SM County: Curative Testing Reevaluated!

25 Jan SM County: Curative Testing Reevaluated!

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment deems Curative testing ineffective. Alternatives to be presented.

To register for free testing in Lawson Hill, visit here.

For more information surrounding COVID resources, testing and the concern form, visit here.

For more information surrounding the state’s COVID-19 dial, visit here.

Grace Franklin, County Public Health Director.

Late last week, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced it will no longer be using Curative testing in several capacities including residential care facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and other congregate settings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had cited additional concerns about the accuracy of the Curative assessment procedures and collection methods.

The Curative SARS-Cov-2 Assay is a real-time RT-PCR test used to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. San Miguel County Public Health has been using Curative test kits in mobile clinic testing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the county.

As a result of the shift on the state level, Public Health will pause the use of Curative testing for COVID-19 effective immediately, effective as of January 25, as the state reevaluates the efficacy of the testing and provides alternative testing solutions.

“We are working with the state to determine another viable free testing option and should have our mobile testing clinic back online in the next week or so,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “Free testing is important in providing equal access to information and can also enable quick identification of cases, resulting in treatment for those people and immediate isolation to prevent spread. We will continue to pursue effective free testing options as they become available.”

Last week, San Miguel County Public Health received a record high for single day and seven-day positive test results with 44 and 98 positive results respectively. While testing is one of many tools in residents’ toolkit, Public Health encourages residents and visitors alike to hedge risk of transmission by increasing diligence with the five commitments.

Free testing remains underway through MicrogenDx in Lawson Hill at the Intercept Lot and is available weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 am to 2 pm MST. With the ability to test up to 200 people daily, the MicrogenDx saliva test has been widely used across the state and is effective in tracing all variants of COVID-19.

Additionally, Public Health will work with the CDPHE to bring mass testing opportunities back to the area in mid-February both at the Norwood Fairgrounds and the Telluride Airport.

Five Commitments of Containment:

Wear a mask
Maintain six feet of physical distance
Minimize group size
Wash hands frequently
Stay home when sick and get tested