Community COVID-19 Testing

Community COVID-19 Testing

Lyon County Joint Information Center Announces Community COVID-19 Testing June 17-19

MARSHALL, MINN. (June 12, 2020) – Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Southwest Health and Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health are collaborating to conduct community testing for COVID-19 June 17-19 in Marshall.

“In Lyon County, over the last week, confirmed cases of COVID-19 have more than doubled. We are now at 183 reported cases. As part of the plan to keep Lyon County residents safe and to continue to allow the economy to stay open, we must identify areas where the virus is spreading faster than in other areas of the state. Widespread testing will help to test, trace and isolate those who have the virus and help slow its spread,” said Carol Biren, Public Health Director, Southwest Health and Human Services.

“We are seeing significant community spread in our area. One of the most important ways to reduce the spread is to do testing and tracing for those who test positive, so we can identify those who might unknowingly spread the virus,” said Dr. Steve Meister, Avera Medical Group and SWHHS Chief Medical Officer. “Studies are showing that even those without symptoms can test positive and spread the virus to others.”

Test Site Details
Drive-up diagnostic testing (not antibody testing) will be held at the Avera Medical Group Carlson Street campus at 1521 Carlson Street in Marshall at these dates and times:

  •  Wednesday, June 17, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 18, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, June 19, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No appointment is needed. Depending on volume, there could be a significant wait. This testing is conducted through a swab in the nose.

To offer testing in a timely manner and to manage traffic flow, participants are asked to report for testing during these time blocks based on the first letter of the last name. If there are individuals with multiple last names in a car, go by the last name of the driver.

Wednesday, June 17 & Thursday, June 18

  • 8-11 a.m.: A-F
  • 11 a.m. -2 p.m.: G-L
  • 2-5 p.m.: M-R
  • 5-8 p.m.: S-Z

Friday, June 19

  • 8-11 a.m.: A-L
  • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: M-Z

Interpreter services will be available.

Cars should enter from Peterson Street. Individuals should bring a driver’s license and insurance card, if possible.

Insurance companies, as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, have taken steps to ensure coverage to eliminate any out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing at this time. For self-pay, there will not be a bill at this time. Avera will seek reimbursement from any applicable government programs which may provide coverage for the test. You may receive a bill should government funding not cover the cost of the testing. Avera has assistance programs for those who qualify.

Who Should Be Tested

This event is planned with an emphasis on testing for individuals who live and work in Lyon County. People should consider being tested if they:

  • Have symptoms of COVID-19 now – even if symptoms are very mild
  • Had symptoms within the last 4-10 days
  • Have recently been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
  • Think they might have been exposed to the virus
  • Recently participated in a protest, demonstration or other neighborhood event

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever, or feeling feverish
  • Chills
  • A new cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • A new sore throat
  • New muscle aches
  • New headache
  • New loss of taste or smell

Test results
Test results will be available in approximately 48-72 hours after testing. Individuals with positive results will be notified by phone as soon as results are available. Individuals with negative results will be notified by letter.

“This testing is truly a collaborative effort. Sample collection and lab processing will be provided by Avera. The state is providing guidance and supplies. Local public health will provide education in the community, assistance to local employers and services for those who need assistance due to being ill. There is even an opportunity for members of our community to help. Local volunteers who signed up early in the pandemic are being contacted with opportunities to help with things like traffic control and registration,” said Mary Maertens, Regional President and CEO, Avera Marshall.

The City of Marshall has established a list of volunteers who may be contacted. Those who have not signed up and are interested in doing so now can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/v63rudg.

Officials remind area residents to exercise caution and follow safety practices to protect themselves, their families and vulnerable populations in the community.
“I know we keep saying this, but it is so important. Regardless of test results, all of us need to diligently wash our hands, maintain at least 6 feet social distancing, wear masks when out in public, avoid crowds and stay home when possible. Especially if you are sick, please stay home,” Dr. Meister said.
Anyone with questions about symptoms and testing can call 877-AT-AVERA.

Testing Road Map