Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing

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The COVID-19 diagnostic test is used to determine if you have COVID-19 now.

  • Testing involves checking samples collected from your nose or mouth with a swab or from your saliva.
  • Diagnostic tests don’t test for immunity.

The COVID-19 antibody test, also called a serology test, checks your blood to determine if you've had COVID-19 in the past.

  • The test is taken through a finger prick or blood draw.
  • A positive test for antibodies doesn't necessarily mean you're immune to COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

Diagnostic Test

Fully vaccinated people no longer need to get tested for COVID-19 unless they have symptoms of COVID-19 or testing is required for work, school, or a specific activity.

If you are not vaccinated and your first COVID-19 diagnostic test is negative, you should get tested again if you:

  • Have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Spent time in a large crowd or attended an indoor gathering of 50 or more people
  • Were in close contact with someone with confirmed or possible COVID-19
  • Are concerned about possible exposure
  • Live or work in an area with increased COVID-19 transmission
  • Return from a state with a high level of COVID-19
  • Work in a group setting like a nursing home or shelter
  • Are planning to visit someone at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness

In addition, you should get tested once a month or as recommended by your health care provider if you are:

  • A health care worker or first responder
  • An essential worker with frequent direct contact with the public
  • Working outside the home and interacting in person with others, such as co-workers, clients, customers, or visitors to the workplace
  • Living or working in a group residential setting, such as a long-term care facility

Diagnostic Test Types

  • Rapid molecular and antigen testing use a swab to collect a sample from the front of the nose.
  • Molecular tests, such as PCR tests, look for the genes of the virus, while antigen testing detects proteins created by the virus.

Either one can be used to determine if you have COVID-19. However, a negative result from a rapid test must subsequently be confirmed by the Regular PCR Swab result.

Antibody Test

You should get an antibody test if you:

  • Don't have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Haven't been sick in the last two weeks
  • Haven't tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks

These tests can't be used to determine whether you are currently infected with COVID-19. If you are currently sick, you should get a diagnostic test instead.

Walk-in Sites

City-Run Sites

There are walk-in diagnostic testing sites in all boroughs that don’t require an appointment unless otherwise noted.

Many sites offer testing at no cost and regardless of immigration status. You can find free testing sites near you by texting COVID TEST to 855-48. Text messaging or data rates may apply.

Mobile sites offer free diagnostic tests on certain dates and locations. No appointments are required. Availability is subject to change due to inclement weather.

Mobile Test-to-Treat Sites

Free COVID-19 testing and treatment is available at mobile Test-to-Treat sites around the city. These mobile sites, managed by the NYC Test & Treat Corps, provide free instant access to antiviral medication (Paxlovid) for eligible New Yorkers who test positive at the sites. Treatment can prevent severe illness and in many cases hospitalization.

Every mobile Test-to-Treat site is equipped with a clinician who can screen and prescribe Paxlovid for anyone who tests positive on a rapid test at the site. 

You can also present proof of a positive test (including at-home test results and test results from any external testing provider) at all mobile Test-to-Treat sites to be evaluated for and connected to Paxlovid on site. Test results must be from within the past 5 days, and patients will be pre-screened for symptoms to determine their eligibility for treatment. Learn more about presenting positive test results for treatment.

The list of mobile Test-to-Treat sites is available online and is updated weekly.

Appointment Only Sites

Bronx

  • Union Community Health Center - E 188
    260 East 188th Street
    Bronx, NY 10458
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
    Rapid Care Hours: Monday - Friday: 3 PM - 9 PM; Saturday - Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
    Appointments are required. Call (718) 220-2020.
     
  • Grand Concourse
    2021 Grand Concourse
    Bronx, NY 10453
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
    Appointments are required. Call (718) 220-2020.
     
  • Claremont Health Center
    262 East 174th Street
    Bronx, NY 10457
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
     
  • Morrisania COVID Express Clinic
    1309 Fulton Avenue
    Bronx, NY 10456
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Clay Avenue Health Center 1
    1776 Clay Avenue
    Bronx, NY 10457
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
     
  • Casa Maria Health Center
    324 East 149th Street
    Bronx, NY 10451
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
     
  • Ramon Velez Health Center
    754 East 151st Street
    Bronx, NY 10455
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    ​Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
     
  • Concourse Village Community Center  
    777 Concourse Village East  
    Bronx, NY 10451  
    Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
    Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
    Make an appointment.

Brooklyn

  • Fort Greene COVID Express Clinic
    295 Flatbush Avenue Extension
    Brooklyn, NY 11201 
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Crown Heights COVID Express Clinic 
    1218 Prospect Place, 2nd Floor
    Brooklyn, NY 11213
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments Required
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Kings Plaza Mall  
    5100 Kings Plaza  
    Brooklyn, NY 11234 
    Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 6 PM
    Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
    Make an appointment.

Manhattan

  • Washington Heights COVID Express Clinic
    600 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Central Harlem COVID Express Clinic
    2238 Fifth Avenue
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Riverside COVID Express Clinic
    160 West 100th Street
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Chelsea COVID Express Clinic
    303 Ninth Avenue
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building 
    163 West 125th Street  
    New York, NY 10027  
    Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM  
    Walk-ins are accepted, but you can make an appointment online.
    Make an appointment.

Queens

  • Corona COVID Express Clinic
    34-33 Junction Boulevard
    Corona, NY 11368
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available. Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • Jamaica COVID Express Clinic
    90-37 Parsons Boulevard
    Jamaica, NY 11432
    Test Type: PCR
    ASL interpretation is available.
    Appointments are required.
    Make an appointment.
     
  • York College Performing Arts Center  
    94-45 Guy R Brewer Boulevard  
    Jamaica, NY 11451  
    Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 7 PM  
    Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
    Make an appointment.

Staten Island

  • Central Family Life Center  
    59 Wright Street  
    Staten Island, NY 10304  
    Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM  
    Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
    Make an appointment.

Brick-and-mortar sites offer walk-in antibody testing in all boroughs and are labeled as such. They don't require an appointment unless otherwise noted.

Many sites offer testing at no cost and regardless of immigration status. You can find free testing sites near you by texting COVID TEST to 855-48. Text messaging or data rates may apply.

Antibody Testing Partnerships

The City has also partnered with testing centers to provide additional testing locations.

You MUST make an appointment.

  • Ramon Velez Health Center
    754 East 151st Street
    Bronx, NY 10455
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    (718) 734-2539
     
  • Clay Avenue Health Center 1
    776 Clay Avenue
    Bronx, NY 10456
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    (718) 734-2539
     
  • Casa Maria Health Center
    324 East 149th Street
    Bronx, NY 10451
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    (718) 734-2539
     
  • Claremont Health Center
    262 East 174th Street
    Bronx, NY 10457
    Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
    (718) 734-2539

Antibody Testing for First Responders

Free antibody testing is available for New York Police Department (NYPD) personnel as first responders. This program has ended for all other City agencies. 

You will first need to complete an online survey to determine your eligibility. If you are eligible for antibody testing, you will then be able to schedule an appointment or find a walk-in location.

Online

Learn more about antibody testing for NYPD personnel.

By Text

Text TestNYC to 78378.

You can pick up free at-home self-test tests at distribution sites. One test is recommended per person. 

Locations and site hours are available online.

Order Self-Test Kits from Federal Government

Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available to order online and by phone from the Federal Government. These rapid tests give results within 30 minutes. Lab drop-off is not required.

Every home in the United States is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home tests per residential address. Tests will ship starting the week of December 19, 2022.

The United States Postal Service will deliver tests to anyone who wants them. All orders in the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service.

If you provide an email address, you will receive email notifications with shipping updates. Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with an estimated delivery date and a tracking number. You can track the status of your delivery on USPS.com.

Online

Learn more and order free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests at covidtests.gov.

By Phone

You can get assistance by phone if you are having difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support to place your order.

  • Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Division: Test Kit Fulfillment Line
  • Phone Number: (800) 232-0233
  • Business Hours: Daily: 8 AM - Midnight
  • Staff is available during business hours. Most languages are available through a representative.

Insurance Reimbursement

As of January 15, 2022, most people with a health plan can purchase a free at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This applies whether you purchased your health plan on your own or whether you get health insurance through your job.

Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. However, plans are not required to provide coverage of testing (including an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test) for employment purposes.

Depending on your insurance, you will either get the test free at the point of sale, or you will be reimbursed for the cost of the test by filing a claim. Contact your insurer to find out if your health plan provides direct coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through such a program, or if you will need to submit a claim for reimbursement.

If you are charged for your test after January 15, keep your receipt and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Learn more about insurance-paid at-home COVID tests.

A positive test result means that you most likely have COVID-19 and must self-isolate and take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. 

Visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety page to learn more about what to do when sick and when you can leave home.

Mobile Test-to-Treat Sites

Free COVID-19 testing and treatment is available at mobile Test-to-Treat sites around the city. These mobile sites, managed by the NYC Test & Treat Corps, provide free instant access to antiviral medication (Paxlovid) for eligible New Yorkers who test positive at the sites. Treatment can prevent severe illness and in many cases hospitalization.

Every mobile Test-to-Treat site is equipped with a clinician who can screen and prescribe Paxlovid for anyone who tests positive on a rapid test at the site. 

You can also present proof of a positive test (including at-home test results and test results from any external testing provider) at all mobile Test-to-Treat sites to be evaluated for and connected to Paxlovid on site. Test results must be from within the past 5 days, and patients will be pre-screened for symptoms to determine their eligibility for treatment. Learn more about presenting positive test results for treatment.

The list of mobile Test-to-Treat sites is available online and is updated weekly.

NYC COVID Safe App

Many New York City employers, businesses, and venues require verification of immunization or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test for their employees and customers.

You can use the NYC COVID Safe App to store and present the necessary documentation to verify that you have met these requirements. The documentation you upload into this app is not shared with anyone and stays on your phone only.

Download the NYC COVID Safe App on:

Excelsior Pass

New York State’s Excelsior Pass provides secure, digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. The Pass is only accepted in New York State.

Businesses and entertainment venues can scan and validate the pass to ensure you meet any COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry. When using the pass, you’ll be asked to show a photo ID that shows your name and birth date to verify identity.

To learn more, about the pass, go to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Record page.

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