Pueblo drive-thru COVID-19 testing site opens with new self-swabbing test method
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Wednesday, FEMA has begun operating a drive-thru testing facility for COVID-19 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.
The facility will administer 250 free COVID-19 tests three days a week -- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until they run out of tests-- through the month of May. It's exclusively for essential workers and people above the age of 65 who show symptoms of COVID-19.
Pueblo County Health Officials say the facility at the Colorado State Fairgrounds will introduce a unique way of testing recently approved by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Patients will administer a self swabbing test themselves.
"The test is actually passed to the person in line over a table. They are then given instructions from the nurses on how to do the swabbing," said Pueblo Health Director Randy Evetts. "This is an effort to reduce exposure, and to reduce the use of personal protective equipment that is so available and rare at this point."
Through the first hour of testing on Wednesday, the facility administered about 60 tests out of the 250. Health officials urge people to get tested as early as possible before they run out each day.
A prescription is not required, however, a state ID or work ID is. Do not bring passengers or pets with you to get tested.
The line begins at gate 4 at the Colorado Fairgrounds.
If you have any questions you are urged to call the Pueblo County COVID-19 hotline: 719-583-4444.
