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Delaware COVID-19 Testing
Get tested. It's important.
Testing is a great way to keep you safe and help Delaware beat the virus. Here’s what you can find on this page.
FIND A TESTING LOCATION NEAR YOU
There are tests available for you.
- Many sites require you to either call ahead or pre-register.
- Only certain sites will test you if you do not have symptoms, so check the site information below.
- Hours vary between sites, please call ahead.
- If you don’t have a doctor: call 2-1-1 (or text your ZIP code to 898-211 for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing) and you will be connected to medical personnel about screening.
- Contact your health insurance provider with insurance coverage questions.
Health Care Providers: Submit details about your testing event to have it considered for addition to the testing calendar. Submit your event now.
DELAWARE’S TESTING PLAN
Delaware’s updated statewide testing plan was released July 12, 2020. The basis for the plan is that Delawareans have easy access to COVID-19 testing of their choice, when and where they need it.
It provides information about the current COVID testing options across Delaware and address the state’s need to increase access to testing. It balances the need for:
- Predictability: provide members of the community with easy access and consistent messages about where to get tested to help with early detection;
- Flexibility: be responsive to outbreaks and urgent needs; and
- Sustainability: use resources wisely given the projected duration expected.
The plan identifies testing locations for individuals who are members of vulnerable, at-risk, or low-income communities, and for those for whom cost, and insurance coverage is a concern. It also provides information to testing providers, and employers about testing resources and responsibilities.
View the full testing plan
TESTING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Anyone can get tested for COVID-19 – even those without symptoms. Immediate testing is highly encouraged for those with symptoms. Testing is also highly encouraged for anyone who was told by a Delaware Contact Tracer, that they may have been exposed to, or were a contact of, someone with COVID-19. Close contacts should only be tested AFTER their recommended 14-day quarantine period has ended, because the test may become positive at any point during the 14 days after exposure.
Lastly, those with frequent or high-risk contact with others including health care workers, first responders, those in the hospitality (food/hotel) industry, and critical infrastructure personnel, are recommended to obtain testing at regular intervals even when they do not have symptoms. We recommend you examine the table below to see if you work in a job which is recommended to undergo routine testing.
If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a medical provider.
People with symptoms, or those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should contact their primary care provider (PCP) for testing or referral so the provider can coordinate care. They can also visit a State of Delaware community-based testing site; no referral is needed.
Symptomatic persons without a PCP can call DPH at 1-866-408-1699 (text 7-1-1 for deaf or hard of hearing), or the ChristianaCare (1-302-733-1000). Bayhealth (1-302-310-8477), or Beebe (302-645-3200) Call Centers for screening and scheduling.
People with no symptoms (asymptomatic individuals) can visit a State of Delaware community-based testing site.
Visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/ to find a testing location near you.
Some employers may offer their own testing plans or options. Check with your supervisor or Human Resources section if you have questions.
ORAL SWAB/SALIVA TESTING INFORMATION
Oral swab testing (also known as saliva-based testing or Curative testing) is most frequently used at community testing sites run by the State or New Castle County. It is a simple, painless, test that a person does themselves in the comfort of their own vehicle. Results are generally available within three days from Curative Inc. if you provided an email during registration.
If you provided an email to register for the community, saliva-based testing and did not get your results emailed to you by Curative Inc within three days, contact them at support@curativeinc.com. If you did not provide an email address, a representative from the Division of Public Health will call within five days to provide your result.
Fact Sheet for Patients
View in PDF formatInstructions
Oral Swab/Saliva Test Instructions
English in PDF format Spanish in PDF format Haitian Creole in PDF format
Video Instructions
English
Spanish
Haitian Creole
COVID-19 Patient Instructions After Oral Swab/Saliva Testing
English in PDF format Spanish in PDF format Haitian Creole in PDF formatFrequently Asked Questions
Watch the instructional video here: de.gov/testing.
If you or a family member are experiencing severe symptoms, please call your doctor. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Testing is currently available statewide to all persons. Visit de.gov/testing for locations and requirements. Some sites still require screening for symptoms to test. If you have questions, contact the site you are planning to attend.
Full FAQ’s in Spanish Spanish FAQ’s in PDF format Full FAQ’s in Haitian Creole Haitian Creole FAQ’s in PDF format
NASAL SWAB TESTING INFORMATION
Hospital run testing events typically use a deep nasal swab to test for COVID-19, however, pharmacies and some hospitals are beginning to use a shallow nasal swab test that swabs the front of the nostrils, and that the patient can self-administer. The length of time to receive results varies.
Pharmacies using shallow nasal swabs process tests through the Public Health Lab and results will be available within five days. Testing done by hospitals or private providers may utilize a commercial lab and the length of time is dependent upon testing volume.
COVID-19 Patient Instructions After Testing
English in PDF format Spanish in PDF format Haitian Creole in PDF formatWalgreens Patient Instructions After Testing
English in PDF format Spanish in PDF format Haitian Creole in PDF format
TESTING GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS & RESOURCE LIST
Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. Businesses and employers are encouraged to coordinate with the Division of Public Health (DPH) and Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to determine the most appropriate recommendations for employee testing based on a variety of factors including risk category and size.
The below guidance and recommendations are based on State of Delaware requirements, Division of Public Health guidance and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Employers who want to discuss options for employee testing, or develop a testing or infection control plan for their organization are asked to fill out this contact form. You will be contacted within 72 hours of submitting the form.
View guidance for employers View guidance in PDF format
Employer Testing Resource List
View resource list View resource list in PDF formatHOME TESTING KITS
Home testing kits are a convenient option for non-urgent testing. Employers can make them available through the workplace or provide this list of resources for employees to use at home.
- Pixel by LabCorp – These nasal swab kits can be shipped. As of April 30, 2020, no upfront cost. LabCorp can file a claim with any individual’s insurance or utilize federal funds to cover the cost of the test. To request a kit, visit: https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/covid-19.
Other at-home test kits are available at a cost. Some companies may cover part of the cost through insurance. If you are interested in other commercial at-home options, a list can be found in the Employer Testing Resource List.
SYMPTOMS
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and make sure to let the dispatcher know which symptoms you are experiencing.
Things to know
If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a medical provider.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Those at higher-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are
- Older adults
- As you get older, your risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases.
- For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s etc.
- The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.
- People of any age with these conditions
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Visit the CDC’s website for more information on those at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
QUARANTINE VS. ISOLATION
What is the difference between “quarantine” and “isolation”?
Both quarantine and isolation help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.
- Quarantine: separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to wait and see if they are infected and become sick.
- Isolation: separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
