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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
    Close Menu
  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
    Close Menu
  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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    • Apply
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    • Report
      • Potholes
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COVID-19: Get Tested

Page updated on March 6, 2023 at 1:42 PM

COVID-19 Information

  • COVID-19 Homepage
  • Get Tested
  • Get Vaccinated
  • When to Stay Home
  • Help with Basic Needs
  • Support & Guidance for Businesses/Schools
  • Data Dashboards
    • Case & Fatality History
    • Vaccinations
    • Community Level & Transmission
    • Demographics
    • Food Distribution
    • Emergency Rent Relief Assistance
    • Virginia Daily Dashboard
    • Virginia COVID-19 Data Insights
  • Strategic & Recovery Plans
  • FAQs
  • Stay Connected

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When to Get Tested

Here are some of the times when you would need to get tested for COVID-19:

  • You have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • You were in close contact with someone who had COVID-19 at the time (your timeline for how soon to get tested will depend on your vaccination status, see the recommendations here).
  • You have been asked or referred to get tested by your school, workplace, healthcare provider, or local health department.
  • You will be visiting someone who lives in a nursing home or other long-term care facility and/or is at risk for severe COVID-19 complications. 
  • You will be traveling internationally and a negative test is required.
  • You are not fully vaccinated and are required to test regularly for work or school.
  • You are not fully vaccinated and you are about to travel or traveled recently.

For the full list of times when testing is currently recommended, visit the VDH testing guidance page.
Please note, that this guidance may be different if you have recently had a COVID-19 infection, refer to the VDH guidance about what to do in that situation.

Where to Get Tested

Most listed locations accept insurance, and locations that do not accept insurance are noted. Find more information on free testing resources in the COVID.gov/tests "Other Testing Resources" section or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Check with your primary healthcare provider to see if they are offering tests; if your doctor does not have testing available, you can use one of the facilities listed below or consider picking up rapid home antigen tests at many local retailers and pharmacies. Please call ahead at the location you choose, to check that they have testing supplies available:

Free Rapid Home Antigen Tests from USPS

New orders made for free at-home COVID-19 tests are expected to ship the week of December 19, 2022.
Learn more at COVID.gov/tests.

Find more information on free federal testing resources in the COVID.gov/tests "Other Testing Resources" section or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

Alexandria Public Libraries
Free rapid home antigen tests are available at multiple APL branches. Please check the link above for info including locations and branch phone numbers, to call ahead about availability. 

Curative PCR Testing Locations (Closing December 26, 2022) 
Free PCR testing that is available to anyone, regardless of insurance status; ID is not required. Visit curative.com or call the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703.746.4988 for available appointments, walk-ups are also welcome. All Alexandria Curative COVID-19 testing kiosks are closing permanently on December 26, 2022.
*Inclement weather may delay curative kiosk openings or close them entirely, visit curative.com for weather-related closures and appointment availability.

  • Mobile Van @ Casa Chirilagua
    4109 Mt Vernon Ave, 

  • Ben Brenman Park Kiosk
    4800 Brenman Park Dr.  

  • Charles Houston Recreation Center Kiosk
    901 Wythe St.  

Neighborhood Health Clinics
Both PCR (3-5 days) and Rapid antigen (15 minutes) testing is available for free to existing patients. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required and discounts are available for those who need them. At this time, COVID-19 testing is limited to existing Neighborhood Health patients. For anyone who wants to become a patient of Neighborhood Health, please call 703.535.5568.

  • 2 E. Glebe Rd.
  • 1200 N. Howard St.

  • 6677 Richmond Hwy.

Alexandria Immediate Care
PCR and rapid antigen testing available, but seeing a doctor (either virtually or walk-in) is required for testing. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Cost without insurance is $220.00 for the virtual visit and the PCR or rapid testing. Call 571.308.6776 or visit the website linked for an appointment. 

  • 6020 Richmond Hwy. #102  

Patient First – Alexandria
PCR and rapid antigen testing available, but seeing a doctor is required for testing. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Without insurance, office visits start at $129.00 plus the cost of testing, due prior to receiving care. Testing without insurance is $53 for a rapid test and $100-109 for PCR. Call 703.647.6087 with questions. 

  • 6311 Richmond Hwy.

Nova Patient Care
PCR and rapid antigen testing available, but seeing a doctor is required for testing. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Expedited/next day results available with an added $45 fee. Cost without insurance starts at $125 for a doctor's visit, plus the cost of testing ($175 for PCR testing or $50 for rapid testing). Alexandria City locations are listed, but visit the website for other locations in the area and to schedule an appointment (or call 703.348.9111 and leave a message).

  • 526 N. Henry St.
  • 7609 Richmond Hwy.

Nova Urgent & Primary Care (Alexandria Health Care Center)
PCR and rapid antigen testing available, but seeing a doctor is required for testing. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Medicare not accepted. 1 to 2 day turnaround time for PCR tests and 20 minute turnaround time for rapid tests. Cost without insurance is $100 for a doctor’s visit, plus $150 for PCR testing or $75 for rapid testing. Call 703.847.9800 or visit the website for an appointment.

  • 5249 Duke St. #100  

Doctors to You
PCR and rapid antigen testing available for anyone who wants to get tested. This is a concierge house-call service, insurance is not accepted. Call 202.545.3300 or visit the website linked to make an appointment.
*$300 testing fee plus cost of house call. 

Modern Mobile Medicine
PCR and rapid antigen testing available for anyone who wants to get tested, insurance accepted for laboratory PCR tests only. Without insurance PCR testing is $100, rapid (one-hour) PCR testing is $225, rapid antigen testing is $99. Costs are discounted for members, membership is $99. Call 888.765.1444 with questions.    

CVS Minute Clinic
PCR and rapid antigen testing available for anyone who wants to get tested. Testing is free with most insurance, and $139 for PCR/$100 for rapid testing without insurance, with a 4 day turnaround time. Call the specific CVS location or visit the website linked to make an appointment.

  • Multiple locations in the Northern Virginia and D.C. areas.

Juberi Medical Center
PCR and rapid antigen testing available for anyone who wants to get tested, doctor's appointment not required. Walk-ins welcome. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Without insurance, Rapid tests are $100 with a 30 minute turnaround time. PCR tests are $200 without insurance, with a 2 day turnaround. Call 703.997.9699 or visit the website linked for an appointment.

  • 2817 Duke St.

AllCare Family Medicine & Urgent Care of Alexandria
PCR and rapid antigen testing are both available, but seeing a doctor is required for testing. Walk-ins welcome. Most insurance accepted and testing is free with insurance. Cost without insurance is $220 for the virtual visit and PCR or rapid test. Call 703.751.8800 or visit the website linked for an appointment.

  • 6020 Richmond Hwy.  
  • 3117 Duke Street

Blue Nile Medical Center
PCR and rapid antigen testing are both available, but seeing a doctor is required for testing. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Cost without insurance is $85 for doctor visit and $150 for PCR or $40 for rapid antigen test. Call 703.845.0700 for appointments.

  • 85 S. Bragg St., Suite 100 

CN Internal Medicine
PCR and rapid antigen testing are both available, but seeing a doctor is required for testing. Most insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Medicare not accepted. Visits are $150 for new patients and $75 for returning patients. Testing without insurance is $100-120 for PCR or rapid antigen testing, in addition to a $30 uninsured service charge. Test results in 48 hours for PCR tests and 15 minutes for rapid antigen tests. Call 703.212.9190 or visit the website for an appointment.

  • 5226 Dawes Ave.

Medstar Health Urgent Care 
PCR and rapid testing available, but a virtual visit with a doctor may be required for a testing referral if you have symptoms. Appointments required for all testing. PCR test results in 3 to 5 days. All insurance accepted, but insurance is not required. Cost for PCR testing is $50 without insurance. Call 703.845.2815 or visit the website linked for an appointment.

  • 3610D King St.

Additional facilities in Virginia can be found on the Virginia Department of Health website.

Testing Overview

Care and testing is available through providers all across Alexandria, whether or not you have insurance. Talk to the facility directly about identification requirements and whether you qualify for free or reduced cost care. 

Test results provide information about one point in time. You may also become exposed to the virus or develop COVID-19 after your test, so keep practicing common sense safety measures like wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently.

Rapid home tests are antigen tests, which are a little less effective at detecting COVID-19 infections compared to PCR (molecular) tests. Because of this, and especially if PCR testing is unavailable, remember to take two rapid antigen tests a few days apart. When you are sick, take a test, and be sure to test again two days later if your first test is negative.

If your test is positive, follow the guidance below and read more about what to do on our next steps page, about what to do if you have or were exposed to COVID-19.

When Should I Use a Rapid Home Test vs a PCR COVID-19 Test?

Here’s the bottom line: when COVID-19 cases are surging, any test is better than none. But if you have options, here are the best times to use each type of test:

Going to an indoor or crowded event? 
A rapid home test on the same day is best.

Went to a crowded event or other high risk situation? 
A rapid home test or PCR test 3-5 days after the event.

Going to be travelling by plane?
Timing and test type depends on the airline's requirements, but PCR tests are preferred.

Have COVID-19 symptoms but you are not a close contact?
A PCR test is best, but rapid home test is fine, take either as soon as symptoms start.

Have COVID-19 symptoms and you are a close contact?
A PCR test is best, but rapid home test is fine, take either as soon as symptoms start.

Informed you're a close contact of someone with COVID-19 but don't have symptoms?
PCR preferred, but rapid home test is fine. Take either 5 days after exposure.
 

Understanding Test Results:

  • A positive home or PCR test result means you have the virus. Follow Alexandria Health Department’s guidance on what to do if you are sick and isolate from others. Next, notify any close contacts. If you must be in contact with others, wear a mask and practice physical distancing to reduce the risk of getting other people sick.
  • A negative rapid home test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have an infection, but it does not completely rule it out. You should repeat the test at least 24 hours later to increase confidence that you are not infected.
  • If you have a negative rapid home test followed by a positive rapid home test or PCR test, your first test may have been incorrect or done too soon after exposure, and you should assume you are positive. If you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully, a negative result means your current illness is probably not COVID-19, though it does not completely rule out a COVID-19 infection. 

A Positive Test Result

You may receive a call from a case investigator at the Health Department, to figure out who your close contacts are and to connect you with needed resources while you stay home. Read more about contact tracing here. If you do not get a call due to the current surge, do not wait to take these steps! 

 Regardless of your vaccination status, begin isolation:

  • Day 1 to 5: Stay home and away from others.
    • If you have symptoms, day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms started.
    • If you never had symptoms, day 1 is the first full day after your positive test.
  • Day 6 to 10:
    • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving, you can leave your house. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask to reduce any risk of infecting others. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until 24 hours after your fever resolves.
  • Notify your close contacts. Close contacts are people who were within 6 feet of you for more than 15 minutes in the two days prior to your symptoms or test date. Tell them “I recently tested positive for COVID-19, so you should get tested and wear a mask.” 
    • If you attended an event or gathering, notify the organizer.
    • If you work, notify your supervisor.
    • If you attend school or other activities, notify the principal or designated COVID-19 contact person.

     

  • Ask for help if you need it to stay at home during your isolation. You can get food, rent assistance, or other support by calling the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 703.746.4988

  • You can not “test out” of isolation. You cannot stop your isolation early, even if you test again and receive a negative result before five days have passed.

It is critical to monitor your symptoms after a positive test because while most people may have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can become severe regardless of age or underlying conditions. Seek medical attention immediately or call 911 if you develop trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; bluish lips or face; or inability to wake or stay awake. If you seek medical care, call ahead and tell them that you have COVID-19.

A Negative Test Result

A negative test likely means you were not infected with COVID-19 at the time your specimen was collected. However, a negative test does not mean that you will not get sick.

It also is possible to be early in your infection when your sample is collected and get a negative result then test positive later. This is more likely to be the case with some variants, such as Omicron. You can also be exposed later and then develop illness.

If you were instructed to quarantine due to an exposure to COVID-19, you should not end your quarantine early because of a negative test.

Have an Expired Home Test?

If you have test kits at home that are expired, you can use the resources above to replace them. If you think they might have been among the tests with an extended expiration date, you can check for the lot number here.

More Information

For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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