Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) announced Thursday March 13 that it launched a free, community testing clinic for COVID-19. The testing clinics will be held by appointment, from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon, Monday through Friday, only at the Touber Building in Salida, located at 448 East 1st Street, Suite 137.
Touber Building where Salida City Council meetings are held (Photo by Taylor Sumners)
Those believing they have symptoms of COVID-19 should call CCPH at 719-539-4510 to go through a screening process to determine if testing is indicated. All tests will be done by appointment only and after a thorough screening with a CCPH staff member.
Those needing to be tested for COVID-19 outside of CCPH community clinic testing times, could visit the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) Buena Vista Health Center during their walk-in clinic hours, or go to the HRRMC Emergency Room in Salida. Those getting tested at HRRMC sites will be charged for the visit according to their insurance rates, and other tests may also be run (e.g. influenza and strep).
Outside of CCPH community testing times, the public can call the CCPH and a nurse will return your message the following business day. The CCPH is stressing that at this point in time the government and health professionals are urging the public to practice social isolation. They stress that it is an evolving situation and testing criteria may change. Testing will be prioritized for those with the highest risk and those most likely to have been exposed.
It’s important to remember that currently, in order to be tested a community member must have a fever or signs of a lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath AND meet one of the conditions below.
- Had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset.
- Have a history of travel to an area with ongoing community transmission within 14 days of symptom onset.
- Be a healthcare worker or first responder who has direct contact with patients with respiratory illness within 14 days of symptom onset.
- Be at risk of severe illness, including older adults (age >65) and individuals with chronic medical conditions or who are immuno-compromised.
There are other conditions that may indicate the need for testing. Chaffee County Public Health says that it will work in conjunction with the patient and other healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action.
Of critical importance, say CCPH officials; those who are sick with fever or respiratory symptoms, should not walk directly in to the hospital, urgent care, or public health without first speaking to someone about the symptoms. Doing so could expose other, at risk people to the virus if you are carrying it.
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