Ward County employees will have two options for COVID-19 antibody testing at no personal cost.
The Ward County Commission on Tuesday gave approval to a June blood drive and to using federal CARES Act dollars to cover the $70 cost for employees who wish to receive antibody testing at Trinity Health.
Vitalant, the local blood services provider, continues to offer free antibody testing to its blood donors. Antibodies develop following an infection, and components from blood found to be positive for antibodies are sometimes used in COVID-19 treatment.
Human Resources Director Tammy Terras explained the testing will guide employee decision making regarding when to get a rapid COVID-19 screening test, when to quarantine and whether to get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people who test positive for antibodies still quarantine after virus exposure, she said.
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Members of the National Guard and Minot Fire Department conduct rapid tests at a drive-through Dec. 28. The rapid testing opportunity continues through Saturday. Ward County also plans to offer rapid testing for employees.
Ward County will be requesting BinaxNOW and antibody test kits to begin offering both COVID-19 rapid testing and immunity status testing to county employees.
Ward County Commissioners on Tuesday approved rapid testing after learning the North Dakota Sheriff’s Association has purchased the administrative licensing to conduct testing for counties across the state.
Rapid testing especially provides advantages for law enforcement. Officers must be tested before they can transport certain inmates, such as those going to the state prison. Rapid testing would provide information regarding COVID-19 status within 15 minutes rather than waiting days for a standard test result.