

At-Home COVID-19 tests:

  • Available for free at Alexandria libraries and Alexandria Health Department while supplies last. You do not need insurance.
  • Available for purchase at Alexandria pharmacies and general stores
    • Free for people with Medicaid.
    • If you have Medicare or private insurance, you may have to pay some or all of the cost.

Other COVID-19 Tests:

  • Available at sites in Alexandria, including labs, provider offices, urgent cares, and some pharmacies.
    • Free for all people with Medicaid.
    • If you have Medicare or private insurance, you may have to pay some or all of the costs.

Have further questions? Talk to your health care provider or staff where you pick up and buy your tests. Or call Alexandria Health Department's COVID-19 hotline at 703.746.4988.

When to Get Tested

Here are some of the times when you would need to get tested for COVID-19.

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should test immediately.   

  • If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate (false-negative) result.   

  • Consider testing before you have contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 hospital admission level.  

  • For more information, please see CDC When to Get Tested for COVID-19.  

Understand Your Test Results

An expired at-home test can mean inaccurate results. You can check to see if your test has expired using the lot number tool. 

Positive Test Result

Follow the guidance below. No matter how you feel, tell your close contacts that you have tested positive for COVID-19 so they can make safe decisions for themselves and the people they plan to see. 

If you feel sick 

If you feel sick, stay home, regardless of your test results. You may have COVID-19 or another illness and should rest and get better. Staying home also helps prevent the spread of germs in our community. 

You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours: 

  • Your symptoms are getting better, AND 

  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medicine like Tylenol or Motrin).  

When you return to normal activities, take extra care for 5 days, especially if you are around people who are at high risk for serious illness. You can wear a mask, wash or sanitize your hands often, maintain a safe distance from others, and test before you plan to be with others indoors.  Even if you start to feel better, you can still spread germs. 

If at any point, you develop a fever or start to feel worse, stay home as recommended above. 

 

If you don’t feel sick 

You may still be contagious. You do not have to stay home, but for the next 5 days, take extra care to prevent the spread of germs. You can wear a mask, wash or sanitize your hands often, maintain a safe distance from others, and test before you plan to be with others indoors.  This is especially important if you will be around people who have underlying health conditions. 

Monitor your symptoms closely. While most people may have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can become severe regardless of age or underlying conditions. Seek medical attention immediately or call 911 if you develop trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; bluish lips or face; or inability to wake or stay awake. If you seek medical care, call ahead and tell them that you have COVID-19. 

Negative Test Result

If you feel sick 

Stay home, regardless of your test results. You may have COVID-19 or another illness and should rest and get better. Staying home also helps prevent the spread of germs in our community. 

You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours: 

  • Your symptoms are getting better, AND 

  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medicine like Tylenol or Motrin).  

When you return to normal activities, take extra care for 5 days, especially if you are around people who are at high risk for serious illness. You can wear a mask, wash or sanitize your hands often, maintain a safe distance from others, and test before you plan to be with others indoors.  Even if you start to feel better, you can still spread germs. 

If at any point, you develop a fever or start to feel worse, stay home as recommended above. 

If you don’t feel sick 

If you don’t feel sick and test negative, no special actions are needed. However, it’s always a good idea to look at your community hospitalization level guidance to see what general preventative actions can help keep you and the community safe, such as good hygiene, vaccination, and proper ventilation indoors.   

More Information

For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.