Recent News

 

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Testing continues to be one of the most effective tools in the fight to contain the virus that causes COVID-19 and move past the pandemic.  

Those who should get tested include those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, those who have had close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 (unless fully vaccinated or tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months), those with household contact, those who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk of infection, and those who have been recommended for testing by their healthcare provider or health department. Many camps, events and some forms of travel have moved to requiring evidence of a negative test result prior to participation.

Testing capacity has grown significantly over the past year, and testing efforts have continuously evolved to meet existing needs.

Now, there are tests that have been authorized by the FDA for at-home usage. Those who need to be tested for COVID-19 and can’t get tested by a healthcare provider can consider using either a self-collection kit or a self-test that can be performed anywhere. Self-collection kits and tests are available either by prescription or over the counter in a pharmacy or retail store without a prescription. Currently available self-collection kits and tests are used for the detection of current infection. These tests either require a nasal or saliva specimen.

The availability of these tests increases access to testing which results in the ability to take appropriate public health action. However, following the self-collection directions carefully is important for the validity of the result. It is also important to follow directions for reporting of the test results as it ensures the continuity of public health surveillance and mitigation efforts

The State continues to offer community testing events in areas throughout the state in a regular weekly cadence. A new regular event in Branson has been added to the schedule. Community testing events are free COVID-19 testing options that are available to anyone without any specific reason needed for the testing. Events are currently available at the following locations:

St. Louis Area

• Every Monday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  IBEW Local #1
  5850 Elizabeth Avenue
  St. Louis, MO 63110
• Every Thursday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Laborers Local #110
  4532 S Lindbergh Blvd
  St. Louis, MO 63127
• Every Saturday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Machinist Lodge #777
  12365 St Charles Rock Rd
  Bridgeton, MO 63044
   

Central MO Area

• Sundays (dates below) - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  May 9, 23
  June 13, 27
  American Legion #1423
  Tanner Bridge Road
  Jefferson City, MO 65101

 

Southwest Area

• April 28 - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Webster County Fairgrounds
  614 N. Marshall Street
  Marshfield, MO 65706
• Every Tuesday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Mother's Brewing Company
  Open lot located on the corner of West College and Grant Avenue
  Springfield, MO
• Every Friday (starting May 7) - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
  4100 Gretna Rd
  Branson, MO 65616
   

Kansas City Area

• Every Monday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Heavy Construction Laborers, Local #663
  7820 Prospect
  Kansas City, MO 64132
• Every Thursday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Heavy Construction Laborers, Local #663
  7820 Prospect
  Kansas City, MO 64132
• Every Saturday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Teamsters Local #955
  4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.
  Kansas City, MO 64130

 

Southeast Area

• Sundays (dates below) - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  May 2, 16
  June 6, 20
  Red Show Barn
  410 Kiwanis Drive
  Cape Girardeau MO 63701 

 

No pre-registration or appointment is needed, and patients do not need to be Missouri residents to be tested. A government-issued ID is not required, but if available will shorten the onsite registration process. The test used at these community testing events is a PCR test done by an anterior nares swab to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Once tested, individuals will be notified of results no later than 72 hours from the end of the testing event.

Additional community testing locations may be added as data indicates the need for additional offering of testing opportunities. Missourians are encouraged to periodically visit health.mo.gov/communitytest for additional events.

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About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at http://health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo