If I have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should I get a test?
Timing of exposure
5 days or less
+ –If you were exposed less than 5 days ago, then it is recommended to wait to test until 4-5 days after exposure. If you test too soon after exposure (1-2 days after), the test could give a false-negative result if the virus has not made enough copies of itself to be detectable. In the meantime, continue to monitor yourself or your child for symptoms and quarantine if you are not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.
More than 5 days ago
+ –If you were exposed at least 5 days ago, then you can test for COVID-19. If you test too soon after exposure (1-2 days after), the test could give a false-negative result if the virus has not made enough copies of itself to be detectable. In the meantime, continue to monitor yourself or your child for symptoms and quarantine if you are not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.
