More Missouri counties to host free COVID-19 testing
A number of Missouri counties have taken part in community sampling efforts in order for public health officials to learn more about the prevalence of COVID-19 transmission.
Now, as part of Gov. Mike Parson’s plan to rapidly increase COVID-19 tests per day in Missouri, six additional counties will host testing events.
The goal is to test nearly 10,000 people over a 10-day period at events in Greene, Boone, Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Jefferson and St. Charles Counties.
Community sampling gives the state a better sense of COVID-19 prevalence in a given area, which will help guide its response and ease uncertainty for Missourians. If prevalence is low, this will help reassure citizens that it is safe to begin re-engaging in the community and returning to somewhat normal operations. If prevalence is higher, quick and proactive steps will be taken to keep the virus from spreading further in the community.
Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a nasal swab to see if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual. Missouri residency is the only requirement; individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms.
Boone County
June 1-2, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Hickman High School, Columbia
Cape Girardeau County
June 5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Arena Park, Cape Girardeau
Greene County
June 4-5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield
Jackson County
May 26-30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Silverstein Eye Center Arena, Independence
Jefferson County
June 1-2, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Faith Community Church, House Springs
June 3, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Hillsboro Civic Center, Hillsboro
St. Charles County
May 26-28, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., St. Charles County Public Health Dept., St. Charles
May 29-30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.. The Youth Activity Park, Dardenne Prairie
Those who would like to be tested can pre-register for the site nearest them at health.mo.gov/communitytest. More information can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
Online pre-registration is highly encouraged and will allow for the testing event to run efficiently for patients. Those without access to online pre-registration can call the Missouri COVID-19 hotline for registration assistance at 877-435-8411.