DARDENNE PRAIRIE, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard is helping expand COVID-19 testing across the state.
The Missouri National Guard’s 229th Multifunctional Medical Battalion and Medical Company Area Support are testing Missouri residents in several locations around the state as part of Governor Mike Parson’s Show-Me Strong Recovery Plan.
The public response has been very positive, said 1st Lt. Marissa Ritter, community-based sampling officer in charge.
“On our busiest day, some people had to wait up to an hour,” Ritter said. “We saw almost 600 people per day and most people are just happy to have the opportunity to be tested.”
Community sampling gives the state a better sense of COVID-19 prevalence in a given area, which will help guide its response and ease uncertainty for Missourians. Tests are available for any Missouri resident who would like to be tested. Individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and do not have to be experiencing symptoms.
Drive-thru testing will be available at the following dates and locations:
Missouri West
June 11-12, 7 a.m. to 7p.m. Raymore-Peculiar High School
June 14, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds
June 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Missouri State Fairgrounds
June 16, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ray County Fairgrounds
June 17, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Rupe Center, Carrolton
June 19, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lewis County Fairgrounds
Missouri East
June 11, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Van Buren High School
June 13-15, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Franklin County Fairgrounds
June 17, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Warren County Faith Christian Church
June 18-19, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lincoln County Fairgrounds
June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pike County Fairgrounds
Residents are encouraged to register before arriving by calling the testing site at the phone number listed on the DHSS website. Calling ahead allows for a faster experience. Registration is not required to receive a test, but wait times may be longer if you do not pre-register online. All information provided to the Missouri National Guard is safeguarded and maintained exclusively by the state, county, city or local health agencies being assisted.