Free COVID-19 testing is happening today at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

No symptoms or appointments are necessary, and there is no wait time. Results are available in 5-7 days.

Turnout has been less than expected, officials said Wednesday morning.

“There was a line the first hour but it has since tapered off,” said county health department physician Dr. Kent Aikin. “We’re hoping to get more participation this afternoon.”

Three drive-thru testing stations are set up. The test is a nasal swab administered by a health professional.

Lyla Hansen said she got tested and the process “took just five minutes. Good information was handed out. I’m calling my friends to remind them about it.”

The drive-thru testing clinic was organized by the county health department, and 1,000 test kits were provided by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.

As of 10:30 a.m. about 175 tests had been conducted, Aikin said. Officials are hoping to conduct 1,000 tests. Additional free testing days are being considered.

Community-wide testing is important to control the infection rate, health officials said. Positive cases are instructed to self-quarantine and contact tracing informs others they may have been exposed.

COVID-19 is a unique virus because carriers can have no symptoms and are spreading the potentially deadly virus unknowingly, Aikin said.