Everyone urged to get tested for COVID

Steele County Public Health is organizing a communitywide testing event for COVID-19 next week in Owatonna.
The free tests will be available Monday, Nov. 9 and Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 2323 W. Bridge St., Owatonna. Members of the National Guard will conduct nasal swap tests as part of the effort.
Public Health Director Amy Caron says people can sign up for an appointment, which helps keep wait times short and gives people plenty of space for social distancing.
Registration is taking place at www.primarybio.com/r/owatonna.
While registration is encouraged, it’s not required. “Nobody will be turned away,” Caron said. She added the event is open to anyone and they do not need to be Steele County residents.
Public Health’s goal is to test 1,200 people. “We encourage people to go in and get tested,” said Caron. “We are looking to see how widespread our community spread of COVID is.”
The goal of the testing event is to target people who are asymptomatic, which are those who have COVID but do not display any symptoms.
“We are trying to curb the spread,” Caron said, adding it’s a nice benefit for Steele County to be chosen to host the testing event.
In addition to the community testing event, residents can also take part in a pilot program featuring home saliva tests. Steele and Mower counties were chosen to be among 23 counties for the pilot program. The saliva tests are also available free of charge. Insurance information is needed so the state can bill insurance companies for the tests.