COVID-19 Updates in Metro Atlanta, GA

Testing for COVID-19

We have collected information from the CDC to provide tips on how to take care of yourself and those around you against the virus.

How to get a viral test

Each city and state has its COVID-19 testing locations. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your local healthcare provider first for more instructions and referrals.

What to do after a viral test

Communicate with the team that performed your viral tests, such as your healthcare provider or local health department. The duration of time to get your test results depends on the test used. Results from point-of-care tests may be available in less than an hour. Other viral tests can be sent to a laboratory for analysis that can take a few days.

• If you are positive of COVID-19, know the safety measures you need to follow to take care of yourself. Visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov.
• If you test negative for COVID-19, you were probably not infected during the sample was collected, but this does not mean you will not get sick:
  • You could have exposure to someone who has COVID-19 after the test, and then gets infected and spread the virus to others
  • If you exhibit symptoms later, you may need to get another test to check if you have the virus

Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should take preventive measures to protect yourself and others.

If you need more information for the latest updates about COVID-19