Utah health officials say testing for COVID-19 is still an important tool
Feb 28, 2022, 2:01 PM | Updated: Aug 2, 2022, 12:40 pm
FILE: Von Satter swabs his nose for a COVID-19 test at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. Photo credit: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News.
SALT LAKE CITY — The COVID-19 landscape has changed in the last two weeks. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced a gradual change in the state’s focus and the CDC updated their masking recommendations.
Still, the Utah Department of Health says that testing for COVID-19 remains an important tool for many people, including:
- Those with significant underlying conditions.
- Those who are going to visit someone who is vulnerable; someone who is immunocompromised or getting immunosuppressive medications.
- Those who have been sick and want to know if they are now negative.
- People who are traveling to a place that requires a negative test.
- People who work with vulnerable populations, like healthcare workers and long-term care facility employees.
- People living or working in congregate settings, like a prison or homeless shelter.
For the most accurate results, the Utah Department of Health recommends that people without symptoms receive a PCR test. PCR results are available within two to three business days. At-home tests can be used when someone has symptoms, needs a same-day result, or has been exposed to COVID-19 and have let five days pass since exposure.
Full testing guidelines and testing sites can be found on Utah’s Coronavirus website.
Free at-home tests provided by the government can be ordered on the official website.
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CDC’s new recommendations on masks and COVID-19 metrics paint very different picture of viral spread in Utah
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