SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah Health will begin moving its COVID-19 testing indoors Wednesday due to the arrival of winter and the colder temperatures that come with it.
"Outdoor testing and winter don't mix well." said Dr. Richard Orlandi, Associate CMO of Ambulatory Health. "We've been looking at this option since July. We are doing this to keep our staff safe and comfortable. This is already a strain and we don't want to make things worse."
Officials believe UofU Health staff and patients will be safe testing indoors as saliva testing is being used.
"Saliva testing does not generate aerosolized particles like deep nasal swabbing. Appointments cut down on crowding so we can manage the flow of patients coming in to get COVID-19 testing." said Orlandi.
Examination rooms where patients are tested for COVID-19 will be cleaned. Officials also promise daily testing capacity will remain the same.