Long lines stretch outside Colorado State Fairgrounds for COVID tests
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Long lines of cars could be seen stretching down Mesa Avenue out of the Colorado State Fairgrounds Monday, as hundreds of Puebloans try to get tests for COVID-19.
According to the Pueblo County Department of Health and Environment, it’s unclear exactly how long the wait time is. However, they estimate it could potentially take up to 2 hours at its worst.
Lines at CSF testing site. pic.twitter.com/jJrX12VlwZ
— Dan Beedie KRDO (@BeedieonTV) November 9, 2020
COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in the Steel City. Health officials say the incidence rate is rising which means there is more virus in the community.
MAKO - the organization conducting tests at the Colorado State Fairgrounds - promises test results back in under 4 days. Pueblo Health officials believe it takes 1 or 2 days.
The testing site at the fairgrounds is open every weekday for 10 am to 7 pm and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. If demand continues to rise, health officials will reevaluate the testing facility's capabilities.
"The reality is across the state we have the resources that we have and we are trying to maximize those," said Randy Evetts, Pueblo County's Health Director. "We've expanded hours at our testing site. We've added weekend hours, and if we need to add additional hours cause the volume is continuing to grow then we will have that discussion."
The testing facility at the CSF costs the state of Colorado up to $300,000 every week to operate.
