Testing Information

Symptomatic Testing

Anyone who believes they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and does not have a primary care provider can call Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, 785-843-3060. 

The website GoGetTested.com/Kansas is the best resource for a complete list of COVID testing options in the community. You can make an appointment on the website for a test in the parking lot at Walmart, 3300 Iowa St., in Lawrence.

If anyone is in need potential testing on the weekend or holiday weekend, screening and possible testing options include:

- Prompt Care — Call 785-838-1510 for pre-screening before coming to urgent care if you are ill. 

- MedExpress clinic — Call  785-841-3123.

- CVS drive-up testing site, 2300 Iowa St. — Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment. 

Potential symptoms include 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; or, diarrhea.

Who Should Quarantine?

  • Close Contacts: People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19- excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past 3 month or who are fully vaccinated. Anyone who has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should monitor for symptoms for 14 days and get tested if symptoms develop.
  • Exceptions for Fully Vaccinated People: People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the disease and show no symptoms. 
    • However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.
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COVID test kit giveaway

KDHE recommends the following people should get tested for COVID-19:

• Adults or Children who have symptoms of COVID-19. Full Guidance

• COVID-19 symptoms can be mild, such as sinus congestion and a runny nose, or more severe, such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone – vaccinated or not - who has symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of how mild, should get tested.

• People without symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status such as:

• Anyone who has had close contact with someone with probable or confirmed COVID-19 (including a person who attended an event identified as a cluster because multiple people at the event developed COVID-19).

• Anyone who has taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19, such as attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.

• Anyone who needs a COVID-19 test for travel or in order to attend an event • Anyone who provides direct care to those at risk for infection (children under age 12, adults over age 65, and people who are immunocompromised or otherwise at risk for serious illness, hospitalization, or death).

• People who live or work in congregate settings such as long-term care facilities or correctional facilities, or anyone who visits residents of these congregate settings.

• People whose schools or workplaces have an on-site testing program.

• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, or state, tribal, local, or territorial health department.

• People who have COVID-19 can spread it to others even if they don’t have symptoms. Get tested periodically, even if you don’t have symptoms or a known exposure.


What are the symptoms?

• Fever or chills • Cough • Sore throat • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • New loss of taste or smell • Muscle or body aches • Fatigue • Headache • Congestion or runny nose • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea