COVID-19 testing site at the Maverik Center closes due to less demand
May 21, 2021, 12:05 PM
(Photo: Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY– Friday is the last day resident can receive a COVID-19 test from the Maverik Center site before it permanently closes due to decreased demand, the Salt Lake County Health Department announced.
The COVID-19 testing site, located in the overflow parking lot of the Maverik Center, will officially end operations at 3 p.m. on May, 28, the department wrote in a statement Friday.
County health officials say there’s no longer a need for the testing center. The site is conducting less than 85 COVID-19 tests per day, according to the department, compared to the 1,200 tests per day during the height of testing demand in November 2020.
Since early June of 2020, test administrators at the site have conducted more than 30,000 COVID-19 tests.
“Demand for testing has declined in the last couple months as vaccines became widely available,” said Dr. Dagmar Vitek, medical director of the county health department. “This operation has served its purpose and with other local testing opportunities widely available, it’s the right moment to transition public health’s resources to vaccination and other community needs.”
Now, test administrators will shift their focus to vaccination efforts. Even though the testing site is caput after Friday, SLCoHD will continue providing COVID-19 shots at the Maverik Center’s main parking lot.
Additionally, county health officials will deploy mobile testing sites to areas if needed.
If you’re in search of a COVID-19 test, visit coronavirus.utah.gov for the list of locations.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
- Obtain a flu shot.
- Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention