COVID-19: What you need to know about testing

To meet state guidelines, the County of San Mateo needs to administer about 1,200 tests per day, through hospitals, private testing companies, and the free program available through Verily. Please check with your company and/or primary provider for other options.

Project Baseline

Testing is free and available to anyone without restriction, although an appointment is required in advance. To make an appointment, residents can visit Project Baseline’s website (use this hyperlink: https://bit.ly/2xk73OL). Registration opens 72 hours before testing dates. Remember to bring your photo ID and the reference ID from your confirmation email.
If you don't have access to the internet, an on-site volunteer may be able to help you register and get tested. 

UPDATE: Those being tested can now swab their nostrils themselves. Watch the video above or click on the PDF at the bottom of this page for details about the testing procedure.

After being tested, residents will receive results and other information by email. San Mateo County Health will reach out to residents who test positive.

UPCOMING TESTING LOCATIONS AND DATES:
(Registration opens 72 hours before testing dates - see information above. Testing is open to all.)

DALY CITY
Jefferson Union High School District Office
699 Serramonte Boulevard

Daly City Testing Dates
Tuesday, July 14  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 15  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 21  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 22  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

EAST PALO ALTO
2160 Euclid Ave.

East Palo Alto Testing Dates
Thursday, July 16  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Friday, July 17  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Thursday, July 23  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Friday, July 24  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

HALF MOON BAY
Cunha Intermediate School
600 Church St.

Half Moon Bay Testing Dates
Tuesday, July 7  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

NORTH FAIR OAKS
Everest High School
455 Fifth Ave, Redwood City

North Fair Oaks Testing Dates 
Thursday, July 2  (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Friday, July 3  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Thursday, July 9  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Friday, July 10  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

SAN BRUNO
999 Bayhill Drive

San Bruno Testing Dates
Wednesday, July 8  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

SAN MATEO
San Mateo County Event Center
1346 Saratoga Drive

San Mateo Testing Dates
Monday, July 6  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Monday, July 13  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Monday, July 20  (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

What if I test positive?

On April 6, 2020, the San Mateo County Health Officer issued mass isolation and quarantine orders for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. They must isolate themselves and not leave their home or other residence except to receive necessary medical care or during an emergency that requires evacuation.

The full isolation order is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Tagalog.

Directions on how to isolate are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Tagalog.

What if I am in close contact with someone who is positive?

Close contacts of those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 need to stay home even though they may not feel sick. They must remain in quarantine for 14 days and follow the social distancing requirements described in the health officer’s Shelter in Place Order.

The full quarantine order is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Tagalog.

Directions on how to quarantine are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Tagalog.