Pueblo County issued the following announcement on Sept. 25.
Public health officials urge anyone who has been exposed to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case and is not experiencing symptoms to wait at least seven days to be tested.
Testing immediately after exposure may result in an initial negative test because it is too early in the incubation period and there isn’t enough of a viral load for the test to detect the virus. It is advised people wait about seven days after the date of exposure to get tested unless they experience symptoms sooner. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested immediately and isolate from others.
“The virus generally takes about seven days to build up in your body,” said Randy Evetts, public health director for the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. “Some people may get symptoms earlier - in as little as two days - but on average it takes about seven days, and perhaps up to 14 days. People should wait to get tested for seven days after exposure, but, if they are experiencing symptoms, they should get tested immediately.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 include new loss of taste or smell, headache, sore throat, cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. This list does not include all symptoms as it is continually updated with more information learned about COVID-19.
Anyone who tested negative for COVID-19 but is experiencing symptoms should stay home while they are sick and contact their healthcare provider to determine if additional testing is needed and when they may resume normal activities.
Individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 person should limit interaction with others for at least 14 days from the last close contact with the infected individual. They should
- Stay home from school
- Stay home from work or public areas
- Limit activities outside the home to essential
- Practice good hygiene including washing hands regularly with soap, clean frequently touched surfaces, coughing or sneezing into an elbow or tissue, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
There is no limit to the number of people who can be tested per day. Testing is administered by the test-site staff, self-swab testing is not available. Testing is available for anyone over the age of 2. Masks are required. Spanish-speaking services are available at the testing site. No insurance or doctor referrals are needed.
Testing is drive-thru only, and individuals being tested must be in an enclosed vehicle wearing a mask. No bicycles, motorcycles or walk-ups are allowed. The site is also open to neighboring counties.
Original source can be found here.
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