HEALTH
Gov. Cox announces test to travel program
Sep 30, 2021, 3:11 PM
FILE PHOTO (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images)
(Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is piloting a new test to travel program in Salt Lake City next week.
Test to travel
It is increasingly more common for places around the world to require proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel, even for fully vaccinated people.
Many locations demand results from a test taken within 24, 48, or 72 hours of a person’s flight.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says the state wants to make it easier for Utah residents.
The Utah Department of Health is opening a line dedicated to travel testing at the Cannon Health Building at 288 N. 1460 W. in Salt Lake City.
“This location will have rapid antigen, rapid PCR, and regular PCR available for travelers,” the governor said.
These are the most common tests required for travel, but Cox adds it will be a traveler’s responsibility to know which test they need.
Free to Utahns
Perhaps the best part of the new program: Utahns won’t have to pay a dime.
“These tests will be free to Utah residents,” Cox said.
People who do not live here and need a test to return home will be required to pay a small fee for testing at the Cannon Health Building.
The test to travel program starts on Monday, Oct. 4. Testing is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
You can find more information at TestUtah.com.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
- Obtain a flu shot.
- Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
