COVID-19 Testing

Clear Creek County offers free, weekly drive-through community testing through COVIDCheck Colorado. See below for details on how to get tested.

COVID TESTING IN CLEAR CREEK COUNTY

FREE PCR tests for those age 2+, 3 days a week, 2 locations

GEORGETOWN on MONDAYS  |  8am - 2pm  |  Drive-Through

Dirt Lot by Mt. Buzz & Georgetown Market - near the Corner of Argentine & 11th

IDAHO SPRINGS on TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS |  8am - 2pm  |  Drive-Through

Gravel Lot between the Bus Barn & Digger Field - by the Rec Center at 1047 Miner St. 

Due to increased testing and low staffing, COVIDCheck requires appointments:

 https://covidcheckcolorado.org/find-our-sites-testing/

• Individuals tested must be inside an enclosed vehicle for safety. No walk-ups or motorcycles are allowed through the testing site.
• PCR nasal or saliva testing at no cost to you.
• No physician order or insurance required.
• Open to neighboring communities and counties.
• Provided to individuals 2 years of age or older. 
• Results available directly to you in two to four days.
• The PCR nasal swab test is the most accurate COVID-19 test; rapid antigen tests are only about 45% accurate.

WHERE ELSE CAN I GET TESTED FOR COVID-19?

Covid-19 testing is available at various Jefferson County locations.  For details, please visit:

 https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/22251/List-of-Jeffco-COVID-19-Testing-Sites

For additional testing options in Colorado, please visit: https://covid19.colorado.gov/testing

FREQUENTLY ASKED COVID TESTING QUESTIONS

I WENT TO A SOCIAL GATHERING, SHOULD I GET TESTED?

COVID-19 symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 days of exposure.  People with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic, this means they or you have COVID but are not exhibiting any symptoms.  You should get tested if:

• you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• you have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to COVID and they have symptoms
• you are or will be in close contact with a member(s) of the vulnerable population
• you are experiencing one or more COVID symptoms, even if they are mild and even if you have been vaccinated

 If you have symptoms or have been exposed, you should isolate until you get your results.  If your test is positive, continue to isolate for 10 additional days.

COVID-19 symptoms may include: fever or chills, cough, fatigue, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, post-holiday surges in COVID cases have occurred 7 to 10 days after associated social gatherings.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?

When the County Public Health team is notified of a positive test result, they will let that person know that they are required to start a mandatory 10-day isolation.  This means no direct interaction with others, including family members.

Contact tracing begins immediately to determine if others were exposed to the highly contagious virus.  Any close contacts of the COVID-positive person are required to quarantine for 14 days, starting on the last day of contact with the positive individual, since this is the time frame during which the virus may develop.  Adults and children may develop and spread COVID-19 to or from others for 14 days after being exposed to the virus.  Many people are asymptomatic, meaning they feel well and do not have any symptoms, but they have the virus and are contagious. 

Isolation and quarantine both mean that the identified person(s) should not leave their place of residence except for any required testing or if there is a medical emergency.  Because of the potential to be in quarantine or isolation, and for other emergency situations, Clear Creek County Public & Environmental Health recommends that you have a “safety net” in place – a two-week supply of food, medication, and other essential items in your home so that you do not need to leave and potentially expose others.  If possible, you should also coordinate with friends, family members and/or neighbors to help you with any other assistance you may need. 

Click on the image for a larger version.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF COVID-19 TESTS AND HOW ACCURATE ARE THEY?

The PCR nasal swab test is the most accurate COVID-19 test; rapid antigen tests are only about 45% accurate.

Click on the image for a larger version.