Chaffee County, Colorado- Chaffee County Public Health has acquired a limited number of free iHealth COVID-19 over-the-counter antigen rapid tests to distribute throughout the county.

Local businesses and employers are being prioritized and may request free tests to keep on hand for symptomatic employees. Tests expire in June 2022, and they are in limited supply. These tests will be available on a first come, first served basis.

To request a reasonable number of tests, businesses and employers are encouraged to complete the following survey: https://forms.gle/UED9WnSVDo8EXmjW8. CCPH will do its best to fill the order, depending on demand. One order per business or employer is allowed at this time. Distribution plans will be arranged upon approval of the request. This is a short-term program. Similar programs are being launched through other federal, state, and community partner efforts.

Instructions on what to do if someone tests positive can be found at: https://www.chaffeecounty.org/Public-Health-Coronavirus#positive.

While testing is an important tool, vaccines are the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants and to help avoid the worst outcomes (severe illness, hospitalization, and death) among those who do become infected. All Coloradans ages 5 and older should get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Coloradans should receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to ensure the highest level of protection against the virus if they:

• Are 12 or older and received their second dose of Pfizer at least five months ago.
• Are 18 or older and received their second dose of Moderna at least five months ago.

CCPH is also anticipating upcoming announcements made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding recommendations and guidelines on masking, contact tracing/case investigation, and quarantine related to COVID-19 in the near future. As these are made, CCPH will be modifying its strategies and related resources accordingly.

Andrea Carlstrom, CCPH Director, says, “We should all be preparing ourselves for a more reasonable and sustainable way in which we live with COVID-19. So far, all signs are pointing in the right direction. CCPH hopes that these free tests help remove barriers to access and reduce the fear, anxiety, and inconvenience that this virus has had on our business community and workforce.”

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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