Community Corner
Colorado's First Drive-Up Coronavirus Testing Center Opens
A drive-up coronavirus testing facility opened Wednesday in Denver. The testing is free, but a doctor's order is needed.
DENVER — Colorado's first drive-up testing center for the new coronavirus opened Wednesday at the state laboratory in Denver. Dozens of vehicles were lined up at the center after it opened, and patients faced around a three-hour wait Thursday. Health officials had to establish a cut-off for those in line — asking some people to come back on Friday.
The facility, at 8100 E. Lowry Blvd., is to be open from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, and next week's schedule will be posted on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website when it becomes available, officials said. The tests are free.
To be tested, patients must have a doctor's order — written or electronic — that confirms they meet the testing criteria. Patients also must bring a photo ID, but it does not have to be state-issued — any ID can be used.
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"Individuals should not go to their doctor’s office but should call to get an emailed or faxed copy of the order," according to directions on the state's website.
"Be prepared for long wait times. No restrooms will be available."
Find out what's happening in Denverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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Depending on test volume, patients will be contacted directly with their results within 72 hours. During that time, they should stay at home, officials said.
Anyone who is uninsured and doesn’t have a doctor's referral will be directed to a nurse or epidemiologist on-site to be assessed. If the person does not meet the criteria to be tested, they will not be tested.
If multiple people are in one vehicle, each person must have their own doctor’s order.
In a news conference Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis said the state aims to open more drive-up facilities soon, particularly in the high country.
Polis declared a state of emergency Tuesday and announced the state's plan for combating the virus.
Other information on COVID-19:
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