COVID testing intensifies again in Colorado – CBS Denver

DENVER (CBS4) – As COVID-19 continues to spread, the Coloradans are once again turning to testing. While there may be fewer locations than at the start of the pandemic, there are still several test sites that have continued to operate throughout the pandemic.

Michelle Barron heads the infection prevention department at UCHealth, one of the metro area’s largest test providers.

“I don’t know if everything is being powered by Delta, but I think we are seeing an increase in the number of tests being done,” Barron said.

(credit: CBS)

COVIDCheck Colorado, another group with sites set up statewide, sees the same thing.

“Shortly after the vaccinations, the tests went down a bit. It’s starting to increase again, ”said Suzane Ferdows, COVIDCheck Colorado Western Region Manager.

Both say they have room for more and expect it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is even urging those who are vaccinated with symptoms or who believe they have been exposed to get tested again.

READ MORE: Vaccination rate keeps Colorado hospitals out of danger

“The vaccine protects you from severe symptoms, hospitalization, death, but you can still get it, you can still spread it, and the Delta variant is that much more contagious,” Ferdows said.

(credit: CBS)

Recommendations about when to get tested remain the same, but health experts say testing, even those with quick results and those done at home, will likely detect the new variant faster.

“With Delta it’s a little different, the Delta produces a lot more virus, so people get sick faster,” Barron said.

She says anyone who is worried shouldn’t hesitate to take a test.

“It’s still there, it’s still real,” Barron said.

COVIDCheck Colorado offers tests as well as UCHealth.