State announces new COVID-19 test site in Brenard

Tests on this site will take place from Thursday, December 17th to Saturday, December 19th at the CLC Gymnasium on 501W College Drive in Brenard. Business hours are 10 AM to 4 PM on Thursdays and Fridays and 10 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturdays.

The site will be set up as a walkthrough and participants will self-manage the nasal swab test. This site is capable of performing about 480 tests per day. Reservations are highly recommended, but not required.

“Testing is an important element of our strategy to protect Minnesota from COVID-19,” Minnesota Health Director Jan Malcolm said in a news release. “Through a robust and collaborative state-wide testing program, we have made great strides in removing test obstacles. Combined with social distance, masking, crowd avoidance, and staying home when sick, testing Helps delay the spread of COVID-19 and bridge the better days we know will come. “

“Our COVID-19 testing strategy was data-driven from day one with the goal of providing a low barrier test to all Minnesota who needed it. The sooner we identify positive cases, the sooner. Infected individuals can now take steps to isolate the virus and stop its spread, “said Danhaf, Minnesota Health Department’s Health Protection Assistant. “Our partnership from the federal level to the local level is a key element of the community testing strategy that has enabled the state to carry out over 500,000 COVID-19 tests in every corner of the state. Asymptomatic. Even so, we want people to take the test. Offering more options makes people more likely to take the test and helps stop the spread of the virus. “

This test event is part of a federal government effort to provide temporary federal support in areas where COVID-19 cases have recently surged. The site consists of three components: federal government support, federal contractor support, and state and local support. This is the second site in Minnesota. The first was held in Brain from December 7th to December 12th.

The Brainerd site is a coordinated effort between Minnesota, the Department of Health and Human Services, Minnesota National Guard, Crow Wing County Public Health, Central Lakes College, and eTrueNorth (eTN). Minnesota and the National Guard provide support for non-medical personnel, site management, traffic control, and more. The Department of Health and Human Services provides resources such as personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings, and community mitigation guidance. A federal contractor, eTrueNorth, provides support such as online registration, test kits, and lab result notifications. The lab that processes the test samples is Health Quest Esoterics in Irvine, California. eTrueNorth will notify participants by email of test results within approximately 3-5 days.

“This is a very convenient way to test near your home and get quick results,” said Matt Killian, president of the Brainer Drakes Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber of Commerce strongly recommends that local companies and their teams, especially those quarantined or questioning whether they are exposed to the virus, take advantage of this opportunity. It’s another step in getting our economy back on track. “

“Most of today’s focus is on the release of effective and safe vaccines. It is important that our community keeps an eye on the symptoms and continues to test for COVID-19,” said Crow Wing County Public Health Supervisor. Michelle Moritz says. .. “Individuals should also be tested 5-7 days after close contact with other individuals who test positive. This clinic is tested by many, regardless of symptoms or close contact. It gives you the opportunity to know the status of COVID-19 before planning your vacation. “

“Tests save lives when people know their COVID-19 status and can be isolated from others to prevent further spread,” Moritz continued. “We are excited to get vaccinated soon and end this pandemic, but by delaying the spread until most of the community is vaccinated, we help children get back to school and resume business. The test is quick, easy, and can now be done without the instructions of a doctor. “

The test is open to anyone who believes they need the COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should take the test has recently been updated and can be found on the Minnesota COVID-19 Response web page. Who should be tested?..

“The Trump administration has launched a surge test site to help areas affected by COVID-19. Surge tests help the federal government support regional leadership and reduce the spread of the virus community. It’s one of many tools that can be deployed in, “says HHS Assistant Secretary. Health ADM Brett Giroir, MD “The purpose of the surge test effort is to enable state, local, and federal public health professionals to identify new cases, including asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases. is.”

Individuals seeking a test can register at Need a COVID-19 test?.. After receiving an email notification that the results are ready, you can access the test results by logging in to this same portal.