Test-Giving graphic

COVID-19 Test Kit Distribution Event

FCPH is giving out free at home test kits to test yourself and your family before you go and test Aunt Martha’s pie!

  • When: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Where: Drive-thru at Drive-thru the FCPH parking lot at 275 E. Gay Street or walk/bike up at 280 E. Broad Street (43215)
  • Details: Free of change! No forms to fill out; no ID needed. Limit six (6) per person, as supplies last.
Download the Printable Flier

Symptoms

Chills icon

Fever or chills

Coughing

Cough

Shortness of breath icon

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue graphic

Fatigue

Muscle Pain icon

Muscle or body aches

Headache graphic

Headache

Loss of Smell icon

New loss of taste or smell

Sore Throat icon

Sore throat

Runny nose icon

Congestion or
runny nose

Nausea icon

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea icon

Diarrhea

If you or someone you know is experiencing the emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek emergency medical care immediately. Some signs include persistent pain or pressure in the chest, severe difficulty/trouble breathing, confusion, bluish lips or face, inability to wake or stay awake.

Where Can I Be Tested?

Interactive map
of testing sites

and pick up locations
for individual
At Home Rapid Test Kits

Home Test Self Report Form

for Franklin County Public Health & Columbus Public Health Residents

Learn
more

if you've been exposed
to COVID-19 or
are sick

FAQs

When to Get Tested for COVID-19

Man getting his temperature taken while in his car by a healthcare professional wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)Key times to get tested:

      • If you have symptoms, test immediately.
      • If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result. However, if you experience symptoms, do not wait and test immediately.
      • If you are seeing someone or visiting a setting with people who are high risk for severe COVID-19.
      • If you are not fully vaccinated and have been asked or referred to get testing by your school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.

For more information, visit CDC’s testing page.

What is the difference between a diagnostic (or PCR) test and antibody testing?

What it does: Doctors use this test to diagnose people who are currently sick with COVID-19.

How it works: This test uses a sample of mucus typically taken from a person’s nose or throat. The test may also work on saliva — that’s under investigation. It looks for the genetic material of the coronavirus. The test uses a technology called PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which greatly amplifies the viral genetic material if it is present. That material is detectable when a person is actively infected.

COVID-19 Testing Guidance FAQ from ODH

What it does: Antibody tests identify people who have previously been infected with the coronavirus. They do not show whether a person is currently infected. This is primarily a good way to track the spread of the coronavirus through a population.

How it works: This is a blood test. It looks for antibodies to the coronavirus. Your body produces antibodies in response to an infectious agent such as a virus. These antibodies generally arise after four days to more than a week after infection, so they are not used to diagnose current disease.

Where can I find helpful testing tips for BinaxNOW at-home COVID-19 tests?

    •  

Where can I get tests for people who are blind or have low vision?

The Administration for Community Living has information about COVID-19 tests available for people who are blind or have low vision.

How can I report my at-home test results?

Franklin County residents can do that through our Self Report Form.

LEARN MORE IF YOU'VE BEEN
EXPOSED OR ARE SICK