Best resources for COVID-19 testing to attend events

The reopening of music, athletic and community events, where full attendance is allowed, can create a new concern caused by people seeking COVID-19 testing.

Performers, promoters and venues can require attendees to prove they are fully vaccinated and updated against COVID-19 and its variants. Getting tested can put a strain on health care organizations and providers, including MercyOne emergency and urgent care locations.

Health leaders stress - emergency and urgent care locations are not the best place to seek a COVID-19 test to attend an event. Increased test requests can slow the care processes for emergency or unscheduled urgent care needs.

At-home test kits are available for free through federal and county public health locations throughout the state. The kits give you the information, materials needed and a prepaid envelope to mail the test for analysis. At-home tests are also available for purchase at other locations such as retail pharmacies.

An even better solution to avoid repeat tests, and the most effective and easiest way to safely attend events is to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. This helps us maintain access to all health care services.