Covid-19: Where can you still get tested?

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In many pharmacies, it will still be possible to be tested for COVID-19 – but no longer free of charge.
SARS-CoV-2 is primarily contracted by inhaling virus-containing particles. This has not changed since the start of the Corona pandemic in 2020. However, the possibility of being tested for infection has changed, for example, by means of antigen tests or the PCR method.

Since July 1, 2023, free testing has only been available as part of medical treatment. If one exhibits characteristic symptoms, the attending general practitioner can perform an antigen test and possibly a PCR test for confirmation.

No more free gargles
Free PCR gargle tests are no more. The end of the “Everything Gargles” PCR testing program, which was rolled out on a large scale during the crisis years, recently also meant the lot of Lifebrain, the large laboratory responsible: operations had to be completely shut down as of the end of July. Lifebrain has evaluated more than 60 million PCR tests in Austria.

You can still get tested in many pharmacies – but as a private service. It is advisable to inquire at the pharmacy (by phone or mail) whether testing (PCR and antigen) is still performed there. Corona testing is also possible in private laboratories for a fee.

Anyone who fears being ill can call the free health advice line at 1450. Notifying illness by telephone, long permitted during the pandemic, is no longer possible.