If you’ve been considering getting tested for COVID-19, now is the time to do it. Starting today, there is free testing in the parking lot between US-165 and the Liew Family International Student Center.

The testing is being provided by the Louisiana National Guard, partnered with the Louisiana Department of Health.

It’s available to students, faculty, staff and members of the Monroe community.

Pre-registration is not required, but it is preferred. When you pre-register, you should arrive at the testing site with either your QR code on your phone or printed out.

If you don’t register beforehand, you’ll have to do it once you get there and it’ll just take a little longer. Register at DoINeedaCOVID19test.com.

This testing will only be available Monday through Friday for the next two weeks, ending on Oct. 2.

Monday through Thursday testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon.

Once at the test site, you’ll have to provide your phone number and email address. An ID is not required.

It should take between three and five days to get the results, which will be provided through email. If you test positive, you’ll also be getting a phone call.

According to Shane Dykes, the environmental, health and safety officer, all students are required to report their positive test to the Counseling Center.

Testing is open to anyone aged five years and older, and anyone under 16 must have a guardian present.

The test will consist of a nose swab, which will be self-administered. You’ll swab your own nose, and there will be professionals watching to make sure it is done correctly. Then, the sample will be sealed and dropped into a container on your way out.