Testing, Isolation & Quarantine

TESTING

Safe, easy to use testing is widely available through healthcare providers, private testing companies, pharmacies, and at-home test kits available for purchase at pharmacies and other retailers

WHEN TO GET TESTED

According to guidance from the California Department of Public Health:

• You should get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold (including just “the sniffles”), seasonal allergies, or flu. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 you should consider getting tested as soon as possible, even if you have no symptoms. Test again 5 days after exposure.
• If you go to a high-risk event, you should test before and 3-5 days after.

For more information, see the CDPH testing guidance.

ISOLATION & QUARANTINE

San Mateo County Health is following guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on isolation and quarantine, which are available here.