FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8^th, 2020

Mass Testing Event Coming to Winnebago

WINNEBAGO, NE – On Tuesday, June 9^th, a COVID-19 testing event is being held in Winnebago in an effort to make testing widely available to Winnebago Community Members and those who work on the Winnebago Reservation. TestNebraska, which is a state initiative aimed to bring COVID-19 testing to Nebraska residents, has teamed up with the Winnebago Health Department and the Winnebago Tribe to test any Winnebago resident that wants to be tested. The goal is to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing on the Winnebago Reservation to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The testing event, which is being held at the Winnebago Public School Bus Barn on 107 W Osborn Street, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone is able to be tested regardless if they have any symptoms. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Testing will be walk-up only, and individuals should register by going to www.TestNebraska.com/en and selecting the Winnebago site option. Those wishing to be tested should bring along their I.D.s and registration confirmation from TestNebraska. Staff will be onsite registering people as well, but due to limited space and time constraints we ask that individuals pre-register on the above website if possible. Winnebago Tribal Law does require masks be worn at all times and individuals should continue to social-distance at a minimum of six feet apart. 

Testing will only inform individuals if they currently have Coronavirus, not if they have previously had it or carry the antibodies for it. Testing is crucial to combat COVID-19 because it helps identify cases and provides necessary public health data that helps track and mitigate the spread of the virus. 

Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System is operated by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and consists of two divisions. Twelve Clans Unity Hospital is a 13-bed state-of-the-art healthcare facility that serves an estimated 10,000 Native Americans who live on the Winnebago Reservation and in the surrounding region. Health care services provided by the hospital include an ambulatory care clinic, inpatient care, express care clinic, pharmacy, radiology, emergency care, medical laboratory, physical therapy, social services, and more. The Winnebago Public Health Department strives to create and maintain a healthy community by providing a wide range of total health and wellness programs. These programs include physical, mental, safety, and social services that benefit the Winnebago community.