With Archuleta and La Plata counties both in level “Low” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels, and statewide cases trending similarly downward, the State of Colorado has indicated that state-sponsored community testing and vaccination sites will be phased out of local communities in the coming months. 

The community vaccination site at the Old Main Post Office in Durango will close on March 31.  Other local community vaccination clinics will continue through at least the end of April. In La Plata County, 77% of eligible residents have received at least one dose and 70% are fully immunized. In Archuleta County, 69% of eligible residents have received at last one dose and 63% are fully immunized. 

COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be available through a robust network of health care providers, local pharmacies, and other partners in La Plata and Archuleta counties. San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) will also be offering COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters at its offices in both Durango and Pagosa Springs. More information is available on the SJBPH website. 

The State of Colorado is currently sponsoring three community testing sites in La Plata and Archuleta counties through a contract with COVIDCheck Colorado in collaboration with SJBPH. These sites are located at Fort Lewis College, the La Plata County Fairgrounds, and behind the Pagosa Springs Medical Center. In recent weeks, demand for testing has declined significantly as the spread of COVID-19 has subsided. In the week ending on March 12, there were 313 tests administered at sites in La Plata County; there were 15 tests administered at the Archuleta County site. 

The timeline for closing testing sites has not been solidified by the State of Colorado, but according to Governor Polis’ plan for the next chapter of the pandemic (“Our Roadmap to Moving Forward”), it is expected that the majority of the testing sites, including locally, will close prior to July 1. SJBPH will keep the community informed as more information becomes available. Up-to-date information on testing site hours and availability, and other providers offering tests is available on the SJBPH website. 

SJBPH continues to offer free COVID-19 at-home rapid tests and high-quality masks for the public at its offices in Pagosa Springs and Durango. The iHealth antigen test kits were provided to SJBPH by CDPHE and can be self-administered with results generated in 15 minutes. Up to four test kits (eight tests total) are provided per person while supplies last. Supply is limited and tests will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. If positive for COVID-19, patients should isolate following the guidance on SJBPH’s website. 

At-home test users are encouraged to report positive results by using this online CDPHE portal. Positive results can also be reported to SJBPH directly via email (covidreports@sjbpublichealth.org) or by calling SJBPH at 970-585-6185.   

Additionally, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests from the federal government. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Learn more on the federal website. 

SJBPH’s Pagosa Springs office is located at 502 S. 8th Street and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The SJBPH Durango office is located at 281 Sawyer Drive Suite 300 and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A mask is required for entry in SJBPH offices at this time. 

For COVID-19 data, vaccine clinics, testing information, and information about quarantine and isolation guidance please visit the SJBPH website.