Residents can now access free at-home, self administered COVID-19 testing kits through the Webster County Health Department as part of a partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health and Test Iowa.

“This is an added method for COVID-19 testing that is now available to residents who think they may have COVID-19,” said Kari Prescott, Webster County Health Department director.

The free COVID-19 test kit will walk residents step-by-step through collecting a saliva sample at home. These kits are available by calling the Webster County Health Department at 515-573-4107.

“We want to ensure that residents have access to a testing kit if they feel that they need one,” said Prescott. “We can drop a test off on a person’s doorstep if they feel that they are too sick to pick one up. We can meet them in our parking lot and hand it to them as they drive through. We can also leave a kit in the lobby of our building if we know a resident is coming to pick it up. We would only ask that if you are sick, that you wear a mask.”

Once the saliva sample has been collected, the kit can then be shipped by UPS to the State Hygienic Lab. Results will later be sent via email. All test kits include step-by-step information to help residents through the collection process.

Testing continues to also be available in Webster County at UnityPoint Health-Fort Dodge and at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.

The best way for residents to protect themselves against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is available to limit the severity of the illness. Vaccines continue to be available in Webster County at Daniel Pharmacy, HyVee, CVS, and Walgreens.

“Our message is simple,” said Prescott. “Get vaccinated. Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick.”