Who Else?

• People in certain higher-risk jobs (health care, first responder, corrections, long-term care) are recommended to get tested on a regular schedule getting tested on a regular basis.
• If you are traveling or, are returning from travel outside the U.S.  Review the CDC’s recommendations on when it is not appropriate to travel here.
  Learn more about testing options based on why you need a COVID-19 test by visiting this link.

A link to search for COVID testing locations is below. Do not use hospital Emergency Rooms as an option for your COVID-19 test. The Emergency Departments need to be reserved for life-threatening emergencies.

Search Testing Locations

Testing FAQ’s

Where to get tested:

In-Person

Delaware has permanent testing sites at State Service Centers, Walgreens and Rite-Aids. There are also semi-permanent community sites operated by health care systems, and pop-up and school sites operated by Curative, Inc. Most of these sites do not require the individual to have symptoms to be tested. While some sites do not require appointments, it will save you waiting time if you do make an appointment or pre-register.

Search Testing Locations

At Home

• At-home testing kits from Vault – available for Delaware residents, especially for teachers, staff, and students of Delaware schools, Delawareans over the age of 60, those in high-risk groups, and anyone who has been in a large gathering or had any higher risk contact, such as interacting with others without a face covering or appropriate social distancing. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) cannot provide clearance letters based on the results of unmonitored home tests.

Request an at Home Kit

• Over-the-Counter Rapid Antigen Tests – Rapid antigen tests are available over the counter through pharmacies and other retail outlets when supply is available. In addition, each household can request a set of four antigen tests through the federal government at www.covidtests.gov. The White House recently announced that those who have received their initial supply of tests, can place a second order for another round. Over-the-counter rapid antigen tests do not require result reporting to the Division of Public Health, however, those who test positive should follow the most current isolation guidelines and notify their close contacts and make them aware of the exposure. Those with questions related to at-home antigen tests can call 1-844-611-3231.
• Medicare Recipients Free Access to OTC at-home tests – Delawareans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost. The initiative continues until the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. People with Medicare can get up to eight tests per calendar month from participating pharmacies and health care providers. A list of eligible pharmacies and other health care providers that have committed publicly to participate in this initiative can be found here. Because of additional pharmacies and providers may also participate, people with Medicare should check with the ones they use to find out whether they are participating.

Resources for Private Employers

Private employers may be setting up screening testing programs in response to state or federal mandates. For supporting documents related to establishing a screening testing program, view the Division of Public Health’s materials for private employers. 

The State of Delaware is strongly recommending that private businesses follow CDC guidance and any applicable guidance on mandates.

Private Employer Supporting Materials

School Testing Information

Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Through Quidel

DPH is partnering with DOE and Quidel Corporation to offer comprehensive COVID-19 testing, processing and reporting in Delaware schools. Quidel will utilize its rapid antigen tests to provide results in as little as 10 minutes.

• This service which is free to schools and staff, is a complete turn-key solution that includes Quidel staff to conduct the tests in-person, analyze results and report them to families and the State, taking the burden off of schools.
• This testing service is meant to be a routine process that is aimed at testing asymptomatic staff and students. Staff and students who have symptoms of COVID-19 are reminded to stay home and seek testing at one of Delaware’s available sites.
• Learn more about this program by reading these Frequently Asked Questions.
• Schools and families that want to learn more about the program can also visit COVID-19 School Testing or email Quidel at quidelservicesops@quidel.com.

Testing Results

Depending on the type of test, results could take anywhere from minutes to days.

If you test positive, you will need to isolate and follow the most current isolation guidelines.

If you test negative, continue to take steps to protect yourself from getting the virus, including consistently wearing a face covering when in public or around people who don’t live with you, and social distancing.

Over-the-counter rapid antigen tests do not require result reporting to the Division of Public Health, however, those who test positive should follow the most current isolation guidelines and notify their close contacts and make them aware of the exposure. Those with questions related to at-home antigen tests can call 1-844-611-3231.

Prevention