By Deb Gau

dgau@marshallindependent.com

MARSHALL — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lyon County more than doubled over the past week, area health officials said. As more and more area residents test positive for the coronavirus, it will be important to trace its spread in the community.

This week, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Southwest Health and Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health will be working together to conduct community testing in Marshall. Drive-up diagnostic tests for COVID-19 will be done outside the Carlson Street clinic on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, health officials announced. The testing will be done with an emphasis on people who live and work in Lyon County.

“We are seeing significant community spread in our area. One of the most important ways to reduce the spread is to do testing and tracing for those who test positive, so we can identify those who might unknowingly spread the virus,” said Dr. Steve Meister, of Avera Medical Group and SWHHS Chief Medical Officer. “Studies are showing that even those without symptoms can test positive and spread the virus to others.”

In March and April, relatively few cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Lyon County. The total number of cases started to climb in May, and over the past couple of weeks, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lyon County has skyrocketed. On Sunday, the county was up to 208 positive cases, according to the MDH.

“As part of the plan to keep Lyon County residents safe and to continue to allow the economy to stay open, we must identify areas where the virus is spreading faster than in other areas of the state. Widespread testing will help to test, trace and isolate those who have the virus and help slow its spread,” said Carol Biren, Public Health Director at SWHHS.

Drive-up testing for COVID-19 will be held at the Avera Medical Group campus at 1521 Carlson street, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 8-3 on Friday. Appointments aren’t needed, but there could be a long wait depending on how many people are being tested. Testing organizers are asking people to arrive in different time windows, by the first letter of their last name. People being tested are also asked to bring a driver’s license and an insurance card, if possible.

Testing will be done through a swab in the nose, organizers said.

“This testing is truly a collaborative effort. Sample collection and lab processing will be provided by Avera. The state is providing guidance and supplies. Local public health will provide education in the community, assistance to local employers and services for those who need assistance due to being ill. There is even an opportunity for members of our community to help. Local volunteers who signed up early in the pandemic are being contacted with opportunities to help with things like traffic control and registration,” said Mary Maertens, Avera Marshall Regional President and CEO.

Organizers said people should consider being tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 like a fever, cough or shortness of breath; if they had symptoms in the past 4-10 days; if they’ve recently been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19; if they think they may have been exposed to the virus; or if they recently participated in a protest, demonstration or other neighborhood event.

Insurance companies and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid have taken steps to ensure coverage to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing, organizers said. There won’t be a bill for self-pay at this time. Avera will seek reimbursement from any government programs that may provide coverage for the COVID-19 test. People being tested may receive a bill, if government funding doesn’t cover the cost of the test. Avera also has assistance programs for those who qualify.

Test results will be available around 2-3 days after testing, organizers said. People who test positive for COVID-19 will be notified by phone as soon as results are available. People with negative test results will get a letter in the mail.

Officials remind area residents to exercise caution and follow safety practices to protect themselves, their families and vulnerable populations in the community.

“I know we keep saying this, but it is so important. Regardless of test results, all of us need to diligently wash our hands, maintain at least 6 feet social distancing, wear masks when out in public, avoid crowds and stay home when possible. Especially if you are sick, please stay home,” Meister said.

People with questions about COVID-19 symptoms and testing can call 877-AT-AVERA.

Drive-up COVID-19 testing

Where: Avera Medical Group campus, 1521 Carlson Street, Marshall

When: June 17, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

June 18, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

June 19, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Testing schedule:

June 17-18

Last names starting with A-F — 8-11 a.m.

G-L — 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

M-R — 2-5 p.m.

S-Z — 5-8 p.m.

June 19

Last names starting with A-L — 8-11 a.m.

M-Z — 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

What to bring: Bring a driver’s license and insurance card, if possible. Cars should enter the testing area from Peterson Street.

Who should be tested?

People should consider getting a test if they:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19

• Had symptoms in the last 4-10 days

• Were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19

• Think they may have been exposed to COVID-19

• Recently took part in a protest or neighborhood event