Beltrami County reaches over 400 COVID-19 cases, free testing event announced

Beltrami County is monitoring over 40 active cases of COVID-19, as the case count reached over 400 yesterday.

A free testing event will be held next week in Bemidji.

According to a release, testing will be free and available to anyone who feels they need to be tested, with or without symptoms, and will not require insurance.

“Testing uncovers positive cases earlier,” Bemidji Mayor Rita Albrecht said.

“The test results will provide important data about the degree of spread in our area and help to guide efforts to combat COVID-19 and protect those who are most vulnerable to serious complications.”

“Many who contract COVID-19 may experience mild or even no symptoms, but some suffer life-threatening complications,” Beltrami County Public Health Division Director Cynthia Borgen said.

“All who contract the virus are contagious. Getting a test helps people know they if they have contracted COVID-19 so they are informed and can protect those they are close to who might be most vulnerable to serious complications. This is a proven strategy for fighting spread of a virus like COVID-19.”

The testing event will be from Tuesday Sept. 29 through Thursday Oct. 1, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Bemidji Armory.

Click here to pre-register for an appointment, to avoid long wait times.


Larissa Donovan is the News Director for the stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting and has been, almost without interruption, since Election Day 2016. She covers all the beats in north-central Minnesota, such as local government, crime, education, environment and social issues. She studied communications at Bemidji State University. You can follow along with Larissa's live tweets of meetings and events on Twitter!


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