COVID-19 Testing Programs

Free COVID-19 Tests for Community Organizations, Healthcare Clinics and Pharmacies

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has testing programs to help California organizations make free testing available to people who are uninsured, underinsured or at high risk of severe disease (such as those over 65 or are immunocompromised).

Many different organizations are eligible to request at-home COVID-19 tests for immediate distribution to priority populations in preparation for the upcoming winter respiratory viral season.

These include (but are not limited to) community-based organizations such as agricultural organizations, migrant services, food banks, homeless shelters, outreach programs, in-home care, schools and programs that serve K-12 students, licensed childcare facilities, local government, libraries, WIC programs, and higher education health centers.

In addition, California based pharmacies and healthcare centers/clinics are able to request tests for free distribution to priority populations. Skilled nursing facilities, organizations that serve the elderly and skilled nursing facilities and Department of Social Services Licensed Facilities such as nursing homes and day programs for the elderly are eligible.

Current testing programs include:

Over-The-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Antigen Tests
Professional COVID-19 Antigen Tests- Facilities with their Own CLIA Waiver

For more information and ordering links, please visit CDPH COVID-19 Testing Programs.

Information on Treatment

Medications to treat COVID-19 are widely available and effective for stopping COVID-19 illness from getting serious. Everyone 12 years and older who has symptoms and tests positive for COVID-19 should ask a doctor about treatment.