San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is pleased to announce that free at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 will be available at SJBPH offices in Pagosa Springs and Durango starting today, Thursday, February 24. The iHealth antigen test kits were provided to SJBPH by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and can be self-administered at-home, with results generated in 15 minutes. Up to four test kits (eight tests total) will be provided per person, per week while supplies last. Supply is limited and tests will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
SJBPH’s Pagosa Springs office is located at 502 S. 8th Street and is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm. The SJBPH Durango office is located at 281 Sawyer Drive Suite 300 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. A mask is required for entry in SJBPH offices at this time, as outlined in SJBPH’s Public Health Advisory.
The rapid tests utilize a self-collected, lower nasal swab. Adults can collect a sample from younger patients if needed. Instructions on how to use the tests and read results will be provided in the test kits, with Spanish translation available through an online link. Although the tests are reliable and accurate, they are not as sensitive as lab-based tests and may give a false negative result. A negative result can be confirmed with additional testing, or through a molecular assay test (PCR) which is available at community testing sites in La Plata and Archuleta counties and through other testing providers. If positive for COVID-19, patients should isolate following the guidance on SJBPH’s website.
At-home test users are encouraged to report positive results by using this online CDPHE portal. Positive results can also be reported to SJBPH directly via email — covidreports@sjbpublichealth.org — or by calling SJBPH at (970) 585-6185.
“Thanks to our partners at the State of Colorado, we are pleased to offer free rapid tests to anyone who would like to stop by our SJBPH offices in Pagosa Springs and Durango. Although cases have been trending downward, we still have substantial transmission in our community and these tests will help people identify if they are COVID positive and need to isolate to stop the spread. The most important thing is to stay home if you are positive or symptomatic. We continue to provide free KN95 and surgical masks as well and have distributed more than 25,000 of those over the past few weeks. You can pick up tests and masks when you stop by our office,” said Liane Jollon, Executive Director, SJBPH.
KN95 and surgical masks are currently available at SJBPH front desks on a first come, first served basis until they run out. Five masks will be provided per person. High quality masks can help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and keep individuals safe. Guidelines on how to correctly wear and care for your mask is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Community testing sites remain open and are free to the general public. More information about hours and how to make an appointment are available on the SJBPH website.
Vaccines and boosters are shown to drastically increase protection from severe illness, and clinics with ample supply of all three vaccine types are widely available in both La Plata and Archuleta counties. All SJBPH and Jogan Health clinics can offer first, second, third and booster doses for those who are eligible.
For COVID-19 data, vaccine clinics, and information about quarantine and isolation guidance please visit the SJBPH website.
Chandler Griffin is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health District. SJBPH is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties.