Can someone test negative and later test positive on a viral test for COVID-19?

Yes, it is possible. You may test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then. Even if you test negative, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others.

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1. What should I do if I get sick or someone in my house gets sick?
2. What should I do if I have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
3. What is the difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic testing?
4. What do contact tracing and close contact mean?
5. What increases your risk of infection?
6. I recently traveled outside of Plumas County or someone outside of the county came to visit me and later tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
7. Is there a cost to get tested?
8. Can someone test negative and later test positive on a viral test for COVID-19?
9. How can I get tested for a past infection (antibody test) and what does my test mean?