Avera Marshall to Close Drive-Through COVID-19 Sample Collection Effective July 1

Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall, Minn. is closing its drive-through COVID-19 sample collection site effective July 1, 2021. Sample collection for COVID-19 testing will continue to be available at the organization’s clinic located on its main campus at 300 S. Bruce Street.
The demand for COVID-19 testing has dropped significantly over the last three months as vaccination rates in the area increase, said Regional President and CEO Debbie Streier.
“During the height of the pandemic, drive-through collection offered an effective way to manage the volume of patients needing COVID-19 testing. Having this service at our Carlson Street location allowed us to focus efforts on our Bruce Street campus on providing care for other medical needs,” Streier said. “We’ve seen a sustained low volume of sample collection for quite some time and are confident that we can now manage that service in our clinic setting.”
Sample collection is available without an appointment during Avera Marshall’s walk-in clinic hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 507-532-9661. The walk-in clinic can be accessed by entering the main hospital entrance.
In most cases, sample collection at Avera Marshall will now be part of a clinic visit.
“Not all respiratory illnesses are COVID-19,” said Bobbi Jo Vandendriessche, Vice President, Avera Medical Group. “Seeing a provider will help patients get an accurate diagnose and timely treatment.”
Individuals who need to have a COVID-19 test prior to a surgery or procedure will have already had a recent appointment with a provider and will be able to have a test without another appointment, Vandendriessche said. For patients having their procedure with a local Avera Medical Group physician, sample collection will be scheduled by the clinic staff. Patients who need a test for a procedure at another facility can call Avera Marshall at 507-532-9661 for scheduling.
Avera Marshall continues to encourage people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccination is making a significant impact on us being able to resume normal activities. But we’re not completely there yet. It’s important for us to get ahead of this virus and the new variants that are appearing, and that means getting as many people vaccinated as possible,” Vandendriessche said.
Avera Marshall is offering the vaccine by appointment Monday through Friday to anyone ages 12 and up. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 507-532-9661.
You can learn more about COVID-19 at Avera.org.