City of Independence launches free saliva-based COVID-19 Testing

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. –  The City of Independence will begin free, saliva-based COVID-19 testing on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The City is using CARES Act Funding to support regional testing efforts with 1,000 tests available each week. Testing locations have been placed throughout the City to allow easy access with times and days of the week to make them as accessible as possible. The tests are estimated to take approximately 10 to 20 minutes and results are available in 24-48 hours. Participants are required to register for time slots at indep.us/covidtests, or for those without a computer can register via phone at (816) 325-7121.

“Testing is a key part of our regional COVID-19 response and we are proud to help provide this resource to our citizens, and those working  and visiting Independence,” Mayor Eileen Weir said. “The new saliva-based tests are easy, quick and do not require swabs. Citizens will self-administer the tests. While we have set locations on Monday-Friday, we will utilize volunteers to go to areas of need on Saturdays, and local churches on Sundays.”

Testing will be available 5-7 days a week. Test slots will generally be open from 2-7 PM during the week. Please follow the City’s social media accounts for more information on locations, dates and times on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor.

The following are the testing locations scheduled for Oct. 28, 29, and 30:

• Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Cable Dahmer Arena from 2-7 PM
• Thursday, Oct. 29 – Santa Fe Park from 2-7 PM
• Friday, Oct. 30 – Adventure Oasis Parking Lot from 2-8 PM.

Please register at indep.us/covidtests, walk-in opportunities will be shared as available. These slots are open to everyone, symptomatic or asymptomatic. Those that have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should be tested within 5-10 days of the exposure or when symptoms occur.

The Jackson County Health Department will also be providing testing opportunities throughout Eastern Jackson County. Residents can find the times and locations for the planned testing events through the County Health Department here, jacohd.org/events. Residents are encouraged to register for whichever testing location is most convenient for them.

The City is utilizing multiple vendors to provide these tests over the next two months. This effort is only made possible with the help of regional volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can do so at https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?ap=487941430.

In August, the City of Independence received $6.9 million in CARES Act funds through the Jackson County allocation. Testing will utilize approximately $1 million of these funds. The largest portion of these funds is being utilized for the Utility Assistance Program which is helping residents and small businesses with utility bills. Those interested in the program can find the application at cslhousing.org.