Testing

Positive Home Test for COVID-19?

If you live in Ontario County and want a record of having had COVID-19 or need documentation for your employer or school, complete our HIPAA-compliant, electronic Self Reporting Form and then:
  1. Stay home for 10-days from your first symptom. No symptoms? Stay home for 10-days from the date of your positive test. 
  2. Keep all unvaccinated close contacts home for 10-days. from their last unmasked contact with you. Wear a mask if you have unvaccinated people in your home and do your best to stay 6-feet away from them. Vaccinated contacts who don't have symptoms, don't need to quarantine, but should mask while around other people for two weeks.
  3. Pick up the phone when the NY State Investigator or Contact Tracer calls you. It will look like an unknown number and will be from a 518 Area Code. Consent to a quick interview, ask questions, and try to do what they advise. 
COVID-19 SELF REPORTING FORM: https://www.ontariocountyny.gov/covidselfreport (Please provide a picture of the positive test on the form) 

COVID-19 Testing

List of current COVID-19 Testing

Option 1: Your healthcare Provider (PCR).

Option 2: Free Home Tests (Antigen)

Get free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.

Click to have tests delivered to your home 

Option 3: Urgent Care (PCR)

Option 4: Local Pharmacies (Antigen possible PCR) 

Option 5: Finger Lakes Community Health 

If a test is needed, all of the health centers are set up for “drive-up” testing in our parking lots allowing them to socially distance themselves from other patients and staff. You MUST call first.  

  • Please call (315) 781-8448 
(March 7, 2022)

COVID-19 Testing

Diagnostic (Swab) verses Antibody (Serum)

There has been a lot of talk about COVID-19 testing in the news. Diagnostic (nasopharyngeal swab) testing is not the same as an antibody test. 

Diagnostic testing: Diagnostic tests check samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the nose) to tell you if you currently have an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Diagnostic testing is used to diagnose COVID-19. 

All diagnostic testing for COVID 19 in Ontario County should be through your healthcare provider. Some Urgent Care facilities are also doing COVID-19 testing. You should call the Urgent Care Center before going if you think you may have COVID-19.

If you do not have a healthcare provider call one of our three Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC).  

Finger Lakes Community Health: 

  • Phone: 1-315-781-8448

Jordan Health:

  • Phone: 1-585-396-0222

Mosaic Health:

If you are having trouble getting COVID-19 testing, call Ontario County Public Health and speak to a Registered Nurse (1-585-396-4558).  

Antibody blood test: Antibody blood tests, also called serologic tests. Antibody tests heck your blood (serum) for antibodies that would show if you have had a previous infection. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off germs. Antibody testing is not used to diagnose COVID-19. A serologic test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1 to 3 weeks to make antibodies after symptoms occur.

If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of test, you still should take preventive measures to protect others: Prevent COVID-19

(Updated 3/7/2022)