At-Home COVID-19 Testing GUIDELINES for the Public

Testing is an important tool to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, you should be tested regardless of your vaccination status. Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household. Testing is an important part of the strategy to keep kids in school, employees safe, and vulnerable populations protected. Positive Results Note: Day 0 is the day symptoms appeared, or if no symptoms, the date of the positive test. If you test positive, it is important that you take steps right away to protect family, friends, coworkers, and others around you. Negative Results A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you are likely not infected at the time you conducted the test. If you tested while you had symptoms and followed instructions carefully, a negative result means your current illness is probably not COVID-19. We still recommend that individuals with symptoms should stay at home and avoid contact with others (see the graphic above if you have been exposed to COVID-19). Error, Canceled or Invalid Result You may try a different at-home test or go to a testing site, which can be located on the MDHHS COVID-19 Testing Website. If you are ill, wear a mask and avoid other people except to get testing or medical care. If you have questions about test results, the need to quarantine or isolate, or how to notify contacts call MI COVID HELP (866-806-3447). More information is available at www.michigan.gov/containcovid. If you have concerns or questions about your personal health, contact your doctor, healthcare provider, or an urgent care facility.