2.7.2022

Starting after 2/15 (likely 2/17 up north), Kidder County District Health Unit will begin distributing free home test kits within the county at local points of distribution – the state of ND purchased these test kits for statewide use.

Test kit locations are as follows:

Pettibone: Farmers Union - M-F 8-6pm, Sat 8-12

Robinson: Senor Center – M, Wed, Th 8:30-1:30pm

Tuttle: Senior Center – M-F 8am-1pm

Steele: Kidder County District Health Unit - M-Th 9-4:30, F 9-12:30

Dawson: Dawson Grocery – M-Sat 8-6pm, Sun 10-2

Tappen: Tappen Farm Supply – M-F 8-5pm

Please do not enter these businesses if you are sick. Limit 2 test kits per person – one person can pick up for entire household. You do not need to provide identification to receive tests. There are 2 different types available depending on age – 2+ ages and 14+ ages. Of note, home test kits are not reportable to the State of ND. If you need official test results for travel or work, you will need to go to a state testing site. We continue to offer free testing Monday-Wednesday from 2-3pm. Please pre-register at testreg.nd.gov and call our office at 475-2582 to make an appointment. We typically test you right out of your car.

If you test positive, you should self-isolate at home for 5 days since symptoms started. Day 6 – 10 you should wear a well-fitting mask when out in public. New research shows that regular surgical masks are not that effective against the omicron variant and KN95s or N95s are more protective. If you need this type of mask, please stop by our office – we have received a supply from the state of ND. If you have severe symptoms, please call your primary care provider. There are treatments, however limited, for COVID that do help improve symptoms and shorten disease.

It still is not too late to get vaccinated! Vaccines still remain the most predictable way to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Currently we continue to offer COVID-19 vaccine every Thursday at the Steele Ambulance Hall from 3-4pm – call our office for registration information. Walk-ins also welcome. We offer vaccine to any age 12+ and have Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Look for more information soon on vaccine availability for ages 6 months +.

We are so happy to answer any questions or give more information about the COVID-19 vaccines to anyone interested – we’d love to hear from you. 475-2582.