#TestUtahChallenge aims to double C-19 testing, gather citizen data

Gov. Gary Herbert has announced an ambitious initiative in partnership with Silicon Slopes Serves to double the state’s COVID-19 testing capacity and gather data from each Utah citizen to help health officials better combat the virus. The Silicon Slopes Serves initiative is managing a private-public partnership to set up new testing facilities that, at scale, will more than double the state’s daily testing capacity from 3,000 to 6,000-plus  tests a day.

As part of the effort, the #TestUtahChallenge calls on every Utahn to complete an online assessment at TestUtah.com. All Utahns are encouraged to take the assessment regardless of symptoms. The data will be aggregated by the state to allow public health officials to better track the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state. Increased testing and tracing of the virus will allow a more effective and targeted response, helping reduce transmission and infections.

The assessment, created in partnership with the Utah Department of Health, asks individuals to provide information regarding any symptoms they may be experiencing as well as related questions regarding mental health, stress and occupational considerations. All those taking the assessment will receive helpful, accurate, evidence-based information regarding the COVID-19 virus. An algorithm will process the responses and instruct each individual on whether or not they should be tested for COVID-19. For those for whom testing is recommended, the assessment will trigger an email that will provide each person a unique QR code and will recommend a testing center location. Following the test, results will be emailed or texted to each individual, informing them of their diagnosis and recommended next steps.

“We are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership that will help accelerate testing for COVID-19 and help us flatten the curve in Utah and save lives,” said Herbert. “It has been amazing to work with Silicon Slopes and so many incredible leaders in both the technology and healthcare communities of Utah to develop a solution to keep our citizens safe, informed and help us all get us back to a normal way of life as quickly and safely as possible.”