Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing: A Guide

As New York State and areas across the country begin to relax travel, wedding and event restrictions, the Centers for Disease Control and public health experts are recommending (and in some cases requiring) asymptomatic COVID-19 testing to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Where can I get an asymptomatic COVID-19 test?

• Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care: With multiple locations throughout Rochester and surrounding areas, RRH Immediate Care offers walk-in rapid COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients with 30-minute results. These locations also urgent care services, medical evaluations for COVID-19 and may recommend PCR testing if you are symptomatic or concerned about a possible exposure.
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• ViraScan Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing site: A service offered by Drugscan and ACM Global Laboratories, ViraScan Viral Testing is offering asymptomatic PCR testing with 24-hour results for walk-ins and appointments scheduled through an online portal. Located in Rochester, the site is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM – 7 PM.
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What do I need asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for?

There are plenty of circumstances in which you might need or want a COVID-19 test when asymptomatic. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test may be necessary to attend an event, or you may prefer to have such results before visiting with a loved one. Here are some events and occasions in which you may need asymptomatic testing:

Weddings

As of March 15, 2021, weddings and other catered events resumed statewide at 50 percent capacity with no more than 150 people per event. All wedding guests must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be tested for COVID-19 prior to the event, regardless of the number of attendees.

Events

Beginning March 22, 2021, updated New York State guidelines on other large gatherings and events took effect. Events, arts, and entertainment venues have reopened at 33 percent capacity, or up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors.

If all attendees present proof of a negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase to a limit of 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings are required for all attendees, along with strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance.

Travel

All travelers entering New York from another U.S. state or from international travel must fill out the Traveler Health Form, monitor symptoms for 14 days, and immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop.

• International Travelers: Must also obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York. Upon arrival in New York, international travelers must either quarantine for 7 days with a test 3-5 days after travel, or quarantine for the full 10 days without a test. This requirement applies to all international travelers whether they were tested before boarding, are recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection, or are fully vaccinated.
• Domestic Travelers: Domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine or obtain a COVID-19 test after arriving in New York from any US state or territory. New York State Department of Health still recommends quarantine as an added precaution, although it is not required.

Learn more about the New York State COVID-19 Travel Advisory.

Employers

New York Forward offers reopening guidelines for businesses based on regions and offers industry-specific guidance on how to safely operate. Testing is not required for most non-healthcare industries, however, an employer may choose to incorporate COVID-19 testing as a return-to-work process.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers guidance on how COVID-19 testing “may be incorporated” into an approach to reduce transmission in non-healthcare workplaces, along with other recommendations for return-to-work processes.