Boulder City Offers Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing
BOULDER CITY – The Delta variant of COVID-19 is a concern in our schools, as kids under the age of 12 cannot yet receive the vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals account for 99-percent of the deaths in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Breakthrough cases – infections in people who have been vaccinated – are occurring, but the symptoms are not as severe. Knowing if you have COVID can help slow the spread. Starting August 16, COVID testing will be available to Boulder City residents or people who work for Boulder City businesses at the Boulder City Fire Department, 1101 Elm Street.
Walk up testing will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. This will be dependent on staffing availability, as Fire and EMS response will take precedence.
“With students back in school, there is a heightened concern about kids who cannot be vaccinated potentially catching and transmitting the virus,” said Boulder City Mayor Kiernan McManus. “Some people who have COVID-19 may have mild symptoms and not realize that they could be spreading the illness. The Delta variant of the virus is prevalent in Nevada now which is more transmissible. We need to continue to be diligent and protect our family and friends.”
Boulder City paramedics use the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen test, a simple nasal swab that yields results in as little as 15 minutes. (These nasal swab tests determine if you currently have the virus; they are not blood tests to determine if you have antibodies.) To get tested, you need to fill out the form at www.bcnv.org/testing. If you require proof of test results for school or work, download the NAVICA app to retain your results.
“The increase in COVID cases over the past two months, and the severity of cases in those who remain unvaccinated, should serve as a reminder of why vaccination is so critical,” said Fire Chief Will Gray, who has been leading the COVID response in Boulder City since March 2020. “We continue to ask residents to talk to their family doctor or other medical professional for information about the vaccine. It could be a matter of life and death.”
