CentraCare pausing COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic people

CentraCare says, starting Friday, it and Carris Health will be pausing COVID-19 testing at curbside, clinic, emergency department and urgent care sites for asymptomatic community members.

The health care provider says the change is being made due to an increase in demand for COVID-19 testing, as well as a low supply of testing supplies and staff.

Groups affected by the change will include the following:

• Back to school testing.
• Return to work testing.
• Day care testing.
• Pre-travel and event testing.
• COVID-19 confirmation tests.
• "Worried well" repeat testers.

Health officials say they’re asking people to find a community testing site or use an at-home COVID-19 test.

If you are exposed to someone who tested positive, health officials say you should follow quarantine guidelines issued by the Minnesota Department of Health, and also wear a mask for 10 days. They add a COVID-19 test can be scheduled if symptoms develop.

Community members who are still able to get a COVID-19 test at CentraCare/Carris Health include:

• Those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Long-term care testing.
• Pre-procedure testing.