SALT LAKE CITY — Although the Utah Department of Health has temporarily halted the use of on-site rapid antigen testing for COVID-19, testing is still a very important tool, according to a news release issued on Monday.

The state department paused the use of the rapid tests at all state-operated testing sites last week due to a high number of false negative results.

The health department states those who should continue to get tested include people with significant underlying conditions, those who will be visiting someone vulnerable to complications from the virus, the elderly, health care workers, people living or working in congregate settings such as homeless shelters and prisons, and those traveling to places that require a negative test.

Some test results will be emailed to patients in an encrypted file from CV19result@utah.gov 30 minutes to several hours after a test is done. If the testing location is extremely busy, it may take a while to process results. UDOH said if you don’t see an email in your inbox, look in spam or junk mail or try to open the email on a non-app browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and on a computer or non-phone device. If you have trouble opening the email or it doesn’t come within a few hours, call 385-273-7878 for assistance.

Before going to a testing site, visit, coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, types of tests offered, associated costs, who may be tested at the location or if an appointment is required.

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