Colorado Politics

CDPHE’s at-home COVID-19 testing program expanded to all public-facing employees

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced another expansion of its at-home COVID-19 testing program, and will allow anyone who interacts with the public while working to receive free testing kits.

The Binax At-home testing program allows anyone working with the public to order free COVID-19 testing kits and test themselves while under guidance from a Telehealth proctor.

“We recognize the sacrifices that public-facing employees have made each and every day, from bank tellers and educators to delivery drivers and utility workers, and we will provide the tools and resources to assure that hard-working Coloradans are well protected as we continue to open our economy,” said Gov. Jared Polis in a news release.

Among those eligible are retail workers, hotel and other hospitality employees, event industry employees, delivery and truck drivers from all industries, movie theater employees, bank employees, gym employees, real estate agents, construction workers, grocery store workers, energy and utility workers, security workers, and tradespeople — cleaners, building maintenance, plumbers, electricians, and more.

The program initially launched in February and gave educators and those working in direct contact with Pre K to 12th-grade students in Colorado an opportunity for free testing kits.

Last month, the state expanded the program to allow restaurant workers.

“Making these tests accessible is our top priority,” said Sarah Hamma, deputy director for COVID testing at CDPHE.

“As more and more Coloradans qualify to receive the vaccine, we must continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and use these crucial tools to promote a smooth return to daily life.”

Eligible Coloradans can enroll in the statewide program by completing an online Google form that will verify their employer and email address.

Once approved, applicants will receive an email from DPHE detailing instructions on how to order free testing kits that include six tests.

Upon their arrival, applicants will be required to schedule a TeleHealth appointment with a proctor who will show each person how to use the test.

Anyone needing additional testing kit supplies will be able to do so 20 days after each order.

EMT Michelle Pinkerton administers a COVID-19 test at El Paso County’s newest free drive-thru testing site at The Citadel mall in Colorado Springs in Tuesday, August, 2020. (Breeanna Jent, The Gazette) (Breeanna Jent, The Gazette)
EMT Michelle Pinkerton administers a COVID-19 test at El Paso County’s newest free drive-thru testing site at The Citadel mall in Colorado Springs in Tuesday, August, 2020. (Breeanna Jent, The Gazette) (Breeanna Jent, The Gazette)

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