MARSHALL (KMHL) – The spike in COVID-19 cases in Lyon County is one of the main reasons health officials are conducting community-wide testing in Marshall starting tomorrow.
Avera Marshall Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Mesiter says they are doing this to learn more about the spread of the virus in the community.
“We are trying to figure out the numbers and how much community spread, we’ll do contact tracing if somebody is positive and completely asymptomatic, and we’re going to want them to self quarantine,” said Meister. “You don’t know what you don’t know, if you’re walking around positive and feel great and have been walking around outside and doing your daily business, potentially you’re spreading it.”
He says they are working with specific employers in the community to identify employees who should be tested.
“If you’re related or had close contact to somebody who is employed there, come in and get tested,” said Mesiter. “If you have been exposed somehow or someway through socialization to someone who works there, we’re going to want you to get tested.”
He adds that anyone who participated in the recent protests and demonstrations should also get tested.
Meister also encourages anyone with questions to still call the 877-At-AVERA phone number to determine if, when or where they should get tested.
He adds that samples will be collected and sent out. Mesiter says it should take 3-to-5 days before test results are known.
