Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Tests for Current Infection

Tests for Current Infection
Updated Oct. 25, 2021
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Stop COVID-19 Every Day

Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your home.

Stay away from people who are sick.

Stay away from crowds.

Stay away from inside places with lots of people.

Wear a mask to protect everyone.

Wash your hands often.

 

How to Wear a Mask

The mask must cover your nose.

The mask must cover your mouth.

The mask must fit under your chin.

The mask must be snug on your face.

Make sure breathing is easy.

 

How to Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands often.

Wash your hands before you touch your mouth.

Wash your hands before you touch your eyes.

Wash your hands before you touch your nose.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer if that is all you have.

Rub the hand sanitizer all over your hands.

Rub your hands until they feel dry.

Washing your hands with soap and water is best.

 

How to Clean

Clean things that are touched often.

Disinfect after cleaning things that are touched often.

 

What to Stay Away From

Stay away from inside places with lots of people.

Stay away from sick people.

Stay away from people if you are sick.

 

COVID-19 Tests

A COVID-19 test can tell if you have COVID-19.

Call your doctor if you think you have COVID-19.

Ask your doctor if you need a COVID-19 test.

Ask your doctor if you want a COVID-19 test.

 

When to Get a COVID-19 Test

Get a COVID-19 test if you were with someone with COVID-19.

Get a COVID-19 test if you were in a crowded place.

Get a COVID-19 test if you were inside with lots of people.

Get a COVID-19 test if you traveled.

A doctor may tell you to get a COVID-19 test.

The health department may tell you to get a COVID-19 test.

 

After Getting a COVID-19 Test

Ask how you will get the results.

Ask what the results mean.

You may get a phone call with COVID-19 test results.

You may look online to get COVID-19 test results.

Some COVID-19 test results come quickly.

Some COVID-19 test results take many days.

Stay at home until you get the COVID-19 test results.

 

 

Steps if You Have COVID-19

Stay at home when you have COVID-19.

Stay away from other people.

You have to stay home until you feel better.

You will have to stay home for at least 10 days.

Tell someone if you are worried about how you feel.

 

Get Help if You are Very Sick

Watch for ways COVID-19 can make you feel sick.

Get help if you are worried about how sick you feel.

Tell someone that you need help.

Call your doctor if you are worried about how you feel.

Call 9-1-1 or the emergency department if you need help.

Tell the operator that you need help.

Tell the operator you need help with COVID-19.

Download and Print: Tests for Current Infection pdf icon[PDF – 50 KB]

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.