FREE COVID-19 TESTS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Each U.S household can order up to 4 free at-home OTC tests at covidtests.gov
Need help placing an order? Call 1-800-232-2333.
For countywide access to testing resources, please see How to Get a Test.
Alameda County is still providing free over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests for eligible* individuals and families. See our Community Testing Map to find a test distribution site near you.
Testing helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remember to test before and after gatherings, and before returning to work or school. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been exposed:
- Test yourself using an OTC COVID-19 test every 24-48 hours and follow the updated Testing Guidance from CDPH
- Isolate while you wait and if positive, follow the Isolation recommendations.
- Don’t wait to seek life-saving treatment.
How to Get a Test
Here are different ways you can get tests.
- For Individuals needing over-the-counter (OTC) COVID tests, visit the Community Testing Map to find a test distribution site near you.
- For community-based organization serving eligible individuals, please use the Testing Resource Request form to submit a request for OTC tests.
- For skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), long-term care facilities (LTCFs), and elder care facilities supporting populations who are high risk for severe diseases, please request OTC tests directly from CDPH using this link: At-Home (OTC) COVID-19 Test Order. If your organization is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, please submit your request here.
- Individuals at high risk for severe illnesses, or those requiring confirmation of an antigen test result, can obtain a PCR test from a local Community Testing Site.
- The federal government periodically offers free OTC tests. To find out when free tests are available, visit covidtests.gov for the latest information.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Test
Here are some ways you can get free OTC 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 tests.
Other languages: Spanish | Arabic | Traditional Chinese | Korean | Punjabi | Tagalog | Vietnamese - 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
- Most private health insurance plans will pay or reimburse for 8 at-home test kits per month. Details are different for each plan. Please contact your provider for more information. Find out more about COVID-19 coverage changes
- You can get free OTC tests at any Alameda County Community Testing Site or Community Resource Hub
Expiring OTC COVID-19 Tests
Most OTC tests can be safely used past the due date. You can still use expired tests as long as the control line is visible after the solution drops have been added.
Some OTC 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, refer to the FDA-authorized list of at-home test kits.
Read more: My Test is Expiring (pdf)
Other languages: Spanish | Arabic | Farsi | Traditional Chinese | Tagalog | Vietnamese
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*
317 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Services available at this location
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- PCR Testing (by appointment only, Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, when clinically necessary)
- COVID-19 treatment referrals
- Healthcare enrollment assistance referrals
Important: PCR testing is by appointment only. To schedule, please call (510) 735-3222. When you arrive, wait outside and call (510) 917-0483. Our staff will come downstairs to assist you.
More information: https://asianhealthservices.org/ahs-covid-sites/
Homies Empowerment
7641 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94605
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- COVID-19 guidance
Walk-ups are welcome. 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
- 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
Oakland Public Library - 81st Avenue Branch
1021 81st Ave, Oakland, CA 94621
Monday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 615-5812 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/81A/
Oakland Public Library - African American Museum and Library at Oakland
659 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
Monday – Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 637-0200 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/AAA/
Oakland Public Library – Asian Branch
388 Ninth St, Suite 190, Oakland, CA 94607
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 638-3400 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/ASA/
Oakland Public Library – Brookfield Branch
9255 Edes Ave, Oakland, CA 94603
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 615-5725 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/BRA/
Oakland Public Library – César E. Chávez Branch
3301 East 12th St, Suite 271, Oakland, CA 94601
Monday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 615-5725 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/CCA/
Oakland Public Library – Dimond Branch
3565 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 482-7844 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/DMA/
Oakland Public Library – Eastmont Branch
7200 Bancroft Ave, Suite 211, Oakland, CA 94605
Monday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 615-5726 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/EAA/
Oakland Public Library – Elmhurst Branch
1427 88th Ave, Oakland, CA 94621
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 615-5727 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/ELA/
Oakland Public Library – Golden Gate Branch
5606 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 597-5023 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/GGA/
Oakland Public Library – Lakeview Branch
550 El Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94610
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 238-7344 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/LVA/
Oakland Public Library – Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
6833 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 615-5728 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/KGA/
Oakland Public Library – Melrose Branch
805 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 535-5623 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/MEA/
Oakland Public Library – Montclair Branch
1687 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 535-5623 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/MOA/
Oakland Public Library – Piedmont Avenue Branch
80 Echo Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 597-5011 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/PMA/
Oakland Public Library – Rockridge Branch
85366 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 597-597-5017 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/RRA/
Oakland Public Library – Temescal Branch
5205 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 597-5049 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/TMA/
Oakland Public Library – West Oakland Branch
1801 Adeline St, Oakland, CA 94607
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Services avaiable at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up to date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations
For more information, call (510) 238-7352 or visit https://oaklandlibrary.org/locations/WAS/
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
Monday, 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
Walk-ups are welcome. 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
Eden Youth and Family Center
680 W Tennyson Rd, Hayward, CA 94544
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services available at this location:
- OTC self-test kits available for pick-up
- Up-do-date COVID-19 guidance & recommendations
Walk-ups are welcome.
More information: edenyouth.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
San Lorenzo Unified Family Resource Center
20450 Royal Ave, Hayward, CA 94541
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 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.
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.
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.
|
|
If you would like to apply for health insurance
|
|
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
