Winona COVID-19 testing site. File photo.
(KWNO)-Increased demand for COVID-19 tests has created long wait times and a shortage of tests throughout Minnesota and the country.
Winona County has seen demand for COVID tests increase but has avoided some of the more severe issues says Winona County Public Health Supervisor Melanie Tatge.
“We’re pretty fortunate here in Winona County that we have so many opportunities to seek out testing. I have been speaking with our medical providers and I know Olmsted Medical Center mentioned that [Tuesday] was a record-breaking day for testing,” said Tatge on KWNO’s In the Know Wednesday. “Both entities report that they are testing at least 400 to 500 individuals per day.”
Tatge estimated the community testing site at the Winona Mall has seen a similar testing demand. Tests are available at Hy-Vee and Walgreens.
Winona Area Public Schools has also equipped students with take-home test kits.
On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced the state would have three new community testing sites opened by Jan 10. He said the state will also send 150,000 test kits to local public health departments.
The Biden Administration plans to distribute 500 million at-home kits this month.
Tatge anticipates the county to get the testing kits by the middle of the month. Tatge says the at-home test kits have an expiration date.
“It’s probably a good recommendation to have one but I would recommend individuals hoard up on the testing kits so that people can have them when they need them,” said Tatge.
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