Free community mass testing for COVID-19 at Adams State campus

A free community-wide COVID-19 mass testing event will be held Sept. 18, 19, and 20 on the campus of Adams State University.

The drive-thru testing event will be held in the McDaniel Hall parking lot on the Adams State campus, with tests conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

Adams State is partnering with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Alamosa County Public Health, and the city of Alamosa to bring the mass testing event to campus.

The Sept. 18 date is for Adams State students, faculty, and staff; residents of Alamosa and other San Luis Valley communities can receive free COVID-19 tests on Sept. 19 and 20.

Pre-registration is recommended. There also will be on-site registration. To pre-register please visit Free COVID-19 Testing. Individuals will get test results within 4 days of the test.

To access the testing area in the McDaniel parking lot, traffic will be routed from Third Street onto Richardson Avenue, which leads into the McDaniel parking lot. Vehicles will exit the testing site onto First Street.

“A drive-thru testing site at the Adams State campus ensures people across the San Luis Valley have access to free, fast, and easy COVID-19 testing,” said President Cheryl D. Lovell. “We understand the importance of testing as a means to address the spread before it continues to infect our communities and state. We are grateful to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Alamosa County Public Health for coordinating a mass testing event at Adams State.”

The September dates were selected to gauge any spread of the virus following the recent Labor Day weekend. Adams State is looking to test 1,600 individuals who are students and employees of the University. Another 1,500 tests will be available for community members.

“On behalf of Alamosa County Public Health Department, I am pleased to partner with Adams State University, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Mako Medical to bring this community COVID-19 testing opportunity to the San Luis Valley,” said Della Vieira, director of Alamosa County Public Health Department. “COVID-19 testing is key to controlling the spread of coronavirus, along with the big three: wear a face covering, wash hands frequently, and maintain physical distance.”

There are no age restrictions for the test, although ideally children under age 2 should be tested by a pediatrician.

Spanish-language services will be available at the testing site.