You can make an appointment for a free COVID-19 test at the Health Department’s COVID Express sites throughout the city. Test results are available within 24 hours or less of your visit. This means that most patients will receive their test results on the same day as their visit.
All tests performed at these sites are PCR-based laboratory diagnostic tests. PCR tests can detect the virus even if there is only a small amount in your system.
COVID-19 tests at COVID Express sites are free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
Some COVID Express testing sites also have other clinical service, such as testing for sexually transmitted infections. Get more information about available clinic services on the NYC Health Clinics webpage.
How to Schedule and Get Results
Testing is available by appointment only. To make an appointment, choose a time on the online scheduler below.
After your test, you can get your results:
- Online by creating a MyChart account.
- After scheduling your appointment, you will receive a link to create an account. You may also already have an existing account from a previous visit to an NYC Health + Hospitals facility that you can use to view your results.
- By returning to the clinic two to three business days after your test to pick up printed results.
Positive Test Result
If you test positive, you will receive a call from the clinic.
People who had confirmed COVID-19 in the past 90 days (meaning they tested positive using a viral test) and recovered do not need to get tested unless they develop symptoms. People may test positive with a PCR test for weeks or months after infection, even though they are not contagious. For this reason, any COVID Express testing appointments made within 90 days of a positive test will be canceled.
If you have recovered from COVID-19 and now have new symptoms of COVID-19, talk to a health care provider, especially if you recently had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
