If this is a medical emergency, stop and dial 911.

Before you get started, here is what you need to know!

If you're feeling well or only have mild symptoms, it's best to touch base with your local health department before seeing a doctor. That's because people who live in areas with limited COVID-19 testing capacity will require approval from public health officials before they are tested.

Make an appointment with your doctor.

If you have fever, chills, cough, headache or another flu-like symptom do NOT walk into a clinic or hospital. You may be turned away and asked to make an appointment. Many providers around the country offer telemedicine visits for COVID-19 evaluations at no charge. Some providers even allow patients to book appointments online. Click around the map to find the healthcare provider that meets your needs.

Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you are eligible for testing based on public health guidelines, you'll be given directions to the nearest COVID-19 specimen collection area. This may be an isolated area within the same healthcare facility, a nearby clinical lab, or even a specially-designated area at a your local area. The key thing to remember is to follow directions and to allow yourself plenty of time to get there - especially if your are given an appointment for this part of the process.