San Juan Basin Public Health announced the availability of Cue testing, a highly accurate, rapid COVID-19 test now available in La Plata and Archuleta counties. The two counties are among the first in the country to have rapid community testing available to the general public.
Cue, a rapid nucleic acid amplification test, is easy for patients and, in most cases, provides results in less than 30 minutes. Cue tests are highly accurate at identifying both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19. Access to testing results in minutes, instead of days, allows for quick identification of cases and helps limit the spread of COVID-19, according to the health department.
As of Monday, Cue tests were available at La Plata County and Archuleta County fairgrounds testing sites. Residents are encouraged (but not required) to preregister online for a Cue test at www.primarybio.com/l/cdphe.
The Archuleta County COVID-19 testing site will relocate Friday to the property of the Pagosa Springs Medical Center, 95 S. Pagosa Blvd., in Pagosa Springs. The Archuleta County Community Testing Site will offer both rapid Cue testing and lab-based PCR testing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in a drive-thru structure.
Testing is available at La Plata County Fairgrounds from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and Saturday.
With the virus circulating and variants present in the community, officials at the health department stress that COVID-19 testing, isolation and quarantine remain critical to reducing the spread of the virus. Cases have been on the rise in La Plata County, and Archuleta County has one of the highest one-week cumulative incidence rates in Colorado at 357.1 new cases per 100,000 residents, according to the health department.
“Just over one-third of the residents in both counties are fully vaccinated,” said Liane Jollon, SJBPH executive director. “Testing remains an important tool to limit the spread of COVID-19, and both unvaccinated and vaccinated people should utilize the free, rapid Cue testing that’s now available. The pandemic is still dangerous, as variants are spreading and hospitalizations are on the rise. Along with as many people as possible getting a lifesaving vaccine, testing and public health precautions will save lives, help businesses stay open, and maintain in-person learning in our schools.”
The next 30 days are critical to slow the spread of COVID-19. SJBPH reminds the community to follow these public health precautions:
Get tested if symptomatic, may have been exposed or work in a high-contact job.Get the COVID-19 vaccine (all residents 16 and older are now eligible for vaccination).Wear a face mask.Keep your distance – stay at least 6 feet apart from others not of the same household.Avoid nonessential indoor spaces and gatherings with others not of the same household.Avoid nonessential travel, especially until fully vaccinated.Wash hands thoroughly.For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit www.sjbpublichealth.org/testing.
For more information about scheduling a vaccine, visit www.sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine.
dgladden@durangoherald.com