WITH VIDEO: Several COVID testing opportunities scheduled in Butler County

With case numbers on the rise the question of where to get tested if you feel you have been exposed to COVID-19 can be a tricky one for some people.

In Butler County, availability is not a problem, thanks to the Butler County Health Department. This month, you have three additional opportunities to get tested, according to administrator Emily Goodin.

“We have a testing coming up on Monday, Nov. 16, and also right after thanksgiving on Nov. 30 at Whiteley Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., no appointment needed - just drive on up and we will take care of you.”

The National Guard will be at the same location providing free testing on Nov. 20 and Dec. 11.

Many people have already taken advantage of this free opportunity.

“Monday, we had 436 people show up and get tested, and it’s not just for Butler County residents, it’s for any county surrounding us. We do want you to be a Missouri resident. Before that we had 450 people show up, so the numbers have been good for people getting tested, and we aim to get the results out in 3-5 days,” Goodin said.

If there is an immediate concern, a free rapid test is available at the Health Department office on Main Street, where you will receive the result in 15 minutes.

“For our rapid testings, we do have an appointment scheduler online on our Facebook page or on our website. You can check it out and make a rapid test appointment that way,” Goodin advised. “If you choose to get a test, we are going to ask you to quarantine until your test results come in, and if you do come up positive, you are asked to quarantine for 10 days. No going to Walmart, no going to school, you’re asked to isolate at home. If you are deemed a close contact to someone who tested positive, you are also asked to quarantine for up to 14 days of your last exposure to that positive case.”

Area hospitals are seeing an influx of patients admitted due to COVID-19, which is why it is so important to have free testing events like this available, Goodin said.

“I’m sure you’ve seen the hospital numbers. Our COVID unit has increased and this is a way to help the hospitals out and keep yourself at home to prevent the spread,” Goodin said. “Wear your mask, social distance, wash your hands properly, and if you’re sick, just stay home. Just stay away from everybody. Look for signs and symptoms if you show any symptoms at all. Just keep yourself at home until you feel better.”

Goodin also took the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of getting a flu shot.

“It is flu season, so we are urging all the residents of Butler County and our surrounding counties to come and get a flu shot. That’s important as well,” she said.

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer announced recently that preliminary analysis of its first effective coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting COVID-19. If, and when, any vaccine is approved, Goodwin is already preparing to make it available to Butler County as soon as possible.

“We are gearing up with state meetings, talking to our state representatives on the COVID vaccine, and hopefully that will be available and when it is, we hope to be a part of that and to offer that to our community,” she said.