At this time, demand for testing is high. New Yorkers can expect longer than usual wait times at testing sites and turnaround times for test results.

If you are seeking test results, please contact the facility where you were tested. To find contact information for a specific testing facility, visit nyc.gov/covidtest.

The COVID-19 diagnostic test is used to determine if you have COVID-19 now.

  • Testing involves checking samples collected from your nose or mouth with a swab or from your saliva.
  • Diagnostic tests don’t test for immunity.

The COVID-19 antibody test, also called a serology test, checks your blood to determine if you've had COVID-19 in the past.

  • The test is taken through a finger prick or blood draw. 
  • A positive test for antibodies doesn't necessarily mean you're immune to COVID-19.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing.

Diagnostic Test

Fully vaccinated people no longer need to get tested for COVID-19 unless they have symptoms of COVID-19 or testing is required for work, school, or a specific activity.

If you are not vaccinated and your first COVID-19 diagnostic test is negative, you should get tested again if you:

  • Have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Spent time in a large crowd or attended an indoor gathering of 50 or more people
  • Were in close contact with someone with confirmed or possible COVID-19
  • Are concerned about possible exposure
  • Live or work in an area with increased COVID-19 transmission
  • Return from a state with a high level of COVID-19
  • Work in a group setting like a nursing home or shelter
  • Are planning to visit someone at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness

In addition, you should get tested once a month or as recommended by your health care provider if you are:

  • A health care worker or first responder
  • An essential worker with frequent direct contact with the public
  • Working outside the home and interacting in person with others, such as co-workers, clients, customers, or visitors to the workplace
  • Living or working in a group residential setting, such as a long-term care facility

Diagnostic Test Types

  • Rapid molecular and antigen testing use a swab to collect a sample from the front of the nose.
  • Molecular tests, such as PCR tests, look for the genes of the virus, while antigen testing detects proteins created by the virus.

Either one can be used to determine if you have COVID-19. However, a negative result from a rapid test must subsequently be confirmed by the Regular PCR Swab result.

Antibody Test

You should get an antibody test if you:

  • Don't have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Haven't been sick in the last two weeks
  • Haven't tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks

These tests can't be used to determine whether you are currently infected with COVID-19. If you are currently sick, you should get a diagnostic test instead.

Walk-in Sites

City-Run Sites

There are walk-in diagnostic testing sites in all boroughs that don’t require an appointment unless otherwise noted.

You can also find free testing sites near you by texting COVID TEST to 855-48. Text messaging or data rates may apply.

Mobile and micro sites offer free diagnostic tests on certain dates and locations. No appointments are required. Availability is subject to change due to inclement weather.

    MTA Sites

    The MTA launched its free COVID-19 testing program at select subway stations.

    Free PCR tests are available at the following stations:

    • Times Square - 42 Street
      Daily: 8 AM to 2 PM
    • Grand Central Terminal
      Daily: 3 PM to 8 PM
    • Penn Station (West End Concourse)
      Daily: 3 PM to 8 PM
    • Broadway Junction
      Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 2 PM
    • East 180 Street
      Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 2 PM
    • Jamaica - 179 Street 
      Monday - Friday: 2 PM to 7 PM
    • Jackson Heights - Roosevelt Avenue
      Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 2 PM

    Additional Testing Sites

    Some additional testing sites may charge for testing, and not all testing sites listed are affiliated with the NYC Test and Trace Corps.

    You should call the testing site before you go to confirm their policies.

    Appointment Only Sites

    Bronx

    • Union Community Health Center - E 188
      260 East 188th Street
      Bronx, NY 10458
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      Rapid Care Hours: Monday - Friday: 3 PM - 9 PM; Saturday - Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
      Appointments are required. Call (718) 220-2020.
       
    • Grand Concourse
      2021 Grand Concourse
      Bronx, NY 10453
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      Appointments are required. Call (718) 220-2020.
       
    • Claremont Health Center
      262 East 174th Street
      Bronx, NY 10457
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
       
    • Morrisania COVID Express Clinic
      1309 Fulton Avenue
      Bronx, NY 10456
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • Clay Avenue Health Center 1
      1776 Clay Avenue
      Bronx, NY 10457
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
       
    • Casa Maria Health Center
      324 East 149th Street
      Bronx, NY 10451
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
       
    • Ramon Velez Health Center
      754 East 151st Street
      Bronx, NY 10455
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      Appointments are required. Call (718) 734-2539.
       
    • Concourse Village Community Center  
      777 Concourse Village East  
      Bronx, NY 10451  
      Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
      Make an appointment.

    Brooklyn

    • Fort Greene COVID Express Clinic
      295 Flatbush Avenue Extension
      Brooklyn, NY 11201 
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
       
    • Crown Heights COVID Express Clinic 
      1218 Prospect Place, 2nd Floor
      Brooklyn, NY 11213
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments Required
      Make an appointment.
    • Kings Plaza Mall  
      5100 Kings Plaza  
      Brooklyn, NY 11234 
      Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 6 PM
      Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
      Make an appointment.

    Manhattan

    • Washington Heights COVID Express Clinic
      600 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • Central Harlem COVID Express Clinic
      2238 Fifth Avenue
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • Riverside COVID Express Clinic
      160 West 100th Street
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • Chelsea COVID Express Clinic
      303 Ninth Avenue
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building 
      163 West 125th Street  
      New York, NY 10027  
      Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM  
      Walk-ins are accepted, but you can make an appointment online.
      Make an appointment.

    Queens

    • Corona COVID Express Clinic
      34-33 Junction Boulevard
      Corona, NY 11368
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available. Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • Jamaica COVID Express Clinic
      90-37 Parsons Boulevard
      Jamaica, NY 11432
      Test Type: PCR
      ASL interpretation is available.
      Appointments are required.
      Make an appointment.
    • York College Performing Arts Center  
      94-45 Guy R Brewer Boulevard  
      Jamaica, NY 11451  
      Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 7 PM  
      Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
      Make an appointment.

    Staten Island

    • Central Family Life Center  
      59 Wright Street  
      Staten Island, NY 10304  
      Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM  
      Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations can be made online.
      Make an appointment.

    Brick-and-mortar sites offer walk-in antibody testing in all boroughs and are labeled as such. They don't require an appointment unless otherwise noted.

    You can also find free testing sites near you by texting COVID TEST to 855-48. Text messaging or data rates may apply.

    Antibody Testing Partnerships

    The City has also partnered with testing centers to provide additional testing locations.

    You MUST make an appointment.

    Bronx

    • Ramon Velez Health Center
      754 East 151st Street
      Bronx, NY 10455
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      (718) 734-2539
       
    • Clay Avenue Health Center 1
      776 Clay Avenue
      Bronx, NY 10456
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      (718) 734-2539
       
    • Casa Maria Health Center
      324 East 149th Street
      Bronx, NY 10451
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      (718) 734-2539
       
    • Claremont Health Center
      262 East 174th Street
      Bronx, NY 10457
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
      (718) 734-2539
       
    • Union Community Health Center
      260 East 188th Street
      Bronx, NY 10458
      Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5 PM
      Rapid Care Hours: Monday - Friday: 3 PM - 9 PM; Saturday - Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
      (718) 220-2020
       
    • Union Community Health Center - Grand Concourse
      2021 Grand Concourse
      Bronx, NY 10453
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      (718) 220-2020

    Brooklyn

    • Hope Gardens
      120 Menahan Street
      Brooklyn, NY 11221
      Monday - Friday: 10 AM - 4 PM
      (718) 734-2539

    Queens

    • Thomas and Marie White Health Center
      116-30 Sutphin Boulevard
      Jamaica, NY 11434
      Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
      (718) 734-2539

    Antibody Testing for First Responders

    Free antibody testing is available for New York Police Department (NYPD) personnel as first responders. This program has ended for all other City agencies. 

    You will first need to complete an online survey to determine your eligibility. If you are eligible for antibody testing, you will then be able to schedule an appointment or find a walk-in location.

    Online

    Learn more about antibody testing for NYPD personnel.

    By Text

    Text TestNYC to 78378.

    Rapid Self-Test Kits

    Free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are now available to order online from the Federal Government. These rapid tests give results within 30 minutes. Lab drop-off is not required.

    To ensure broad access, the program will only allow 4 free individual tests per residential address. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.

    The United States Postal Service will deliver tests to anyone who wants them. All orders in the continental United States will be sent through First Class Package Service.

    Learn more and order free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests at covidtests.gov.

    Further Assistance

    You can get assistance by phone if you are having difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support to place your order.

    Transfer the customer for assistance.

    Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Division: Test Kit Fulfillment Line
    Phone Number: (800) 232-0233
    Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

    In-Home Appointments

    Free at-home COVID-19 testing is available to all New Yorkers who are 65 and older or have a weakened immune system.

    Appointments are available seven days per week, from 9 AM to 7 PM.

    After you are transferred, press one and then two.

    Transfer the customer for assistance.
    Agency: MedRite
    Division: MedRite At-Home Testing
    Phone Number: (929) 298-9400
    Business Hours: Daily: 9 AM - 7 PM

     

    Insurance Reimbursement

    Starting January 15, most people with a health plan can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. This applies whether you purchased your health plan on your own or whether you get health insurance through your job.

    Insurance companies and health plans will be required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month, according to White House officials. For instance, a family of four all on the same plan would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. However, plans are not required to provide coverage of testing (including an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test) that is for employment purposes.

    The Biden-Harris Administration is "incentivizing" insurers and group health plans to set up programs that will allow Americans to get the over-the-counter tests (PCR and rapid tests) directly through preferred pharmacies, retailers or other entities with no out-of-pocket costs.

    For people whose health care providers have ordered a COVID-19 test, the Biden administration said there will not be a limit on the number of tests that are covered — including at-home tests.

    Consumers can find out from their plan or insurer if it provides direct coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through such a program or whether they will need to submit a claim for reimbursement. If you are charged for your test after January 15, keep your receipt and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.

    Currently, state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs must cover FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests without cost-sharing. At this time original Medicare cannot pay for at-home tests through this program. Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage and payment for at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, so consumers covered by Medicare Advantage should check with their plan.

    Learn more about insurance paid at-home COVID tests.

    NYC COVID Safe App

    Many New York City employers, businesses, and venues require verification of immunization or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test for their employees and customers.

    You can use the NYC COVID Safe App to store and present the necessary documentation to verify that you have met these requirements. The documentation you upload into this app is not shared with anyone and stays on your phone only.

    Download the NYC COVID Safe App on:

    Excelsior Pass

    New York State’s Excelsior Pass provides secure, digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. The Pass is only accepted in New York State.

    Businesses and entertainment venues can scan and validate the pass to ensure you meet any COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry. When using the pass, you’ll be asked to show a photo ID that shows your name and birth date to verify identity.

    To learn more, about the pass, go to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Record page.

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