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.

Related reading:

CDC’s new recommendations on masks and COVID-19 metrics paint very different picture of viral spread in Utah

Biden announces plan to mail Americans 500 million at-home rapid Covid-19 tests

 

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