Avera Marshall to Reduce Drive-Through COVID-19 Sample Collection

Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall, Minn., is reducing its drive-through COVID-19 sample collection service to three days per week. Beginning February 28, 2022, the drive-through will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Avera’s location at 1521 Carlson Street. Hours continue to be 9 a.m. to noon.
The demand for COVID-19 testing has dropped significantly over the last several weeks – likely due to the increased availability of home test options and the recent decline in COVID-19 cases, said Regional President and CEO Debbie Streier.
“COVID-19 case counts, positivity and reproduction rates are declining. Our hospitals and clinics across Avera still remain busy but at a more manageable level than weeks ago,” Streier said. “We are cautiously optimistic and hopeful that this trend will continue.”
Avera Marshall Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Mok said people are still strongly encouraged to test if they experience symptoms. “We need to keep following the recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),” Dr. Mok said. “If you are vaccinated and boosted, you can avoid quarantine if exposed to COVID-19 but should mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. If you haven’t received the primary vaccine and the booster, you should stay home for five days if exposed and then wear a mask for five days after leaving quarantine.”
COVID-19 testing is also available with an Urgent Care visit at Access Health – Marshall at Avera’s Carlson Street location. Urgent Care hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Avera encourages individuals seeking travel or event-related testing to plan ahead and use at-home mail-in testing. Information is available on the COVID-19 page on Avera.org.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to be encouraged. Individuals can visit vaccines.gov to find local vaccine options or call Access Health – Marshall at 507-476-4800.