Recent News
July 16, 2020
Community COVID-19 testing events continue throughout Missouri
Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – More than 50 counties throughout Missouri have already participated in community sampling efforts in order for public health officials to learn more about COVID-19 transmission. The State of Missouri is continuing these efforts with a round of community sampling events taking place from July 17-21 at events being held in 7 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.
Hosting upcoming community testing events are Barry County, Cape Girardeau County, Jasper County, Johnson County, City of Joplin, Macon County, McDonald County and Newton County. The community-based testing will be operated by the Department of Health and Senior Services and Missouri National Guard in coordination with the hosting local public health agencies.
CARES Act funding will be used for community sampling. Some counties have also elected to provide community sampling using CARES Act funding received by their county.
To register for community testing events in Missouri, visit health.mo.gov/communitytest. Those without access to online registration can call the Missouri COVID-19 hotline for registration assistance at 877-435-8411. Translation services are available.
More information regarding COVID-19 can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.###