COVID-19 East County Testing Launched

25 Mar COVID-19 East County Testing Launched

San Miguel County Department of Public Health and Environment today announced plans for the free, voluntary COVID-19 blood tests initiative in partnership with United Biological Inc.

THE PLAN:

PHASE 1: Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27, A pre-selected group of teachers including their families will be tested Thursday and Friday.

PHASE 2: Saturday, March 28, 9am – 5pm for East County SENIORS ONLY (60 years-old and over).

PHASE 3: Sunday, March 29 – Tuesday, March 31, 9am – 5pm East County general population.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Every resident interested in participating in this COVID-19 testing in East County should do the following:

• Register for CodeRED alerts if you have not already.

• Pre-register online for the blood test at c19SMC.com

— You will be asked to fill out consent forms, and be able to find information about the blood test.

— If you are unable to pre-register, volunteers on site will direct you how to register using your cellphone volunteers will on-site will assist you with filling out paper registration forms.

• Testing will begin in East Telluride and move west through the eastern portion of the county, neighborhood by neighborhood. We cannot advise of an exact window of time.

• You will be notified via CodeRED approximately 24 hours before you are to report for your blood test at the Telluride Intermediate School at 717 West Colorado Avenue in Telluride. We will also announce the same message on KOTO.

• Please remember to bring some sort of proof of residence (ID NOT necessary). Cable, electric bill, lease, etc.

• We encourage you to drive (with members of your household only) for shelter and logistical reasons.

NOTES:

• East County: The Telluride Fire Protection District including Telluride, Mountain Village, Ophir, Sawpit, Placerville, Wilson Mesa, Hastings Mesa, Iron Springs Mesa (west on Highway 145 to mm 90 and east on Hwy 62 to mm 13, top of Dallas Divide).
• CodeRED: A targeted alert system tied to your residence that issues notifications are issued via text message, email or an automated phone call to cell phone or landline.
• The blood test is free and voluntary.
• The test is not recommended for children 8 years-old and younger.
• The test is not recommended for those home-bound.
• We will NOT accept any “appointments.” Please do NOT call, email, text dispatch, your medical provider or anyone else to ask for one.
• You will be asked to return in 14 – 16 days for your second blood test. The process will be similar.
•  If you still have questions or need assistance, go to sanmiguelcountyco.gov/coronavirus or call our hotline 970-728-3844.