State test procedures change, now require appointments at some sites

The Utah Department of Health has announced changes to testing procedures at COVID-19 testing sites due to high demand. The new rules went into effective on Jan. 7. Now, state-sponsored testing centers at the Cannon Health Building in Salt Lake City, in Bountiful, at Timpanogos Regional Hospital and in West Jordan will be available by appointment only, including testing for travel, officials said.

Appointments can be made for those sites at testutah.com.

At all other testing sites, officials said, people must arrive at least one hour before the site’s publicized closing times in order to get tested. Vehicles won’t be permitted to enter the line after that time.

“Those who arrive after the line has closed will be offered at-home test kits (if available), or will be asked to return the following day,” a health department statement said.

The state testing sites will also no longer provide testing for anyone who needs to test to attend events or who need regular work-required testing. Those people are encouraged to visit other sponsored testing locations or work with their employer to find other testing options.

“Anyone seeking testing should be prepared for long lines right now. It’s possible your wait could be from 30 minutes to four hours. We ask you to be patient and respectful of one another and our staff,” the department said.