SD Department of Health begins distribution of free COVID-19 tests

The South Dakota Department of Health on Friday began operations to distribute one-million COVID-19 Antigen home tests to sites across the state.

The first batch of 187,500 FDA-authorized tests kits arrived in Pierre, were sorted and shipped to destinations East and West River, with priority going to long-term care facilities.

These tests can be done at home in as little as 15 minutes. These antigen tests are considered reliable, and if you receive a positive result, you do not need confirmation through your healthcare provider. The Department encourages residents that test positive to follow CDC isolation guidance.

The DOH expects the complete order of one million tests to be available in such places as courthouses, airports, schools, pharmacies and other sites over the next two weeks.

January 24, 2022