Pre-emptive Travel Testing At Local Clinics Discouraged

The holidays are fast approaching and local medical clinics, such as Cascade Medical, are urging people to not use pre-emptive travel testing as a precautionary measure for traveling to see loved ones. Pre-emptive testing not only drains needed supplies, but fosters a false sense of security.

"A negative test means you didn't have enough of a viral load to trigger a positive result at the moment you took that test, likely days prior before your event," said Clint Strand, director of communications. "There's still a very real chance you could be infected with the virus and bring it to your event even if you receive a negative result."

Cascade Medical identified another issue that arises from pre-emptive travel testing. While the facility has enough tests for those in need of testing due to exposure or high risk, if everyone decides to proactively test this could result in a shortage.

"I know folks want to hear it's okay to get together with their family," said Strand. "At this point, with the threat of spread the way it is, all health officials are really asking folks to think about spending the holidays, just this once, with your immediate family."

For more information on how to approach the holiday season and gathering with loved ones during the pandemic, visit here.