A temporary COVID-19 saliva testing site is coming to International Falls.
Testing will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 21-23 at Bob Walls Memorial Union Hall, 509 Third St., according to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Health.
International Falls Mayor Harley Droba encouraged as many people as possible to take advantage of the opportunity.
“This is an opportunity to have a mass test to see a point in time of where we are in the battle against the virus," Droba said in the release. "I encourage as many people in our community that can be tested, to think of their neighbors and friends and take part in this mass testing at Bob Wall’s Union Hall.”
A positive test early in the infection allows people to isolate themselves and prevent the spread of the virus. This improves the ability for the International Falls School District to keep students learning in person, Superintendent Kevin Grover said.
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"The students need all of us to participate," he said in the release.
The testing event requires people to self-administer their test by salivating into a small tub. Staff will be available to monitor the process. All testgoers need to avoid drinking, eating, chewing or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing the sample.
Registration is encouraged but not required; register at http://bit.ly/2XI6wQj . Test results will be provided via email approximately 48 hours later.
Testing is free to participants. People will be asked to provide health insurance information so the state can bill the insurance company. The state will cover the cost for people who don't have health insurance.
