COVID-19 Testing Guidance

Updated June 20, 2023

COVID-19 testing guidance has changed as the Public Health Emergency ends.

Rapid Antigen Tests (At-Home Kits)

  • Yale Health continues to recommend at-home testing with a rapid antigen test as a first choice when experiencing symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection or in other recommended situations. 
  • Rapid antigen test kits are available for purchase at Yale Health’s Pharmacy at a greatly reduced price, $5 per test kit (about half of the retail cost). Prices may be subject to change in the future.
  • Yale Health will not reimburse the costs of rapid antigen tests purchased after May 11, 2023.
  • If you are currently enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use it to pay for rapid antigen test kits. If you are not, the next opportunity to enroll is during Yale’s Annual Benefits Enrollment period in December 2023.
  • The university will make free rapid antigen tests available on a limited basis to faculty, staff, and students beginning June 20, 2023. Individuals may pick up tests by showing a valid Yale ID at the following locations. 
  • Note: The expiration date of your home test may have been extended. Search the manufacturer or FDA website for more information.

PCR (Laboratory) Tests

  • PCR testing is no longer available through Yale New Haven Health’s self-scheduling portal (which has now closed) or Color. 
  • If you have symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection, perform a rapid antigen test first. If your rapid antigen test is negative and you may be eligible for antiviral treatment or your symptoms persist, call your primary care clinician. An order for a PCR test will be placed if needed.
  • PCR testing by out-of-network providers will not be reimbursed by Yale Health.
  • The cost of PCR testing for administrative purposes (travel, work, daycare, etc.) will not be covered by Yale Health.

Close Contact Guidance

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, it is important to notify your close contacts so they can take steps to test, mask, and monitor for symptoms.
  • Yale faculty, staff, and students may access our anonymous close contact notification form to notify close contacts who have a Yale email address. (You must have a netID to access the form.) 
  • For all others, the CDC provides guidance for those who have been exposed to COVID-19.