Governor Jared Polis says the state of Colorado now has enough tests to check for COVID-19 in anyone who is symptomatic. KDNK’s Lucas Turner has more.
Governor Jared Polis says the state of Colorado now has enough tests to check for COVID-19 in anyone who is symptomatic. KDNK’s Lucas Turner has more.
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, a shortage of tests meant only people who were both symptomatic and high-risk were encouraged to get tested, while others, even those with symptoms were advised to stay home.
Governor Jared Polis says starting this week, that guidance is changing.
POLIS: "If you're symptomatic you can get tested. If you're asymptomatic and an essential worker that works with the public you can get tested. There will also be stronger advice to get tested for those who might be at risk of bringing the virus to others as well. And we expect that many people will react to that, and many more people will get tested now knowing that we're no longer discouraging and saying self isolate. We're actually saying you can self isolation but we're actually encouraging you to get tested."
Polis also got tested during his Monday press conference, to showcase the new tests being made available in the state. He says the new tests are faster and more accurate.
POLIS: "This test that we're giving Coloradans is far more accurate than the Abbott test that they use at the White House. The Abbot test is one that we used in a targeted way in Colorado, but this test that we're making widely available for people has a much higher accuracy rate. Everyone who get's tested should have their results back in 24-48 hours."
A list of community testing locations is online at covid19.colorado.gov
As of Monday, the state’s information system does not list any community testing sites in Garfield, Pitkin, or Eagle Counties, noting hat it may be fully up to date yet.
For more on where to get tested or for general questions about COVID-19, you can call the Aspen to Parachute Community COVID-19 Hotline at 970-429-6186
