The drive-up testing site for the coronavirus has seen more than 650 Coloradans in the past two days, and hours on Friday are being limited.
Friday hours at the Lowry site will be limited from noon to 2 p.m., according to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment news release.
So far, testing has given health officials “much needed epidemiological intelligence that is critical for policy decisions,” according to the release.
Friday’s limitation will help ensure safety for lab and health care staffers who have been working at the site. The reduced operating time will minimize wait times for potentially ill people waiting in vehicles. On Thursday, some people waited up to four hours.
“Because Colorado now has capacity for private labs to conduct testing, CDPHE encourages anyone who is symptomatic or who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to call or email your physician first for guidance, obtain a doctor’s order for testing, and request information about private providers where you can get tested,’ the release said. “Always call first before reporting to a health care facility for testing.”
State health officials have determined that traffic patterns, on-site staffing, and lab testing capabilities can handle a maximum of 150 vehicles in the drive-up queue. After the first 150 vehicles, people will be “encouraged to seek testing from a private provider.”
In addition, for the safety of drive-up lab workers, hours of operation will be contingent upon safe weather. Friday’s forecast in Denver calls for a mix of rain and snow with a high temperature of 40 degrees.
