In some ways, it feels like life is back to normal in Mesa County, but, the reality is, things are still far from normal.

High Count of Delta Variant In Mesa County

At the end of last week, Mesa County Public Health was reporting nearly 600 cases of the highly contagious Delta variant in Mesa County. MCPH says they estimate the total number of Delta variant cases is much higher because not all positive COVID-10 tests are retested for variants.

With the ongoing presence of the Delta variant in Mesa County, it's important for people to know that free rapid testing is available. Test results are available in about 20 minutes.

Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People Should Utilize Free Testing

To minimize the spread of the virus, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people should utilize free testing. The COVID vaccines do provide protection against the Delta variant, but it's not 100%. There will always be a small percentage of vaccinated people who will contract the virus and have the potential to spread it.

Symptoms of the virus, which typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, loss of sense of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. It's even possible for an infected person to have mild symptoms or none at all.

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If You Want Fast Results Ask For the Cue Test

Regardless of your vaccination status, if you experience any of these symptoms you should absolutely utilize the free testing that is available. MCPH says the Cue tests can identify both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19. The test is an FDA authorized test, which means the result of the test can be used for travel.

An appointment is not required for the testing which is available from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday in the parking lot of the MCPH building at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. To minimize testing time, you can pre-register online.

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