COVID-19 Community Response Team

In response to the increase of COVID-19 cases across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, Essentia Health has put together a COVID-19 Community Response Team to help organizations in our communities to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Support for Organizations in Need of COVID-19 Testing

Essentia Health's COVID-19 Community Response Team provides testing support for the following types of organizations:

  • Long-term care facilities
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Group homes
  • Homeless shelters
  • Large employers
  • Daycare centers
  • Schools

Priority for testing will be based on lowering the risks faced by the most vulnerable members of our population, along with places that have increased potential for transmission (skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc.).

Prioritization is based on current need through confirmed cases, either directly from a site or through governmental health agencies indicating a hot spot.

Our Team's COVID-19 Testing Process

Facility Intake

Organizations can make an inquiry for COVID-19 testing support by emailing us and requesting a facility intake form to complete and submit.

Evaluation & Prioritization

COVID-19 testing support requests will be evaluated based on a prioritization process.

Pre-Collection

Requesting organizations will be required to complete registration, insurance billing and patient consent documents in advance of collection and testing.

Collection & Testing

Members of our COVID-19 Community Response Team can go to the requesting organization for support with collection and COVID-19 testing. Organizations that have the capacity can also do their own swabbing. Current acceptable specimen collection includes nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, and any other specimen collection type deemed acceptable by the reference laboratory.

Communication of Results

Test results will be communicated to the requesting organization for all participants.

Follow-up

Requesting organizations will receive post-test instructions after their results.

Need an Individual COVID-19 Screening?

Have your symptoms checked through an E-Visit.

Get Screened