Over the next month, community testing sites operated by COVIDCheck Colorado in partnership with San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will no longer offer rapid CUE testing to the public. CUE, a rapid nucleic acid amplification test, provides results in less than 30 minutes, in most cases. CUE tests are highly accurate at identifying both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.
The testing sites will remain open with expanded hours and an ample supply of highly accurate, free, and reliable PCR tests. These tests have an average turnaround time of 72 hours or less.
The following is the last day on which CUE tests will be available:
- Archuleta County Community Testing Site: September 30
- La Plata County Fairgrounds Community Testing Site: September 30
- Fort Lewis College Community Testing Site: October 15
COVIDCheck Colorado has decided in coordination with CDPHE to cease offering the CUE COVID-19 tests in an effort to mitigate significant logistical and operational challenges experienced by staff.
The federal government recently announced that it will invoke the Defense Production Act to increase production and supply of rapid testing. SJBPH is monitoring the situation, and if possible, will work to capitalize on increased rapid testing supply for Archuleta and La Plata counties.
Testing continues to be a critical tool for identifying and investigating positive cases of COVID-19, preventing outbreaks, and limiting the spread of the virus. SJBPH encourages residents to get tested if they are symptomatic, think they’ve been exposed, or work in a high-contact job. There is no fee for testing at community testing sites. No appointment is needed, although pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Community testing sites in Archuleta and La Plata counties are open and will continue to provide high quality, reliable COVID-19 testing services to the public. Current days and hours of operation:
Archuleta County Community Testing Site
95 S. Pagosa Boulevard, Pagosa Springs (behind the Pagosa Springs Medical Center building)
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00am to 1:00pm
La Plata County Fairgrounds Community Testing Site
2500 Main Ave, Durango (La Plata County Fairgrounds)
Open Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 3:00pm
Open on select Saturdays, September 18, October 2, October 16, October 30, 8:00am to 12:00pm
Fort Lewis College Community Testing Site
1000 Rim Drive, Durango (Fort Lewis College parking lot near football stadium)
Open Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm
Open Saturdays, 8:00am to 12:00pm
Closed on select Saturdays, September 18, October 2, October 16, October 30. The La Plata County Fairgrounds site will be open when the FLC site is closed on the Saturdays listed above.
For information on COVID-19 testing for the general public, please visit https://sjbpublichealth.org/testing/.
Testing resources for businesses, organizations, and providers is available at https://sjbpublichealth.org/testing-options/.