The Larimer County Department of Health is asking residents to test for COVID-19 before holiday gatherings to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
Health officials, in a press release on Tuesday, recommended residents “take action to celebrate the holiday season safely” in light of the rapidly spreading omicron variant of COVID-19.
“With holiday travel and celebrations in full swing, one of the most important steps families, friends, and co-workers can take to reduce their chances of catching or transmitting COVID-19 is to test just before gathering,” according to the release from the health department.
The health department recommends residents use rapid at-home tests, even if they do not have symptoms, immediately before gathering with others over the holiday. Testing right before the gathering will reduce the likelihood that someone is in their infectious period, the department states.
Rapid tests can be purchased locally in drug stores, and the state of Colorado provides free rapid tests that can be shipped straight to someone’s home. More information is at
Anyone who tests positive should isolate themselves away from others for 10 days and contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to ask about possible treatments, according to the health department.
Residents also are encouraged to get tested and avoid gatherings if they feel sick or have any symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, headache, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell or sore throat.
In addition to home tests, there are free drive-through testing sites in Larimer County, including one at Foundations Church, 1380 N. Denver Ave. in Loveland. The site is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with results in two to three days.
Tips on staying safe over the holidays can be found at .
Information on vaccination, testing and treatments is available at or by calling 970-498-5500
