Testing

For those aged 60 and older and those in at-risk groups – it is advised to take a PCR test when necessary to get tested. People aged 30 and older can take a PCR test at the HMO clinics or Home Front Command facilities.

Map of authorized testing sites

When to take a PCR test

1. Those aged 60 and older or in at-risk groups in the following cases

• 72 hours after exposure to COVID-19 confirmed case
  Isolation info for those who had close contact with COVID-19 confirmed cases
• If you have fever
  Enter isolation until receiving negative result or until 48 hours pass without fever and no fever reduction medicaments use.
  Isolation info for those with fever or symptoms
• If there are symptoms consistent with COVID-19
  In case of coughing or difficulty breathing – it is advised to get tested.
  Isolation info for those with fever or symptoms
• Isolation reduction
  Non-vaccinated or non-recovered who go into isolation after close contact with a confirmed COVID household member, can take tests from day 5 since the last contact with the confirmed case.
  Isolation reduction guidance
  
•  Vaccinated or recovered caregivers for a confirmed case who is under the age of 12 or has difficulty caring for himself
   Guidance for caregivers of a confirmed case who has difficulty caring for himself
• Non-vaccinated or non-recovered living with a confirmed case 
   Guidance for caregivers of a confirmed COVID case household member

2. As part of 'Magen Education' program:
Students in educational establishments that participate in the program will take a PCR test once a week at their educational establishment.

When to take a rapid test at an authorized site

For those under the age of 60 and not belonging to at-risk groups:

• 72 hours after exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case
  Isolation info for those who had close contact with confirmed COVID-19 case
• If you fever of 38 degrees and more
  If you have fever - enter isolation until negative test result received or 48 hours passed after fever broke without use of fever reduction medicaments.
  Isolation info for those with fever or symptoms
• If there are symptoms
  In case of coughing or difficulty breathing - it is recommended to do a test.
  Isolation info for those with fever or symptoms
• To reduce the isolation period
  Non-vaccinated and non-infected individuals who went into isolation due to close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 household member, can take tests from day 5 since the last contact with the confirmed case.
  Isolation reduction guidance
• Vaccinated or recovered caregivers for a confirmed case who is under the age of 12 or has difficulty caring for himself
   Guidance for caregivers of a confirmed case who has difficulty caring for himself
• Non-vaccinated or non-recovered living with a confirmed case 
   Guidance for caregivers of a confirmed case household member
• Prior to visiting health and welfare institutions:
  When visiting health and welfare institutions (such as assisted living or nursing homes), non-vaccinated and non-recovered must present a negative result on a rapid test taken at an authorized site in the 24 hours prior to the visit. Vaccinated and recovered can be tested at an authorized site or take a home test and present a certificate attesting a negative result on that test (for children under the age of 3 - a test is not required prior to a visit).

When to take a home test

• If you are a COVID-19 confirmed case
  In order to exit after 5 isolation days, a home test should be taken on day 4  eve and on day 5 eve (positive test day being first day). you can end isolation if both test are negative, there are no symptoms 48 hours prior and you received a HMO recovery certificate. In order to be recognized as a confirmed case, a PCR test or a rapid test at a supervised site is required. 
  Guidance for confirmed COVID-19 cases
• 72 hours after exposure to COVID-19 confirmed case
  It is advised to take a test 72 hours after exposure to a confirmed case. If the test result is positive, you will be required to take a rapid test at an authorized site in order to be recognized as a confirmed case and later as a recovered case.
  Isolation for close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case
• If there are symptoms consistent with COVID-19
  Vaccinated and recovered individuals not belonging to risks groups and exhibit coughing or difficulty breathing are advised to take a home test. Positive test result – take a rapid test at an authorized site in order to be recognized as a confirmed case and later as a recovered case.
  Please note: Those with fever are required to go into isolation until receiving a negative result on a rapid test taken at an authorized site or until 48 hours have passed after the fever is reduced without use of fever reduction medicaments.
  Isolation info for those with symptoms

Important: home tests cannot be used for isolation reduction for those who are not a confirmed case, or for being recognized as a confirmed case and later as recovered.