A lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the detection of nucleocapsid protein antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2. Uses anterior nasal swab specimens directly collected from individuals who are suspected of having COVID-19 by their health-care provider within the first 7 days of symptom onset, when tested at least twice over three days with at least 48 hours between tests or from individuals without symptoms or other epidemiological reasons to suspect COVID-19 when tested at least three times over five days with at least 48 hours between tests.