Grand Junction COVID Testing Site Will Reopen On Wednesday

Grand Junction's COVID testing site has closed down for the day, but will open again Wednesday morning.

The testing site was stopped accepting vehicles at 1:30 so they can make sure all the samples collected can be sent to the lab overnight and processed. According to Mesa County Public Health. there has been an increased demand for testing in Grand Junction.

For those needing to be tested, the sampling site will reopen Wednesday morning at 10:00.

The free community drive-up testing is available without an appointment at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. To speed up the process it is highly recommended that individuals getting tested register online. Test results will be emailed or texted so it's necessary to establish an account.

While people who know they have been exposed to the virus are understandably anxious to get tested, that might not be the best idea. Lisa Lee, a public health expert who previously worked 14 years for the Centers For Disease Control, says when someone is infected with the virus it generally takes 4-5 days to display symptoms. She says the best thing for people to do who suspect they have been infected, is to quarantine immediately and then get tested in a few days.

The virus is alive and well in Mesa County with another 57 positive tests reported on Monday, bringing the two-week total to 771. The overall positive test rate is 2.84%, but over the past two weeks is at 7.12%.

Four deaths in Mesa County were reported on Monday, all associated with long-term care facility outbreaks.

Everyone is reminded to stay home if you are having any symptoms, and please take advantage of the free testing being done at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.