COLORADO SPRINGS — If you live in Pueblo County and are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, testing is now available.
According to a release, local public health officials announced today the drive-up community testing site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds is now open to anyone who has symptoms of the virus.
"We already have testing available in our community for first responders and for healthcare workers," explained Randy Evetts, public health director for the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. "We have four other sites and he agreed to allow us to open up to anyone who is symptomatic."
Opened on April 22, the testing site was originally dedicated to first responders, health care workers, anyone over age 65, and critical business employees.
Testing now covers all of Pueblo county and neighboring counties who are feeling symptomatic, which include: cough, difficulty breathing, a fever of 100.4 or greater, headache, chills, muscle pain, and sore throat. No physician order is required.
“This is a great opportunity for the Pueblo community to open testing to anyone who needs it,” said Evetts. “We feel based on the other sites that have opened in the community to support first responders and health care workers, we believe we can safely extend testing at the state fair site to anyone who is symptomatic.”
The testing site hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1001 Beulah Ave., Colorado State Fairgrounds. Be sure to enter through Gate 4 off Mesa Avenue and Gaylord Avenue.
Testing is first come, first serve, so be sure to be within the first 250 people in line. You must have identification and be in an enclosed vehicle. No walk-ups or motorcycles will be allowed at the testing site.
Currently, Pueblo County has had 114 confirmed cases, with eight people dying from the virus.
