Free COVID-19 testing event in Fairmont this week

@ap.news Medical student Kimberly Olivares, left, takes a sample from a patient at a free COVID-19 testing site provided by United Memorial Medical Center, Sunday, June 28, 2020, at the Mexican Consulate, in Houston. Confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Texas continue to surge. On Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shut down bars again and scaled back restaurant dining as cases climbed to record levels after the state embarked on one of America’s fastest reopenings. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

(Minneapolis, MN) – Residents in Martin County and the surrounding areas will be able to get a free COVID-19 test this week.

The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with local public health officials to offer free, no-barrier testing in several communities across the state, including in Fairmont.

The Fairmont testing event will be held Tuesday, October 6, Wednesday, October 7, and Thursday, October 8 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Armory (700 N Fairlakes Ave).

Health officials are using testing data to identify communities that are experiencing workplace clusters, are close to bordering states, or haven’t yet had larger-scale testing offered. A press release from MDH says this strategy will help increase the geographic balance of testing across Minnesota, and respond where the health risk is greatest.

Testing will be done with a nasal swab.

Anyone who wants to be tested is encouraged to do so, even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19. Insurance and identification are not necessary.

MDH recommends registering for a time slot to avoid long lines.