When to take rapid test

[Des1nary]

Question, how soon should I take a rapid test? I was notified my coworker caught covid yesterday. The last time I saw him was Friday or 4 Days ago. We both wore mask and saw each other for about 5 minutes mask. I would say 3 feet is the closest we got. I can’t find much info on rapid testing. What are your thoughts?

Thank you

[Paxiled]

The sad advice is, you need to self-isolate and quarantine.  I know, who wants to do that, and I'm guessing given the uncontrolled spread of the virus most aren't doing this anymore.  But that's the official advice.  The quick tests have a low accuracy rate, so while it might make you feel better, it won't be definitive.  Tests are also a bit misleading in their results, as it can be you just haven't built up enough viral load for the test to pick up yet.  The more accurate test would be the PCR test, which does take longer to get results back, but even here, early tests miss a lot because the person hasn't gotten to the point yet where the test can be accurate.  You can take either kind of test any time you want assuming in your area the test is available.  Because your contact was masked and short, you're probably okay, but probably isn't definitely, and if you were doing exactly what health experts have been recommending since the beginning of this nightmare, you would be self-isolating for 14 days (now down to 10, I think, to assure more compliance) to see if symptoms arise and getting tested if possible.  What you choose to do is up to you, but that's the official advice.  Peace.

[CurfewX]

A rapid test can be given as early as on the day of exposure - this testing site has info: https://www.medicalofficesofmanhattan.com/rapid-covid-test/

Since it's been about 5 days since exposure, you can also take a regular antibody test.  Hopefully, after such a brief exposure, plus mask-wearing, you won't have COVID.