Get Free COVID-19 Tests
The federal government recently announced that every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free and can be now ordered at covidtests.gov. Orders typically ship in 7-12 days. Click the banner below to place your order.
Insurance companies are also now required to reimburse you for 8 tests per month for each individual on the plan up to $12 per individual test.
Your health plan may cover the cost of your test if they have a network of pharmacies or retailers already setup. Alternatively, they may provide you reimbursement for the cost of over-the-counter tests regardless of the price if they have yet to set up a network of pharmacies or retailers.
The best way to find out is to contact your health plan or insurer to determine if they provide direct coverage or if you might need to submit a claim for reimbursement.
Residents can visit covidtests.gov for more information on reimbursements requirements.
A limited supply of COVID-19 PCR home test kits are also available at select county sites. Residents can pick up a test & drop it off at designated locations. These test kits are available for those who have symptoms of COVID-19 or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19. The process is easy:
- Pick up the test kit
- Register the test kit
- Do the swab test
- Drop the test off
- Wait for results in 24-48 hours.
As you wait to receive your results, please be sure to stay at home, avoid contact with others, and wear an upgraded mask.
The test kit is for immediate use only. You should collect and return your sample within 3-5 days of receiving the test kit.
Upgrade Your Mask to Protect Yourself from Omicron
With the Omicron variant continuing to spread at a rapid pace, Public Health recommends all residents upgrade to a medical grade mask that does a better job at blocking virus particles.
Additionally, all employers must provide medical grade masks to employees who work indoors and in close contact to other workers and/or customers. As with all employer safety requirements, employees will not need to pay for these upgraded masks.
Learn More About Upgraded Masks
Disposable Respirators
- N95 and KN95 respirators are designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles (KF94s are designed to filter 94%). For some, these masks may take getting used to, as they fit more snugly and have more layers of material.
- They may not fit well if you have facial hair
- To work well, respirators need to make a tight seal on your face. See NIOSH instructions for how to put on, take off, and check the seal of a respirator.
- Check the seal each time you put one on.
- If you have breathing difficulties check with your doctor before wearing a respirator.
- Do not wear a respirator with another mask
If choosing a KN95 respirator, use one that has been tested by NPPTL or offers filtration efficiency of 95% or higher.
Beware of counterfeit (fake) respirators as they may not be able to provide the promised protection.
Medical/Surgical Masks
- Medical grade face coverings (including surgical masks) are also called medical procedure, dental masks, or disposable masks. Some surgical masks intended for medical use are regulated by the FDA.
- Use masks with a nose wire and at least three layers of non-woven material (melt-blown fabric and/or polypropylene).
- Medical masks should be resistant to fluids. Test your mask with a drop of water on the front. The water should not soak into the mask. It should form beads of water on the surface.
- Double masking with a medical mask UNDER a tight-fitting cloth mask will greatly increase filtration and reduce leakage.
- The fit can be improved simply by knotting the ear loops close to the edge of the mask and tucking the excess material. You can also use a mask brace, to reduce air leakage from the edges of the mask.
Get Boosted When it is Time!
If it’s been 5 months since you got your second dose of Pfizer, or 5 months after your second dose of Moderna, it is time to get boosted. Boosters are available for people age 12+ and they are essential to preventing serious illness from COVID-19.
Visit VaccinateLACounty.com for more information and get boosted today!
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has developed a wide array of documents, guidance documents, and resources for the workers, businesses, partners, and the general public on a variety of topics related to COVID-19, including:
Information for the Public
Best Practices for Businesses
It is recommended you follow @lapublichealth on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram the latest updates about Los Angeles County.
Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
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