Home / Services / COVID-19 / COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Testing

On This Page

COVID-19 Symptoms

For urgent COVID-19 symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, please seek immediate medical attention.

If you have symptoms: isolate, wear a mask and have a friend or roommate pick up a Rapid Antigen Test for you, or contact your healthcare provider to order a lab test. If the test is positive, view the Positive Test Instructions ». If the test is negative, continue to mask and test again in 24–48 hours. For questions or concerns, call the Nurse Advice Line at (831) 459-2591.

What are COVID-19 symptoms I should look out for?

COVID-19 can feel like a cold, allergies, or the flu and includes the following symptoms: • 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

When should I test for COVID-19?
  1. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19: Test immediately, regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status. If your test is negative but you continue to have symptoms, test again 24–48 hours later. Low amounts of virus early in infection can be missed by a test, and the test can be positive a few days later.
  2. If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19: Test when notified of exposure and 3–5 days after exposure, even if you have no symptoms. Test immediately if symptoms develop.
  3. Consider testing before and 3–5 days after a gathering, a large event or travel, especially if you are going to be around people who are higher risk (older adults, immunocompromised, unvaccinated people).

COVID-19 Testing

PCR Testing is available at a variety of locations in Santa Cruz County.

Accessibility: For accessibility-related assistance, please make an appointment with the Student Health Center by calling (831) 459-2500. We will assist you with the process. Please contact Student Health Services with any questions about COVID-19 testing. Go to Health e-Messenger: Messages → New Messages → COVID-19 Questions.