Webster County Health Department is asking that people do not try to test for COVID-19 or influenza at more than one provider in a day.

“If a person has been tested for COVID and/or influenza at one provider, please do not go to another provider in hopes of getting a different result,” said Kelli Bloomquist, public information officer for WCHD. “This is happening quite a bit right now and is a continued strain on health care resources and staffing. Test results will not change from one location to another.”

She said, “If an individual has been exposed to someone who is COVID positive, it is important to wait before testing. Do not go out and test that day or the next day because you are likely testing too early. If you have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive, wait five days before testing. Wait to see if symptoms develop and stay home if you aren’t feeling well.”

With the increased demand for testing and high volume of cases, WCHD has asked businesses throughout Webster County to not send employees to clinics for a negative test in order to return to work. If a person has tested positive and has quarantined for five days and is no longer symptomatic, they shouldn’t need a negative test in order to return to work. It can be unrealistic to expect that an individual will receive a negative result as a person can be positive for days to weeks, yet no longer be infectious.

Appointments are required for COVID-19 testing appointments. Due to high volume, testing providers are not able to accommodate walk-ins at this time. Please call ahead or register online for an appointment with the testing provider of your choice. Testing continues to be available in Webster County at Webster County Health Department, Community Health Center, UnityPoint Health, Iowa Specialty Clinic, CVS Pharmacy (on Fifth Avenue), Hy-Vee Pharmacy, and Walgreens Pharmacy. Test kits are also available online at TestIowa.com.

Webster County Health Department is still calling reported positive cases to answer questions and provide guidance to residents. The COVID Hotline continues to be operational and is available by calling 515-227-7153.