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The Utah Department of Health on Friday announced changes to state COVID-19 testing sites in an effort to accommodate “surging demand” and minimize wait times, which have stretched into hours at some locations.
Even after the planned changes go into effect Saturday, the health department warned that anyone seeking a test should be prepared to wait between 30 minutes and four hours at various sites. “We ask you to be patient and respectful of one another and our staff,” UDOH advised.
At testing sites where wait times stretch for more than an hour, at-home tests will be offered to those waiting in line, as supplies last.
Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms who chooses not to get tested should isolate at home and stay away from others for at least five days from the onset of those symptoms, the agency advised. If symptoms persist, you should isolate until you no longer have symptoms.
The following changes are planned for state testing sites:
Appointments needed at locations
As of Saturday, appointments will be required at the following sites: the Cannon Health Building (including traveler testing) in Salt Lake City, Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, the Bountiful testing site, and the West Jordan testing site.
Those testing sites have routinely experienced high demand and long wait times, the health department said. You can schedule appointments online at testutah.com.
Arrive one hour before closing time
Testing lines starting Saturday will be cut off an hour before closing time, so you must arrive before then.
Those who arrive after lines have been closed may be offered at-home test kits if they are available. Otherwise, you will be asked to return the following day.
The directive does not apply to people who have appointments scheduled within the final hour that a site is open, the health department advised.
No event or work-related testing
The state will no longer provide tests for people who need them to report to work or attend events, the health department announced.
Instead, people who need tests for work or events should go to testutah.com and search for a non-state sponsored testing site, the health department advised, or work with employers and event organizers to find other testing options.
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