Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) received an allocation of at-home COVID-19 test kits from the North Dakota Department of Health. To distribute these test kits quickly and efficiently, BBPH will host a mass distribution event allowing the public to access the free at-home COVID-19 tests through a drive-through pick-up option.
This drive through distribution event will take place in the NW parking at the state capitol from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or as long as supplies are available) on Tuesday, February 15. There will be two test kit options available for pickup. Celltrion COVID-19 test kits are authorized for use in individuals age 14 and older, and iHealth COVID-19 test kits, are authorized for use in individuals age 2 and older. Both of these test kits have 2 tests per box. The number of tests distributed will be limited to two tests (1 box) per person, though one person may pick up enough test kits for everyone in their household. No identification, personal data or payment will be collected upon distribution.
Individuals attending the drive through distribution event are asked to enter the state capitol grounds off of North Fourth Street, using the west entrance just to the south of Teton Avenue, on the northwest side of the grounds. Traffic flow will travel east and north into the Capitol grounds, loop through the northwest parking lot and eventually have people leave the event via North Fourth Street from the exit just to the north of Teton Avenue.
Beginning February 16, the at-home COVID-19 test kits will be available at the BBPH office (500 East Front Avenue location in Bismarck) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals entering the public health building are required to wear masks. BBPH will be closed on Monday, February 21, in observation of Presidents Day.
More than 1.5 million tests have been purchased by the North Dakota Department of Health to be distributed. The program is intended to supplement the ongoing federal program to distribute free COVID-19 test kits to the public. An information sheet containing test particulars, including what to do if testing positive or negative, will be available in English and Spanish. This information is also available online at https://www.bismarcknd.gov/2058/Receive-At-Home-COVID-19-Tests.
For COVID-19 inquiries, as well as questions about other health programs and issues, please call BBPH at 355-1540, or you can connect with us online, or through social media: via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For COVID-19 data specific to Burleigh County, visit the BBPH COVID-19 Data Dashboard. For more info about COVID-19, visit the ND Department of Health or CDC website.
For ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Dakota Department of Health has established a COVID-19 Hotline to help answer your questions. You may call 1-866-207-2880, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with questions. Please note that individuals seeking specific medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.