FREE COVID-19 Testing Sites
Last content update: 3/23/23
County-operated mass testing sites closed in February 2023.
San Jose (Fairgrounds) – Closed 2/24/23
San Martin – Closed 2/25/23
For your future testing needs, please see the options below.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the County's Patient Access Department at 1 (866) 967-4677.
Get Tested or Test at Home
Contact a Provider
Information about providers and pharmacies offering testing.
Find Testing Sites
Find PCR and antigen testing sites near you.
Get a Free At-Home Test
Pick one up locally.
Drop-in Testing Sites
Story Road Hub
1775 Story Road, Suite 120, San Jose, CA 95122
Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.
*Rapid antigen testing only
San Ysidro Community Center
San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Ave., Gilroy, CA 95020
Wednesday: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
*Rapid antigen testing only
You should get a COVID-19 test if:
- You have new symptoms such as fatigue, headache, body/muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, and/or congestion.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and cannot get tested, assume you have COVID-19 and follow isolation guidelines while waiting for your test results.
If you have symptoms and are at high risk for severe illness because you are age 50 or older, have other medical conditions, or have a compromised immune system, you may qualify for treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness.
Consider getting tested if:
- In the last 3-5 days you have had exposure to someone with COVID-19, especially if you are unvaccinated.
Given how extremely contagious the Omicron variant is, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and cannot get tested:
- Assume you have COVID-19 and follow isolation guidelines.
- If members of your household are having similar symptoms, and at least one of them tests positive for COVID-19, you can reasonably assume that all members have COVID-19.
Do not get a PCR test if:
- You have already tested positive with a rapid home test.
*If you test positive on any kind of COVID-19 test, you do not need to test again in the 30 days after unless you develop new symptoms. This is because reinfections during this time period are unlikely.
Please do not come to the Emergency Room if you ONLY need a COVID-19 test.
Cost of Testing
There is no up-front cost for testing. At many testing sites, you do not need medical insurance to get tested, however, if you have health insurance, you will be asked to share that information. If you are getting tested through your healthcare provider, a co-pay may be charged for your visit, but you will have no out-of-pocket expense for the COVID-19 test itself.
Getting Tested
You do not need a doctor’s referral or note to be tested. Many sites offer accessible services for people with disabilities and those with other access or functional needs.
California Department of Public Health: COVID-19 Testing Sites in California
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) publishes comprehensive resources on accessing testing services. This includes a map tool to locate free or low-cost testing at participating COVID-19 testing sites in California. To locate a testing site near you, please visit the CDPH Testing Webpage.
Picking up test kits at the Better Health Pharmacy
Test kits are available free of charge at the Better Health Pharmacy. No identification or insurance required. Limit two boxes of tests (4 tests per box) per person.
Watch how easy it is to pick up tests by watching this video.
Better Health Pharmacy
725 E Santa Clara St, #202, San Jose, CA 95112
Tuesday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About Rapid Antigen Self-Tests
Rapid antigen self-tests may be used if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed or potentially exposed to an individual with COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.
Even if you don’t have symptoms and have not been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, using a self-test before gathering indoors with others who are not in your household can give you information about the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
When to Use Rapid Antigen Self-Tests:
You should get tested right away if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, including fatigue, headache, muscle/body aches, fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, congestion, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea—even if you think it may only be a cold or allergies.
You should also get tested if you are exposed to COVID-19. Get tested 3-5 days after your last exposure to someone who has COVID-19. For more information, visit COVID-19 Guidelines for the General Public.
Negative Test Result:
If you test negative and have symptoms of COVID-19, consider testing again the next day, especially if your symptoms do not go away. Repeating the test within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, will increase the confidence that you are not infected.
Positive Test Result:
If you test positive, you have COVID-19 and should isolate from others, follow isolation guidelines, wear a well fitted mask if you have contact with others, and avoid indoor gatherings. Do not get an additional PCR test.
It is especially important that people who are at higher risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19 get tested. Risk factors for developing severe illness from COVID-19 include a number of common medical conditions, age over 50, or a compromised immune system. If you test positive, you may qualify for early treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness.
How to Use a Self-Test
Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions before using a test. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results.
Below is an example for one type of antigen test.
Facts About COVID-19 Treatment
Several COVID-19 treatment options are available in the United States. If you become ill, a health care provider may decide you are eligible for a COVID-19 treatment if you are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19 and have mild or moderate symptoms. Do not delay seeking treatment for COVID-19, as it works best when given as soon as possible after testing positive or being exposed to COVID-19.
Only take treatments prescribed by a health care provider. People have been seriously harmed and even died after taking products not authorized for COVID-19, even products approved or prescribed for other uses.
For more facts about COVID-19 treatment and treatment options, visit CDPH’s COVID-19 Treatment Website.
How to Access COVID-19 Treatment
COVID-19 treatments work best when taken soon after symptoms begin. Get tested right after you notice symptoms. If you test positive, contact your healthcare provider to see if you qualify for oral medication to treat COVID-19.
Need oral medications for COVID-19? The County of Santa Clara can help!
Make a FREE phone or video appointment today!
- Call 1 (833) 686-5051 for California’s COVID-19 provider line, OR
- Visit sesamecare.com/covid for Sesame Care COVID-19 providers.
- If you need help making an appointment, please email [email protected] with your name and phone number. Our team will call you within 24 hours.
Appointments and medications are FREE to anyone with a positive COVID-19 test who has symptoms, regardless of insurance or citizenship status.
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