Ward County employees will have two options for COVID-19 antibody testing at no personal cost.
The Ward County Commission on Tuesday gave approval to a June blood drive and to using federal CARES Act dollars to cover the $70 cost for employees who wish to receive antibody testing at Trinity Health.
Vitalant, the local blood services provider, continues to offer free antibody testing to its blood donors. Antibodies develop following an infection, and components from blood found to be positive for antibodies are sometimes used in COVID-19 treatment.
Human Resources Director Tammy Terras explained the testing will guide employee decision making regarding when to get a rapid COVID-19 screening test, when to quarantine and whether to get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people who test positive for antibodies still quarantine after virus exposure, she said.