Tuesday was a COVID-19 testing day for people living at the Purple Cliffs homeless camp along La Posta Road (County Road 213).
It’s part of a weekly pop-up testing effort put on by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s rapid response team and San Juan Basin Public Health. Pop-up testing offers access to testing for people who might not normally have it, such as those who are living with disabilities, experiencing homelessness or staying in shelters.
Although the rapid response team could not be reached for more information Tuesday, SJBPH spokeswoman Claire Ninde said the effort ensures equitable access.
“We will be unable to control the spread of disease in our community if certain populations do not have access to diagnostic testing,” Ninde said.
Weekly COVID-19 testing at Purple Cliffs began in December after the first cases were identified in the unhoused population, she said.
As the need arises, pop-up testing also reaches essential workers in downtown Durango; mobile home park residents; the Volunteers of America safehouse and shelter; the Durango soup kitchen, Manna; and congregate living situations, such as long-term care facilities.
smullane@durangoherald.com
