Axis Health System will provide free COVID-19 testing in Dolores County for two days next week.
The free drive-thru service will take place June 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Axis’ Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare clinic, 495 W. Fourth St., behind the Sinclair gas station.
Appointments are required to manage traffic concerns and distancing requirements. Call the Dove Creek clinic at 970-677-2291 to make an appointment.
No referrals or doctor’s orders are needed, and there are no symptom requirements.
The COVID-19 tests have been provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in an effort to expand community testing efforts throughout Colorado.
Individuals who are part of the testing effort will be contacted by medical staff from Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare with their results.
“Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare is excited to offer community testing to our friends and neighbors in Dolores County and the surrounding region,” said Dr. Justin Possner, Associate Medical Director at Axis. “This is an opportunity for people who are concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19 to receive free testing. Our team is ready to help with this testing and any follow-up care that is needed.”
Dolores County has reported zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March. Neighboring Montezuma County has 59 confirmed cases.
Axis encourages anyone interested to take advantage of the free testing, said Haley Leonard Saunders, Public Relations Director for Axis Health System.
“It is important for community health,” she said. “The more information we have, the more we can prevent the spread of the virus.”
Carriers of the highly infectious COVID-19 virus often do not show symptoms and are spreading the virus unknowingly, according to health officials.
Increased testing can reveal additional positive cases, so infected people then self-isolate for 14 days, thereby slowing the spread.
New cases also trigger increased contact tracing so health professionals can inform individuals who have been in contact with an infected person. Those individuals can then be tested and self-isolate if necessary.
Essential workers and anyone who is in contact with a lot of people are encouraged to take the free test.
Groups that should consider it include employers and employees of grocery stores, gyms, retail stores, tour guide companies, restaurants, gas stations and transportation services.
Caregivers, families, teachers, child-care workers, camp hosts, and people who interact with vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or immune compromised, should also be tested. Or, people can get tested if they are just curious.
Axis Health System is also providing free testing in La Plata and Archuleta counties.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com