If you traveled over spring break and/or were part of a large get-together that consisted of people not part of your immediate household, city health officials want you to get a COVID-19 test.

Health officials fear a post-spring break spike could set us back and lead to an increase in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The only way to really get a handle on a possible surge and the impact it might have on our community is through testing.

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, El Paso’s top health authority, told ABC7 he encourages everyone who traveled to get tested. "If somebody has symptoms, regardless whether they have the vaccine or not, please, they need to go and get tested," Ocaranza told the news station. “We need to know who is coming positive and who is not.”

Per the CDC, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, should get tested 3–5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even if their test is negative. El Pasoans can get tested for free at any of the testing sites listed below, whether or not they have symptoms.

State Testing Drive Thru-Sites

Testing is available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to anyone 5 years or older. No appointments needed, however, once the daily capacity is met the site will be close.

• Ascarate Park, 6800 Delta
• El Paso Community College Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Dr.
• Nation Tobin Recreation Center, 8831 Railroad Dr.
• SISD Student Activities Complex, 1300 Joe Battle Blvd.
• UTEP, Schuster 1 Parking Lot, off Schuster at the Spur 1966 roundabout
• Eastside Sports Complex, 14380 Montwood
• Region 19 Kenworthy Complex; 9776 Kenworthy

State Saliva Testing

Want to get tested for COVID-19 but the thought of your nasal cavity being invaded keeps you from doing it? Then these are the sites for you.

These sites operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both are drive-through and offer testing for anyone with or without symptoms at no cost to the individual. Registration is required and can be done at online or by calling (267)362-5207

• Memorial Park; 1701 N. Copia
• ESD 2 Fire Station; 11440 N. Loop

State Rural Testing

Testing is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to anyone 5 years or older. No appointments needed, however, once the daily capacity is met the site will be close.
• West Valley Fire Station, 510 Vinton Rd.
• ESD HQ #2, 16001 Socorro Rd

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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