This article is free to all readers because it includes information important to public safety and health in our community.
The COVID-19 community testing events are scheduled in the coming weeks in Central Missouri.
Being a Missouri resident is the only requirement to participate in the testing. Individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms.
Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at no cost.
Registration is open for community testing events in Cole, Miller and Moniteau counties.
The Miller County testing event will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday at the Eldon Community Center, 309 E. Second St. in Eldon.
The Moniteau County testing event will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds in California.
The Cole County testing event will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 10 at the First Assembly of God church, 1900 Route C in Jefferson City.
The community-based testing is 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 is used to pay for community testing.
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.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing will continue each week in four locations in the state. The Central Missouri site is Columbia.
Surge testing helps hospital administrators and public health officials estimate the surge in demand for hospital-based services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Testing at these locations is available to individuals age 5 and older - including those experiencing symptoms, those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals younger than 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.
The surge testing is expected to continue at Columbia and the other three locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.