CORONAVIRUS

Two new mass COVID-19 testing sites open in Utah

Jan 31, 2022, 5:14 PM | Updated: Jun 7, 2022, 3:14 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Two new COVID-19 testing sites opened Monday in parts of Utah where omicron is spreading fast. Though some wonder why they’re available now after Gov. Spencer Cox asked people to skip getting tested if they have symptoms and stay home.

State health leaders say they’re sticking with that guidance from the governor, but realize some people need to get tested for various reasons. That’s why they’re offering more options in Salt Lake and Utah counties.

Beginning Monday, you’ll find two new COVID-19 testing sites – one at the University of Utah and another at Utah Valley University.

“Part of it has to do with population base. Part of it has to do with percent of positivity in those areas,” said Charla Haley, public information officer for Utah Department of Health.

UDOH says they’ll test up to 1,200 people a day using the PCR nasal swab test.

It’s part of a federal program that selects two sites in all 50 states to provide more access to testing.

“Some people need to get tested because they’re going to go see someone who is immunocompromised, someone who’s elderly,” Haley said, adding that that’s the priority.

If you do have mild symptoms, assume you have COVID, stay home and isolate for five days.

Haley said people are getting the message and testing demand is declining.

“People are not waiting in line for long periods of time,” she said.

They’re still assessing omicron and will wait and see if more testing sites are necessary.

It’s a moving target. Situations change. Locations end up changing.

Two new COVID-19 testing sites:

  • University of Utah Tailgate Parking Lot (southwest corner) — 595 Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City (drive-through in the west parking lot of University Kids Day Care, enter through Guardsman Way)
    • Anterior nasal swab PCR tests only. (An observed self-swab model)
    • Open Monday through Sunday — 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • No age limit, but parents will need to swab their children.
    • Appointments recommended, but those without appointments will be accommodated.
  • Utah Valley University Parking Lot 10 — 1200 W. 800 S. in Orem (drive-through in the northwest parking lot next to a construction area and west of the Nellesen Center for Autism and McKay Education buildings, enter from 1200 W.)
    • Anterior nasal swab PCR tests only. (An observed self-swab model)
    • Open Monday through Friday — 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday — 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • No age limit, but parents will need to swab their children.
    • Appointments recommended, but those without appointments will be accommodated.

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Two new mass COVID-19 testing sites open in Utah