Denver COVID Testing
Denver COVID Testing
COVID testing is evolving since the pandemic began and numerous tests have been approved by the FDA for use. Despite multiple companies producing versions of the same test, many people in the Denver area and beyond are struggling to find a COVID test. Why? The BinaxNOW rapid antigen test from Abott Laboratories is in use for most municipalities and at the state level. The production of the tests was scaled back in spring as the vaccine rolled out for the public. Now tests are scarce, especially in rural areas of Colorado with low vaccination rates. This combined with increased travel from our neighbors in Canada, schools restarting, using COVID tests, and group events, is making finding a test a chore.
Testing Types
When To Test
- When you have symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
- If you are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
- People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
- People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider
Testing For International Travelers
International travelers need to pay close attention to the situation at their international destinations, before traveling due to the spread of new variants and because the burden of COVID-19 varies globally. You may be required to have a negative PCR test before returning to your country of origin. Check the current list of requires with the State Department.
- Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before leaving the United States unless required by their destination.
- Fully vaccinated air travelers coming to the United States from abroad, including U.S. citizens, are still required to have a negative SARS-CoV-2 viral test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States.
- International travelers arriving in the U.S should get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after travel regardless of vaccination status.
- Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine in the United States following international travel.
Where Is Denver COVID Testing?
Finding a test kit in Denver can be difficult. Pharmacies sell these kits when in stock, however a nationally shortage exists. You can book online with an urgent care or try a Doctors office, however this often proves to be difficult. The state offers free testing at drive through sites, however these are not PCR, required for international travel. One option is mobile testing at your home or office. This allows you to choose from antigen or PCR testing with rapid results and the convenance of on-site testing. “We offer PCR, antigen, and combined influenza and COVID testing for folks in Denver and travelers to the city” said Dr. Jacob Weinstein of Mobile Care, a local provider of COVID testing. Colorado has done an amazing job of vaccinating. However, we have room for improvement with testing and vaccinations as we head into fall.
