Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) will only be utilizing antigen screening at its next COVID-19 event, scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, at the Bismarck Event Center from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The screening event may end earlier than scheduled times, depending on availability of supplies. This event is open to all ages and is first-come, first-served. Individuals wanting to be screened must enter Parking Lot D, (the lot south of the Bismarck Event Center, across Bowen Avenue) from Seventh Street. Screening will then be conducted inside the Bismarck Event Center.
BBPH asks that symptomatic individuals not utilize this screening event. Instead, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact your health provider. If you are uninsured, or underinsured, contact BBPH for more information.
“Our COVID-19 pandemic response efforts continue to evolve. While the PCR tests continue to be the ‘gold standard’ in detecting COVID-19, there is a wait time for lab results which can take 24-72 hours. The rapid antigen tests provide results in 15 minutes,” said BBPH Director Renae Moch. “This rapid test is beneficial for individuals who want results quickly.”
Individuals wanting screening must complete a preregistration survey available online at https://testreg.nd.gov/. Pre-registration does not guarantee screening availability. Individuals participating in the antigen screening must also possess the capacity to accept and receive text messages for result notification.
A follow-up PCR test will not be required for individuals receiving a negative antigen screening result. If an individual requires PCR testing, contact BBPH to schedule an appointment. At this time, PCR tests are still being conducted by appointment during the testing event at Bismarck State College’s Armory on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visit https://covidtestingbsc.as.me/schedule.php for more information about that event.
There is no fee for the collection of samples and subsequent COVID-19 screening, and an individual’s health insurance will not be processed. Viral testing will be conducted at these drive-through events, but antibody tests are not available through BBPH at this time. Response times for antigen screening results may vary, but results are typically expected in under an hour. Visit https://www.health.nd.gov/covidtestresults for more information.
All individuals are encouraged to continue practicing universal precautions to keep yourself and those around you as healthy as possible:
- Avoid large gatherings.
- Practice physical distancing that keeps you at least six feet from other people who are not in your household.
- Wear a face covering if social distancing is not possible.
- Wash your hands with soap often. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Monitor your health daily and be alert for COVID-19 symptoms.
For ongoing response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Dakota Department of Health has established a COVID-19 Hotline to help answer your questions. You may call 1-866-207-2880, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, with questions. The hotline will be closed on January 1. Please note that individuals seeking specific medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.
For screening and testing event inquiries, as well as questions about other health programs and issues, please call Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health at 355-1540, or you can connect with us through a variety of online platforms. Information is available at www.bismarcknd.gov, as well as through social media: via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more info about COVID-19, visit the ND Department of Health website, NDResponse.gov, or CDC website.