Recent News

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

JEFFERSON CITY, MO –More than 40 counties throughout Missouri have already participated in community sampling efforts in order for public health officials to learn more about the prevalence of COVID-19 transmission. The State of Missouri is continuing these efforts with a round of community sampling events taking place from June 26-July 9 at events being held in 10 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.

Counties hosting upcoming community testing events are Barry, Cole, Dade, Jasper, Laclede, McDonald, Newton, Stone, Taney and Wright. 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.

Appointments can now be made online for events June 26-July 9 on the DHSS registration site. Those without access to online registration can call the Missouri COVID-19 hotline for registration assistance at 877-435-8411.

More than 15,000 people have already been tested through community sampling events. Approximately 1 percent of these individuals tested positive.

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.

Those who would like to be tested can register for the site nearest them at  health.mo.gov/communitytest. More information can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

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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