REGIONAL- The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health, will be offering free COVID-19 testing for all on Thursday, Sept. 3, at two locations.

One site will be at the Bois Forte Tribal Government building at 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake. Tests will be available from noon to 6 p.m.

A second site will be at the Bois Forte Health Services offices at 1613 Farm Road South on the Vermilion sector of the Bois Forte Reservation near Tower. The hours for testing will be from noon to 6 p.m.

Bois Forte Community Health Nurse Teri Morrison said the testing events are not just for Bois Forte members but are open to anyone who lives in nearby communities.

The testing is free and no insurance or identification is necessary. Individuals who show no symptoms of COVID-19 but believe they may have come in contact with a positive case can be tested, as well as anyone with COVID-19 symptoms.

People are strongly encouraged to make an appointment ahead of time to avoid long lines. To make an appointment online, go to https://www.primarybio.com/r/boisforte and fill out the form. If you are not able to sign up online, or if you need a translator, call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.

People should wear masks when they go to be tested. The tests will be conducted using the nasal swab method, and results are typically available within two to three days, according to DOH, although laboratory delays are possible.

Those who test negative will receive a text or email notification with instructions on how to access their results online, or given a phone number to call if they do not have internet access.

Those who test positive will receive a call from a nurse to discuss the results and possible next steps.