Testing

When to take a COVID-19 test

1. If you receive a positive result on a home COVID-19 test (not a remote authorized test)

In order to be considered a confirmed COVID case by the Health System and then recovered, one of the following tests must be done:
• PCR test
• Authorized test (also called supervised)
• Remote authorized antigen home test (for a fee)

Please note: Positive results on a home COVID-19 test (not a remote authorized test) cannot be used to define a person as verified and then as recovering, since it is not registered within the Heath System.
Further information on tests >

2. If you are a confirmed COVID-19 case
The duration of isolation for confirmed COVID patients is 7 days. You can exit the isolation in 5 days if you receive two negative test results in a home antigen test taken on day 4 eve and on day 5 eve (positive test day being first day), and only if there are no symptoms 48 hours prior, and you received a HMO recovery certificate.
Guidance for confirmed COVID-19 cases >

3. Before visiting a health and welfare facilities
When visiting health and welfare facility (for example, assisted living facility or a nursing home) you must present a negative result on an authorized antigen test you did within 24 hours of entering the place, or proof of a negative result on a home antigen test you performed within 24 hours of entering the facility (children under age 3 do not require a pre-visit test).

When is it recommended take a COVID-19 test

In addition to cases where a test should be done, there are cases when it is recommended to take a test, especially for those aged 60 and older and for those in at-risk groups, to find out if you were infected and to receive medical treatment in time.

These are the cases where it is recommended to take a COVID-19 test:

1. 72 hours after exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case
If you were exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient, it is recommended to take a home test 72 hours after the exposure. In case the result is positive – you must take a PCR test or an authorized test at a authorized testing sites, or a remote authorized antigen home test for a fee, to be considered as confirmed and later as recovered in the Health System. 
Further information on tests >

2. If there are symptoms consistent with COVID-19
If you have fever, cough, or difficulty breathing – it is recommended to take a home COVID-19 test. In case the result is positive – you must take a PCR test or an authorized test at a authorized testing sites, or a remote authorized antigen home test for a fee, to be considered as confirmed and later as recovered in the Health System. 

3. After receiving a borderline-positive PCR test result

It is recommended to take an additional PCR test, or an authorized test at a authorized testing sites, or a remote authorized antigen home test for a fee - within 24 to 72 hours after the first test. If the result is positive - you will be defined as confirmed and then as recovered.

Isolation Guidance for confirmed COVID-19 cases >

4. Anyone returning from abroad (at any age) who does not feel well during the first 10 days after returning to Israel – is recommended to take a PCR test. In contrast to antigen testing, PCR allows detection of new variants brought into Israel from overseas. The test can be taken from 8:00-22:00, in the reception hall of the Israeli airport after collecting the luggage and exiting customs (complex G, positions 21-20). The test can also be done at a Home Front Command testing compound or at HMOs.
The test is free for those who present a flight ticket, cruise ticket or confirmation of payment of an exit fee from Israel (at a land border crossing) during the last 20 days. For people over 30 years of age, PCR tests don't require the presentation of these documents.
Map of COVID0-19 testing centers >