Get Tested
Find a COVID-19 testing site available near you. Learn about different types of COVID-19 testing, getting your test results, and about being COVID-19 positive.
CDC No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Search
Questions? Contact our COVID-19 Hotline.
If you have a question about COVID-19, please call our COVID-19 Hotline, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Please note: AZOVA Saliva PCR COVID-19 Testing ended on September 29th, 2023.
At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits
The Federal Government free rapid COVID-19 test mailing program ended on 3/8/24.
Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
To learn more, contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low- or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.
The Health Department continues to offer free rapid test kit distribution from 8:30am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday, at the back of the building. Each individual may pick up a total of 4 rapid test kits per day. If you have any questions, please contact our COVID-19 line at 410-313-6284.
Free tests will still be provided to Howard County Library System Branches and Senior Centers. Tests are widely available at many County retailers for purchase. This is a walk-in only service, no reservations. Please contact the library branch or senior center directly to confirm current supply.
Tests may also be purchased online from many national retailers.
Testing Information
When to get tested
Key times to get tested:
- If you have symptoms, test immediately.
- If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result.
- If you are in certain high-risk settings, you may need to test as part of a screening testing program.
- Consider testing before contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Community Level.
For guidance on using tests to determine which mitigations are recommended as you recover from COVID-19, go to Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19.
If You Test Positive
Please see the link below for guidance on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
State of MD COVID-19 FAQs
See below for Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 testing.
Check Your Rapid Test Expiration Date
If you received a rapid take-home test kit from the Howard County Health Department and have not used it yet, you can verify the expiration date on the manufacturer website below. The FDA has authorized the extension of some expiration dates printed on rapid test kit boxes.
En Espanol
Para obtener información sobre las pruebas de COVID-19, haga clic en el enlace a continuación.
Para preguntas sobre coronavirus, llámenos a 410-313-6284.
Free Community-Based Testing Sites:
Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19:
https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html
