Photo: DeAnne Holland, Avera Marshall (FILE PHOTO)
MARSHALL (KMHL) – Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is re-opening a drive-thru COVID-19 sample collection site beginning Tuesday.
The drive thru site will be at Avera’s Carlson Street location and it will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Avera says individuals do not need an appointment or to call ahead before coming.
“We are seeing a steady rise in cases of COVID-19 in our region along with increased activity in our clinics with patients experiencing respiratory concerns,” said Avera Medical Group Vice President, Amber Crowley. “As we get into flu season, we want to ensure we have ample capacity to get people in quickly for visits. Making testing available outside of the clinic setting will help us do that.”
Crowley added they are also being responsive to requests in the community to re-open drive-thru testing.
Avera says they are offering the diagnostic testing (not antibody testing), which indicates if an individual has a current, active case of COVID-19. Testing will be conducted through a swab in the nose.
Officials say cars should enter the parking lot from Carlson Street and follow posted signs. They ask people to bring a driver’s license and insurance card, if possible.
Avera adds the site will be solely a sample collection service – those who need medical evaluation or care should be seen by a provider.
