LAFAYETTE — Nicollet County Health and Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health will offer COVID-19 testing on Friday, Jan. 8, at the Nicollet County Garage (across the street from the Lafayette Community Center) from 12 to 6 p.m. Testing is free and available to anyone who wants to be tested.

The goal of this testing event is to offer free COVID-19 saliva testing following the holidays, which may have included traveling and visiting family for some households. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends get tested three to five days after travel to help reduce community transmission of the virus.

The saliva test is a PCR test, just like the traditional nasal swab, with the same effectiveness rate; however, it is more comfortable to take. Those who come for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at the site, they will self-administer the test by spitting into a funnel attached to a small tube. Nicollet County Health and Human Services staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process and ensure there is enough saliva to be tested.

Anyone who wants to be tested is encouraged to come, even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or for any reason insurance doesn’t cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains completely free to everyone.

A few important items of note:

1. Do NOT eat, drink, smoke or chew gum 30 minutes prior to testing.

2. Bring Smartphone (if you don’t have a Smartphone, one will be provided)

3. If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.