CDPHE reminds Coloradoans of free, accessible, community testing sites
The state is encouraging all Coloradans who need or want to get a COVID-19 test to go to any of the many community testing sites located throughout the state. There are no identification or insurance requirements, and the tests are free.
People exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested immediately. Anyone who has been or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, but does not have symptoms, should get tested 7 days after exposure. The state of Colorado testing guidance differs from what the CDC released yesterday. We currently have the capacity to test anyone who wants to get tested.
Anyone who got tested because of symptoms or because of a possible exposure should be in isolation/quarantine while waiting for the test result. All individuals who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine and limit their exposure to others for a full 14 days, even if they have testing done and that testing is negative.
Colorado is in its 4th week of declining cases, and testing is a critical mechanism to keeping cases down.
“Because of Coloradans’ commitment to health and wellness-- we’ve been able to slow the spread of COVID-19. But we know it can creep up if we aren’t diligent. We need to keep wearing our masks, keep physically distancing, keep staying home when you’re sick, and if you need a test, get tested!” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE.
There are more than 50 free community testing sites across the state, as well as dozens of locations offered by private providers. The state’s website has a list of locations
About 2.7% of all tests have come back positive within the last 7 days, indicating that testing is robust enough to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As the Labor Day holiday nears, the state cautions that while tests are a powerful tool, a negative test doesn’t mean it’s ok to meet in large gatherings or ignore other public health orders, like mask wearing. All Coloradans need to mask up, physically distance, avoid large gatherings, and stay home while sick. After Independence Day, we saw an increase in cases.
“Now is the time to plan ahead to put safety first this Labor Day holiday. We can enjoy the last weeks of summer, while also staying healthy,” said Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE. “If you have symptoms or get exposed to the virus, it’s critical to follow the quarantine guidance. From what we know about the virus, it can spread even when you are feeling ok-- and you could test negative if the disease is in its early stages. We all need to err on the side of caution to protect one another.”
Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov
