Mass testing event results in 367 tested

The first of three mass testing events organized by the Butler County Health Department was a success, according to administration.

Director Emily Goodin said she felt the Wednesday event went well with the help of community partners.

During the event, the department took 367 tests, which contributed to the 269 new positives since Oct. 12.

Butler County has had 1,280 positive tests since the end of March.

The number of positive results from Wednesday’s event was not available as of press time.

Goodin said the health department is working with Gamma Healthcare to take lab COVID-19 tests during the events.

Test results take 2-7 days, she said, but they’re working on figuring out a way to speed up the process.

The department will conduct two more mass testing events this month on Wednesday and Wednesday, Oct. 28.

To participate, Goodin said, people don’t need to make an appointment or meet any criteria. However, they ask that those taking part are Missouri residents.

People can come to the health department from 8 a.m. until - 3:30 p.m.

Goodin said they need to stay in the car and somebody with the department would come out with paperwork, which needs filled out. It asks for name, address, some basic information and a phone number to receive the results.

Health department officials will call when results are available, she said.

Goodin said the Poplar Bluff Police Department helped with traffic control and First Christian Church offered use of its parking lot, which is down the street from the health department.

“I think it went fairly smoothly with the help of our community partners,” she said.

The health department announced Monday the flu clinic scheduled to be held this week at the Neelyville schools would be postponed since the district shut down for the week.

“Working with the superintendent there, we felt like if they’re closing down to try and get their staff and students well, we didn’t need to add to the mix by bringing more people into their facilities,” Goodin said. “We will reschedule that flu clinic once they open back up.”

Superintendent Debra Parish said board members closed for the week due to a spike in COVID cases.

They plan to discuss the issue later this week with updated numbers to consider the plan for next week.

Parish said she expects several people with the district in quarantine to return after this week.