Testing is open to all and will be held Nov. 4, 5, 8–10 Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Health are partnering to offer free COVID-19 tests Nov. 4–5 and 8–10 in Burnsville. Testing is available to anyone who feels they need to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and it will not require insurance or documentation.

“COVID-19 testing helps catch positive cases as early as possible,” Dakota County Public Health Director Bonnie Brueshoff said. “These results will provide important data about the degree of spread in our community and help to guide efforts to combat COVID-19 and protect those who are most vulnerable to serious complications.”

While many who contract COVID-19 may experience mild or even no symptoms, some suffer life-threatening complications. All who contract the virus are contagious. Testing helps people know if they have contracted COVID-19, so they are informed and can protect others who might be most vulnerable to serious complications. This is a proven strategy for fighting spread of a virus like COVID-19.

Testing will be at: Church of the Risen Savior 1501 County Road 42 E., Burnsville

• Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2–6 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 5, noon–6 p.m.

• Sunday, Nov. 8–Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon–6 p.m.

To avoid long lines, community members are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot. Visit https:// www.primarybio.com/r/ burnsville for more information and to sign up for an appointment.

Those who are unable to sign up online or need interpretation can call 855-612-0677 for assistance.

Increased access to testing and identifying positive cases as early as possible is a critical way to keep schools and the economy as open as possible. Positive cases staying hidden leads to more spread and more detrimental impact to our schools and economy.

Dakota County Public Health offers immunizations Clinics available by appointment at Western Service Center Residents who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines can receive flu and other recommended immunizations at upcoming Dakota County Public Health immunization clinics. In addition to the uninsured or underinsured, immunization clinics are open to children enrolled on a Minnesota health care program (Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare or Prepaid Medical Assistance Program) or who are American Indian or Alaskan Native. There is no cost for the immunizations.

Clinics in November will be by appointment only at the Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Call 952-891-7585 to schedule an appointment. Clinic dates include:

• Thursday, Nov. 5, 9–11:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4–6 p.m. (flu shot only) Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have a signed authorization for another adult to accompany them. Forms and eligibility information are available online at www.dakotacounty. us, search immunization clinics. Please bring all immunization records with you to the clinic.

For more information, call the Immunization Hotline at 952-891-7585.

Dakota County shortens reservation window for camper cabins New 120-day reservation window responds to customer input, expands access to new users Camper cabins at Dakota County’s Whitetail Woods Regional Park soon will be available to reserve 120 days, or four months, in advance. This change from the existing reservation window of one year in advance will go into effect Nov. 2.

Shortening the reservation window is intended to improve customer satisfaction, open the popular camper cabins to more new users and allow greater flexibility for cabin maintenance.

Whitetail Woods offers three pine forest camper cabins and will open two new prairie cabins for use beginning Nov. 15. Reservations for the prairie cabins open Nov. 2.

The reservation change only affects camper cabins at Whitetail Woods. Campsite reservations at Lebanon Hills and Lake Byllesby regional parks are not affected.

Camper cabin reservations made before Nov. 2 will be honored even if they are more than four months in advance. The 120-day window will apply to reservation changes that require a new booking.

Dakota County Parks will monitor cabin reservations and visitor input to ensure the change meets customer satisfaction.

To learn more and make a reservation, visit www. dakotacounty.us/parks, search camper cabin.