Covid-19 Testing In Louisiana

One key strategy for controlling the pandemic is to test anyone who is suspected of having the COVID-19 virus or who has been exposed to someone else with the virus. Testing for COVID-19 is important for many reasons including, stopping and slowing the spread of the virus, saving lives and ending outbreaks.

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  • Slowing/Stopping the Spread

    Tests help people determine if they are infected and if they are at risk of spreading the infection to others. Preventing the spread of infection is a vital strategy for workplaces, schools and the community.

  • Saving Lives

    Tests are crucial to identifying people who need medical care in a timely fashion. An early positive test allows people to get the care they need when they need it, lessening the chance for a severe outcome or death.

  • Tests are Quick and Easy

    From community-based testing sites, to private test sites, to at-home, over-the counter tests, getting a COVID-19 test in Louisiana is quick and easy. Just go to the Test Site Link below to find a location near you.

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COVID-19 Testing Sites

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Walgreens Testing

The US Department of Health and Human Services, the Louisiana Department of Health and Walgreens are partnered to provide COVID-19 testing by appointment at select Walgreens locations. These sites more than double the available 7-days-a-week testing locations for people to receive a test. LDH-Walgreens locations offer COVID-19 testing at no cost to the patient, though insurance information may be requested. You will not be billed if your insurance denies coverage.

Testing is available to people ages 3 and older. Appointments are required; make yours at walgreens.com/covid19testing. Bring your personal ID to your appointment, as well as insurance information if you have it. Test results are available within 72 hours of test collection: by email if negative, or by email and a phone call if positive.

Click on the Walgreens map to find a testing location in your area.

Community Testing Sites

The Louisiana Department of Health recommends COVID-19 testing for any patients who are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, contact your primary care physician for guidance. However, you do not have to be experiencing symptoms to be tested.

Test results are available in approximately 3-5 days. The Department of Health does not get any test results, and we recommend that patients who get tested ask staff at the testing site when to expect results, and where to call to get those results. When getting tested, we recommend everyone ask for a phone number to call if you haven’t received your results within the timeframe you were given. Find a COVID Testing Site Near You.

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What should I do while I wait for my test results? Can I go out in public and/or return to work?

Individuals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can leave home after isolating for five days if they have no symptoms or their symptoms are resolving. They should also wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days to minimize the risk of infecting others. Individuals who have a fever should stay home until the fever resolves.

Individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and who have been boosted, completed the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines within the last six months, or completed the primary series of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last two months should: wear a well-fitted mask around others for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on day 5 or immediately if symptoms develop.

For more information, click here.

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How long after exposure should I get tested?

You should wait a few days from when you were exposed. This is because the time between when you are exposed and when your test would be positive can vary from 4-14 days. Therefore, even though someone may have the virus, the test would not be positive until possibly day 4 or longer. If you have been a close contact of someone who is positive, consult with your doctor to see if they think you need to be tested and when.