CentraCare pauses COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals due to low supplies, staff

Times staff report
·2 min read

ST. CLOUD — CentraCare paused COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals beginning Friday, according to a media release from the health care organization.

"Due to a significant increase in demand for COVID-19 testing and a low supply of testing supplies and staff, CentraCare is making changes to COVID-19 testing," the release said.

CentraCare and Carris Health COVID-19 testing at curbside, clinic, emergency department and urgent care sites is paused for those without COVID-19 symptoms. Other health care organizations in Minnesota are doing so as well, according to the release.

This pause will include testing for back to school, return to work, daycare, pre-travel and events, as well as COVID-19 confirmation tests and “worried well” repeat testers.

Affected individuals are encouraged to use at-home COVID-19 tests or community testing sites.

Signs mark the entrance to the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 testing clinic Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
Signs mark the entrance to the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 testing clinic Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.

More: Worried about the omicron variant? Here's where you can get a COVID-19 test in Minnesota

Those with known exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual are encouraged to follow Minnesota Department of Health quarantine guidelines and strict mask wearing. A test can be scheduled if symptoms develop.

What to do if you've had contact with someone with COVID-19

MDH recommends staying home for at least five full days after the last close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, staying in a specific room away from others in the home and avoiding public transportation or ride-shares. MDH also provides site- and work-specific recommendations.

Those eligible for a CentraCare and Carris Health test include those with COVID-19 symptoms, long-term care testing and pre-procedure testing.

Testing resources for when medically necessary and to meet high-risk group needs will be prioritized in a careful and equitable manner, according to the release.

More: As omicron surges, GSDC, CentraCare urgently request St. Cloud area residents to wear masks

Community members are encouraged to wear masks, vaccinate, social distance and wash their hands to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: COVID-19 testing at CentraCare, Carris for asymptomatic individuals