SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sanford Health is offering COVID-19 testing for those impacted by the Smithfield outbreak as well as others exposed to the virus in Sioux Falls.
To minimize wait times, individuals who want a test need to call ahead to schedule a time for testing. The phone number to schedule a test is 605-333-4444. Testing is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.You do not need to have a Sanford provider to be tested. There is no cost to the patient for COVID-19 testing.
“Every one of us has a job to do. For most of us, this means staying home and taking other precautions to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Paul Hanson, president of Sanford Health’s Sioux Falls region. “At Sanford Health, our job is to do everything we can for our community in a time of need. Our entire health care team is ready. These are extraordinary times, but we are extraordinary people. We are caregivers. This is what we do and we are prepared to do it.”
“No one should have trouble getting a COVID-19 test if they have symptoms,” Hanson added.
Testing is available for those who have been exposed to a known COVID-19 patient and are experiencing symptoms. Depending on volume, test results are generally available within 24-48 hours.
Sanford has capacity to process approximately 500 tests per day. In March, Sanford launched its own in-house COVID-19 testing and has since processed nearly 6,400 tests. Sanford started drive-through testing at the Acute Care Sports Complex Clinic just after the first confirmed cases in South Dakota.
Drive-through testing directions and location:
- Please call ahead to 605-333-4444 for an appointment to minimize wait times.
- Please limit car occupants to the patient and one adult as necessary.
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Providers may recommend patient be seen in person in clinic if condition warrants, or if unable to obtain adequate sample with patient in vehicle.
Sanford Sports Complex Acute Care ClinicRespiratory Clinic and COVID-19 drive-through testing4000 N Hercules Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107For more information on COVID-19, please visit our website. Sanford is also offering video visits and e-visits for COVID-19 care.
For e-visits, patients complete an online questionnaire about symptoms and a Sanford provider will respond within two hours with a treatment plan or prescription, or instruction to be seen in-person.
(Sanford Health contributed this report/news release.)
