COVID-19: Rapid Testing

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You can now make an appointment for a free rapid COVID-19 virus test at the Health Department's COVID Express sites throughout the city. Test results are available within 24 hours or less of your visit. This means that most patients will receive their test results on the same day as their visit. All tests performed at these sites are PCR-based laboratory diagnostic tests, which are the most accurate type of test available.

COVID-19 tests performed at COVID Express sites are free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.

Our sites have expanded services to include testing for other respiratory viruses (affecting breathing), including flu. Staff will let you know more during your visit.

Some of the other services usually provided at these facilities, such as testing for sexually transmitted infections, will still be available. Get more information about available clinic services on the NYC Health Clinics webpage.

How to Schedule and Get Results

Testing is available by appointment only. The fastest way to make an appointment is to choose a time through the online scheduler below.

If you require interpretation services, including ASL, during your visit, email languageaccess@health.nyc.gov after you register for an appointment.

After your test, you can get your results:

• Online by creating a MyChart account.
  • You cannot create an account until you have had your COVID-19 test. You may also already have an existing account from a previous visit to an NYC Health + Hospitals facility that you can use to view your results.
• By returning to the clinic two to three business days after your test to pick up printed results.

I Have Been Tested for COVID-19. Now What? (PDF)
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Positive Test Result

If you test positive, you will receive a call from the clinic.

For people who test positive for COVID-19, testing is not recommended for 90 days after the date they first had symptoms (or the date of their first positive test result if they had no symptoms). People may test positive for weeks or months after infection, even though they are not contagious. Any rapid testing appointments made within 90 days of a positive test will be canceled.

If you have recovered from COVID-19 and now have new symptoms of COVID-19, talk to a health care provider, especially if you had close contact with someone who currently has COVID-19.

If you receive a positive result for Flu A, Flu B, or RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), call your health care provider to discuss treatment. If you are an older adult, have an underlying health condition, or the positive test was for your child, your provider may have more instructions for you to stay safe and continue care.

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