Here's where to find COVID-19 rapid, at-home or other tests in time for New Year's Eve
If you're wanting a rapid COVID-19 test this weekend in Sioux Falls, you might be running out of time.
COVID-19 cases are on the upswing across the nation, now that the Omicron variant has been detected and the U.S. ends its second year of the pandemic. As of Wednesday, South Dakota had reported that active infections hit 7,781, the highest number in more than three months.
If you’re planning to get tested before the New Year’s holiday or a return to work and school, spots and stores are emptying for places to book and find a rapid COVID-19 test.
More: South Dakota reports 1,265 new COVID-19 cases
Employees at all Walmart and many Hy-Vee pharmacies in the area have stated they’ve had cases worth of COVID-19 rapid tests sell out within hours of being placed on shelves.
But we found a few.
What's a rapid test? A rapid test often returns results within 20 minutes, so you can know whether to stay or go. They can be performed by a technician or at home.
Rapid antigen tests vary in accuracy in comparison to full PCR tests, which take longer to return results.
As of Wednesday afternoon, here are a few places to find those tests in Sioux Falls.
Health facilities or testing centers: Free, insurance or out-of-pocket pay
South Dakota Department of Health
Location: https://doh.sd.gov/COVID/Testing/Locations.aspx and type in a zip code.
Test: Saliva or PCR or rapid results locations.
Saliva test here: https://learn.vaulthealth.com/southdakota/
Results: 24-48 hours for saliva test.
Insurance: Free, no insurance, or symptoms, needed, for saliva test.
GS Labs
Test: GSlabstesting.com (online booking only). Appointment only
Location: 3801 W. 34th St. Suite 103
Results: Stay in your car, test and have results often within 20 minutes
Insurance accepted: Yes. Out-of-pocket cost $380. Unavailable now for all PCR.
Sioux Falls Urgent Care
Test: Walk-ins for rapid test
Location: 7600 S. Minnesota Ave.
Results: Within three hours your results will be returned
Insurance accepted: Yes.
Avera Health
Test: PCR tests available. Contact your primary care physician at an Avera clinic near you for COVID-19 testing if you are having symptoms. A physician’s order is required at the COVID-19 drive-thru testing location in Sioux Falls, which offers PCR testing.
Location: Varies
Results: 24-72 hours.
Insurance accepted: Yes.
Sanford Health
Test: PCR and rapid test offered. Call My Sanford Nurse at 605-333-4444 to request a COVID-19 test. Patients who wish to be tested at the COVID-19 drive-thru testing site in Sioux Falls, near the Sanford Sports Complex, should still request a test through their primary care physician or My Sanford Nurse.
Location: Varies or in-person at Sanford Sports Complex.
Results: 24-72 hours for a PCR test and within the day for a rapid test.
Insurance accepted: Yes, check providers list on MySanford.
At-home COVID tests still on shelves:
Hy-Vee Marion Road
1231 E. 57th St.
Lewis Downtown 10th & Phillips
136 S. Phillips Ave.
Lewis Drug 26th & Sycamore
4409 E. 26th St.
Lewis Pharmacy 10th & Cliff
1301 E. 10th St. Suite 100
Lewis 41st & Marion
5500 W. 41st St.
Lewis 37th & Minnesota
2901 S. Minnesota Ave.
Lewis Pharmacy 12th and Kiwanis
2700 W. 12th St.
Lewis Pharmacy Ellis Road
2525 S. Ellis Road
Speedway Gas
2911 W. 41st Street
Walgreens - 41st and Sertoma
7120 W. 41st St
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Where to get COVID-19 rapid tests in Sioux Falls by New Years Eve