Find a COVID Testing Site Near You
Other U.S. Test Sites
Guidance on what to do when COVID-19 testing is not widely available
Where can I get tested?
The US Department of Health and Human Services, the Louisiana Department of Health and Walgreens are partnered to provide COVID-19 testing by appointment at select Walgreens locations. These sites more than double the available 7-days-a-week testing locations for people to receive a test. LDH-Walgreens locations offer COVID-19 testing at no cost to the patient, though insurance information may be requested. You will not be billed if your insurance denies coverage.
Testing is available to people ages 3 and older. Appointments are required; make yours at walgreens.com/covid19testing. Bring your personal ID to your appointment, as well as insurance information if you have it. Test results are available within 72 hours of test collection: by email if negative, or by email and a phone call if positive.
Click on the Walgreens map to find a testing location in your area.
The Louisiana Department of Health recommends COVID-19 testing for any patients who are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, contact your primary care physician for guidance. However, you do not have to be experiencing symptoms to be tested.
Test results are available in approximately 3-5 days. The Department of Health does not get any test results, and we recommend that patients who get tested ask staff at the testing site when to expect results, and where to call to get those results. When getting tested, we recommend everyone ask for a phone number to call if you haven’t received your results within the timeframe you were given. Find a COVID Testing Site Near You.
What should I do while I wait for my test results? Can I go out in public and/or return to work?
Individuals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can leave home after isolating for five days if they have no symptoms or their symptoms are resolving. They should also wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days to minimize the risk of infecting others. Individuals who have a fever should stay home until the fever resolves.
Individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and who have been boosted, completed the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines within the last six months, or completed the primary series of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last two months should: wear a well-fitted mask around others for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on day 5 or immediately if symptoms develop.
For more information, click here.
How long after exposure should I get tested?
You should wait a few days from when you were exposed. This is because the time between when you are exposed and when your test would be positive can vary from 4-14 days. Therefore, even though someone may have the virus, the test would not be positive until possibly day 4 or longer. If you have been a close contact of someone who is positive, consult with your doctor to see if they think you need to be tested and when.