Colorado Mesa University plans to keep operating a drive-through COVID-19 testing site on its Grand Junction campus.

“CMU built a nationally celebrated response infrastructure during the pandemic that will continue serving the larger community so long as there is a need,” said CMU President John Marshall. “Sustaining the campus testing site demonstrates CMU partnerships are enduring, and our investments serve the community well beyond campus and the classroom.”

CMU has worked closely with Mesa County Public Health during the pandemic to not only to ensure a safe and sustainable return to in person learning for students, but also pool resources to meet the testing and vaccine needs of the community. CMU and MCPH announced a joint partnership with Mako Medical, which began serving as testing facilitators on July 1.

The CMU testing site is located just north of Bunting Hall and is accessible from North Avenue and Cannell Avenue or 7th Street and Bunting Avenue. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Nasal swab PCR tests are administered by onsite staff. Results are available within 48 hours. 

No appointments are required. Online registration is available, however, on the website at https://mako.exchange/scheduler/registration/?location=7308.

In addition to the CMU drive-through site, rapid home and PCR tests are available throughout the community.

 Pick-up test kits are available during regular business hours at the MCPH Health and Human Services Building, located at 510 29 1/2 Road. Quantities may be limited based on supply.

Direct mail tests can be ordered on the federal COVID-19 website. 

A positive test will result in a call or text message from Mesa County Public Health to communicate information about what to do next and how long to isolate from others.

In-person PCR testing also is available at local pharmacies, including those at City Market, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as at urgent care facilities and primary care clinics.