Do I Need to Go for a COVID-19 Test?

  1. Are you ill?
    • No: You do not need a COVID-19 test.
    • Yes: Have you had close personal contact (within 1,5m distance for more than 15 minutes) with a known positive case of COVID-19?
      • Yes: You should consult with a doctor and will most likely have a COVID-19 test
      • No: You should consult with a doctor, but might not have a COVID-19 test. The current epidemic rate in your area as well as your clinical signs and symptoms will have a large role in whether you need a test or not.
  1. Are you traveling?
    • No: You do not need a COVID-19 test.
    • Yes: International travel requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test that is not more than 72 hours old. Domestic Travel does not require a COVID-19 test.
  1. Are you being hospitalized or going for surgery?
    • No: You do not need a COVID-19 test.
    • Yes: Most hospitals in South Africa require a negative COVID-19 PCR test for elective admissions. Emergency cases will be admitted and operated, but you will most likely be required to have a test on admission to rule out the possibility of COVID-19 infection.
  1. Have you been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person? (You are asymptomatic)
    • No: You do not need a COVID-19 test.
    • Yes: Was the contact more than 72 hours ago?
      • Yes: You do not need a COVID-19 test
      • No: You do not need a COVID-19 test. You should self-isolate for 10 days, if you become ill, please call your local doctor and make an appointment with them.
  1. Is the person you are living with POSITIVE for COVID-19?
    • No: You do not need a COVID-19 test.
    • Yes: You do not need a COVID-19 test. You should self-isolate for 10 days, if you become ill, please call your local doctor and make an appointment with them.

In summary, the only people who need to have a COVID-19 test are those who are physically ill and have had contact with a known positive case, hospital admissions or international travellers. Patients who develop influenza like symptoms should first consult with a doctor. The doctor will then make a decision if a test is needed based on clinical signs and symptoms as well as the current local rate of COVID-19 transmission.