COVID-19 testing

Beginning May 11, when the federal public health emergency expires, Sonoma County COVID-19 information, data and resources will live exclusively on the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services web pages.

Did you know that if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, you are eligible for a free virtual visit with a doctor? COVID care through Sesame, a telehealth provider, is free to those 12 years and older. If you qualify for treatment, a medical professional can prescribe medication at no cost to you. Visit Sesame for a free telehealth appointment.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you have symptoms, free testing is available to you at sites throughout Sonoma County. To find out details about locations, hours of operation and how to register, visit Color and enter your zip code.

To report the result of your at-home antigen test, click here. Reporting your result is confidential. Once the form is submitted, you will receive links to isolation and quarantine guidelines and available resources.

You can get free at-home tests (while supplies last) and informational resources at Department of Health Services resource tables:

Free at-home COVID-19 tests (while supplies last).
Informational resources.
Bilingual outreach workers are available to answer your questions.
All are welcome, social security and citizenship are not required.
See our testing calendar for times and locations.

Where to get free testing?

Color

Independently operated sites throughout Sonoma County.
Free PCR self-swab tests for people who are exposed or symptomatic.
Results in 24-48 hours.
Visit color.com/register and enter your zip code to find out details about locations, hours of operation and how to register.

How to offer COVID-19 testing at your organization or business?

California Coronavirus Testing Task Force

Are you interested in supporting increased testing in our community? Partner with CDPH to provide free testing through the CA Testing Taskforce. All materials and training are provided by CDPH. To learn more, visit California Coronavirus Testing Task Force. The following groups can apply:

Organizations, such as employer-health care or non-health care, health centers, congregate facilities, faith-based organizations, and community based organizations, etc.
K-12 schools.
Local health jurisdictions.

Color

In partnership with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Color is bringing free COVID-19 laboratory testing for at-risk people to communities across the U.S. Your organization can help the community access care by hosting a pick-up and drop-off bin inside or outside your location. Community members self-swab using the provided kit, and drop in the drop-off bin. Your team then easily and safely packs samples for FedEx pickup. Color does the rest!

Your organization can get paid $250 for signing up and $7.50 per completed test to support the community with this critical service. The commitment is low-effort (as little as one hour per week), contact with the public is minimal, and no certifications are required.

For more information, visit Color.

When to get tested?

If you have symptoms, vaccinated or not, get tested immediately if you’re feeling any COVID-19 symptoms.
If you were exposed, test within 3-5 days after last exposure and wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings and when near those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease.

PCR and antigen tests

Molecular tests are also known as PCR tests. The PCR molecular test is accurate and usually does not need to be repeated. Average turnaround time is one to three days, depending on lab processing.

If you test positive with a PCR test, isolate as described on our Isolation page. If possible, you can also contact your health care provider for guidance.
You can get no-cost PCR testing through Color or CVS, visit their sites to find a location near you.
Organizations, such as businesses, health centers, congregate facilities, faith-based or community-based organizations and schools, can apply for on-site PCR testing by visiting California’s COVID-19 Testing Task Force’s Get Started page.

Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests or at-home tests. With antigen tests, positive results are usually accurate, though negative tests may need to be confirmed. Average turnaround time is quite fast, ranging 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the test and/or tester.

If you test positive with an antigen test, isolate as described on our Isolation page. If possible, you can also contact your health care provider for guidance.
Please fill in this form to self-report your at-home test result. Reporting your result is confidential. Once the form is submitted, you will receive links to isolation and quarantine guidelines and available resources.
If you have COVID-19, an antigen test is no longer recommended for for ending isolation after day five. IF you are fever-free for 24 hours (without fever reducing medicines) AND have no or improving symptoms you can end your isolation period.
If ending isolation before day 10, it is strongly recommended you wear a mask until after day 10 UNLESS you get two sequential negative antigen tests one day or more apart.

Where can I get an antigen test?

At DHS resource tables (while supplies last). See our testing calendar for times and locations.
You can also order four antigen tests per household at covidtests.gov and could receive reimbursement for up to 8 tests per month.
Organizations, such as businesses, health centers, congregate facilities, faith-based or community-based organizations and schools, can apply for on-site antigen testing by visiting California’s COVID-19 Testing Task Force’s Get Started page.

While waiting for your test results, continue to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when near other people who are not in your household, and wash your hands often. If you do not have symptoms and have not been advised by a medical professional to quarantine at home, you may resume your normal activities. If you are experiencing symptoms, stay home, and keep your distance from others. For more information, see our Isolation page.

Testing site feedback and complaints

If you have feedback or a complaint about a testing site, please fill out this form and submit via email to lfslabcomplaints@cdph.ca.gov. You can also visit CDPH’s Laboratory Field Services complaint page for more information about how complaints are handled.