The National Guard and Colorado Department of Health will begin arriving in Chaffee County today to support local health officials in COVID-19 testing. 

Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom warns, “Please do not be alarmed by their presence; public health and health care providers in the county welcome this visit from the National Guard and appreciate their assistance in administering these tests.”

Testing will occur tomorrow at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds in a drive-up format for Chaffee County residents who are symptomatic, fit specific criteria, and have a doctor’s order for the test.  Chaffee County Public Health and Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center are working to identify and contact appropriate patients. 

If you are experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath, call your provider to discuss testing possibilities and details.  This event will not take drive requests without a doctor’s orders. 

Testing will take place tomorrow at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds from 12 noon to 4 pm. 

Please anticipate long wait times.  However, Colorado Department of Health stated that they can test up to 40 people an hour.  The first 100 vehicles in line will have access to the drive-up testing; all others that arrive after that will be encouraged to seek testing from a private provider.  Please call ahead and speak wit the health care facility in advance before going to the fairgrounds for testing.  There will only be capacity for 100 tests. 

Individuals will drive through a secured area and will remain in their vehicles throughout the entire testing process. 

For more information, visit the Chaffee County Public Health COVID-19 website.

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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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