The Federal FREE COVID-19 Test Program has Suspended
As of Friday, March 8, 2024, the Federal government is no longer offering free COVID-19 over-the-counter (OTC) tests.If you have health insurance, please contact your insurer. If you do not have insurance, please check the Testing Map below to find no-cost testing and resources in Alameda County.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing for COVID-19 before and after gathering, and before returning to work or school. As always, test if you have symptoms or have been exposed and stay home if you are sick.
Alameda County is providing FREE COVID-19 over-the-counter tests for individuals and families in need of COVID-19 resources. See our Community Testing Map to find a test distribution site near you.
Testing continues to be a critical resource to slow the spread of COVID-19.
If you are experiencing COVID-like symptom or have been exposed:
- Test yourself or get tested and follow the updated Testing Guidance from CDPH.
- Isolate while you wait and if tested positive follow the Isolation recommendations.
- Don’t wait to seek life-saving treatment.
As we move into the new year, there are some changes that have taken place in regards to community COVID-19 testing. Many testing sites have shifted their hours and locations to meet the needs of the community and to ensure that testing remains accessible to all who need it.
What has changed:
Some Community Testing Sites have shifted their hours and/or locations |
Some Community Testing Sites have permanently closed. |
Some Community Testing Sites have changed their services. |
Multiple Community Testing Sites are now open. |
Isolation Guidelines |
Proctored PCR testing when medically necessary |
What's staying the same:
No cost testing to uninsured, underinsured and those facing persistent barriers. |
OTC Test Kit distribution expansion. |
COVID-19 Guidance & Education. |
Community Testing Site & Resource Hub Locations
Alameda County COVID-19 testing sites and Resource Hubs are free for uninsured, and underinsured individuals, including those facing ongoing barriers. You do not need medical insurance to get tested and you won’t be asked about your immigration status. If you are insured, please contact your healthcare provider.
Asian Health Services Community Hub *NEW LOCATION*
310 8th St, Suite 300, Oakland, CA 94607
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Services available at this location
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up *available starting Monday, 4/29
- Testing (rapid antigen & PCR) *available starting Monday, 5/6
Note: Antigen testing on Friday only, no PCR. - COVID-19 treatment referrals
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome.
To make an appointment for testing, register here.
More information: asianhealthservices.org
Homies Empowerment
7641 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94605
Tuesday - Thursday10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- COVID-19 guidance
Make Information: homiesempowerment.com
Native American Health Center
2950 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- COVID-19 treatment referrals
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome. Masking is required if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Masks are available at the entrance.
More information: nativehealth.org
Roots Community Health Center
9925 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94603
Thursday & Friday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Testing (rapid antigen & PCR)
- COVID-19 treatment referrals
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome.
To make an appointment for testing, register here.
More information: rootsclinic.org/covid-19-resources
Serenity House
2363A San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
Walk-ups are welcome.
More information: serenityhouseoakland.org
Umoja Health
750 Aileen St, Oakland CA 94607
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up-to-date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
Note this location is a secure site and requires prior planning. Please call (888)763-0007 or email info@umojahealth.org
More Information: umojahealth.org
La Familia
Community Health Center
27171 Calaroga Ave, Hayward, CA 94545
Suite #5 (2nd floor)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- COVID-19 treatment referrals
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome.
More Information: livelafamilia.org/covid-19-response or call 510-954-0560
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Firehouse Clinic
28300 Huntwood Ave, Hayward, CA 94544
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome.
More Information: tvhc.org
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Mission Health Center
22331 Mission Blvd, Hayward CA 94541
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome.
More Information: tvhc.org
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Silva Pediatric Clinic
680 W. Tennyson Rd, Hayward CA 94544
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Walk-ups are welcome.
More Information: tvhc.org.
750 Fargo Ave, San Lorenzo, CA 94579
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up-to-date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
450 N. Livermore Ave, Livermore CA 94551
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
- Health Insurance information and referral
More information: tvnpa.org
Tri-Valley Haven Food Pantry
150 N. L Street, Livermore CA 94550
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
- Health Insurance information and referral
More information: tvnpa.org
Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance
164 N. L Street, Livermore CA 94550
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
- Health Insurance information and referral
More information: tvnpa.org
Union City Health Center
33255 9th St, Union City, CA 94587
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Testing (rapid antigen & PCR on Tuesdays 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM)
- COVID-19 treatment referrals
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
To make an appointment for testing, register here or call (510) 471-5880.
More Information: tvhc.org
Additional Testing Information
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
With the end of emergency declarations, it's more important than ever to get connected to health insurance for timely no‑cost testing and treatment. Later this year, Medi-Cal will lift automatic coverage renewal options that were provided during the COVID-19 emergency and resume annual redetermination and enrollment processes. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
If you have health insurance |
Reach out to your medical provider for COVID-19 testing and self-test kits. |
If you do not have health insurance or a plan that covers COVID-19 testing |
Visit one of our Alameda County Community Testing Sites. |
If you have Medi-Cal |
Don’t Lose Your Medi-Cal Coverage Starting in April 2023, yearly Medi-Cal eligibility reviews will resume. This process is known as redetermination.
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If you would like to apply for health insurance
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At-home COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests provide quick results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether you have symptoms. Rapid Antigen tests are known to be just as effective as PCR tests if used properly. Here are some ways you can obtain free at-home self-tests.
- Medi-Cal members can receive up to 8 free tests each month with their card. Follow these three easy steps to get free COVID-19 self-tests.
- Medicare and Medicare Advantage members should check with their health care provider for more information. Details are different for each plan. Find out more about COVID-19 coverage changes.
- The Federal Home Test to Treat Program offers free tests and treatment at test2treat.org.
- Private health insurance members may receive up to 8 at-home tests each month. Contact your insurance company for details. Find out more about COVID-19 coverage changes.
- You can get free self-tests at any Alameda County Community Testing Site or Community Resource Hub. Each location provides free FDA-approved COVID-19 self-tests upon request while supplies last. Monthly limits may apply.
At-home COVID-19 antigen self-test expiration extensions
Some at-home COVID-19 tests may have an expiration date that has passed. Don’t worry, expiration dates have been extended. To check whether your test kit is still good beyond the printed expiration date, you can refer to the following resources:
- View FDA-authorized list of at-home test kits, including information on expiration dates.
- Check your iHealth Rapid test expiration extension.
The emergency extension applies to all FDA authorized over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, including:
- Abbott BinaxNOWTM COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
- AccessBio CareStartTM COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
- ACON FlowflexTM COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
- iHealthTM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Download pdf
English, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Dari, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Pashto.
- COVID-19 Testing Guidance & Recommendations
- Healthcare Enrollment
If you would like to apply for health insurance:- Visit Covered California to see if you qualify.
- Visit Alameda County Social Services Agency or call (888) 999-4772 to see if you're eligible for Medi-Cal.
- Call the Health Program of Alameda County at (800) 422-9495. They provide affordable care to uninsured people.
- COVID-19 Workplace Guidance
- Visit the Workplace Guidance page for more information.
- Q: Does an employee need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation to return to work?
A: An employer should not require any documentation from an employee with COVID-19 to return to work.
See the latest Workplace Isolation Requirements.
Just tested positive for COVID-19?
Share Your Feedback With Us
We value your feedback and look forward to hearing about your experience at any of our Community Testing Sites. Your input will help us improve our services to better serve you. Submit your feedback here: veoci.com/veoci/p/links/TestingSiteFeedback