San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH), Axis Health System, Animas Surgical Hospital (ASH), and Centura Health-Mercy are partnering to provide free diagnostic (PCR) COVID-19 testing, now five days a week at an in-town Durango location, starting Monday, Sept. 21. Drive-through and walk-up testing will be available Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Durango Public Library overflow parking lot on the corner of East Third Avenue and 20th Street.

With Centura Health-Mercy joining the Durango-based testing effort, free community testing will no longer be offered at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Three Springs.

The parameters for prioritization for testing have been broadened, with SJBPH’s Community Testing site providing free testing to anyone with symptoms or anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed either through known contact or general community interaction. Those testing for travel-related reasons or needing written results for an employer or educational facility should utilize appointment-based testing through private testing providers. Written results cannot be provided for free community testing.

Other community partners contributing to the SJBPH Community Testing Site include the City of Durango, La Plata County, and La Plata County Sheriff’s Office.

“We sincerely thank all of our community partners for stepping up to provide additional community testing to meet the needs of local residents,” said Liane Jollon, SJBPH Executive Director. “COVID-19 diagnostic testing continues to be one of the most important tools we have to fight this virus and we appreciate the collaboration going into ensuring that we have adequate testing for those who need it.”

“We also appreciate that our community members understand the importance of testing in controlling the spread of COVID-19, and we want to make sure this crucial service is widely available before we start to reopen more community activities and host larger events in our communities.”, Jollon added.

Cedar Diagnostics also offers PCR diagnostic testing in La Plata and Archuleta counties. Archuleta Integrated Healthcare and Pagosa Springs Medical Center offer PCR testing in Archuleta County as well.

For the most up to date COVID-19 information, including testing locations and hours, visit SJBPH’s website at: https://sjbpublichealth.org/coronavirus/