When to Test for COVID-19:

• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, travelled recently, attended large gatherings, were recently exposed to COVID-19, or are spending time with others who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease.  
   
• Use an at-home, antigen test. For at home testing guidance, click here: Antigen Guidance. 
  
  
• Or, for a free PCR test, visit one of our testing locations found above.
  
  
• Get tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
  
  
• While waiting for test results, wear a mask and stay away from others, including staying apart from those living in your household.
  
  
  

• Videos in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole on how to take a rapid test may be found here.
  
  
• For more information about where to find a test, visit boston.gov/covid19-testing or call the Mayor's Health Line at 617-534-5050.  At-home tests are available for sale at retail stores. Your insurance plan may cover the cost of at-home tests. If you haven't already, you can order free tests at www.covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233. 
  

If You Test Positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate- Find BPHC's Isolation Guidance here
  
  
• Contact your healthcare provider right away, even if your symptoms are mild – you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatment
  
  
• Treatments may be available for people with COVID-19 who are at risk for becoming very sick.
   
• Don't delay: Treatment must be started early to be effective—some treatments must begin within 5 days of your first symptoms.
  
  
• Learn more about COVID-19 treatment here

• If you have emergency warning signs, call 911
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or pressure in chest
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
• Confused or finding it hard to wake or stay awake
• Other serious symptoms
  
  

COVID-19 Symptoms
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of sense of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin rashes 
  
• In elderly, chronically ill, or debilitated individuals such as residents of a long-term care facility, symptoms of COVID-19 may be subtle such as alterations in mental status or in blood glucose control