At first it was a nasal swab, then a throat swap and now there is a new saliva-based COVID-19 test that will soon be available.

Governor Mike Parson will travel to Springfield on Friday to meet with CoxHealth representatives regarding the new saliva-based COVID-19 test and to thank health care professionals.

In August, the Food and Drug Administration approved a saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis. CoxHealth will be one of several health care systems in Missouri to administer the test and the first in the Southwest Region.

Governor Parson will be joined by CoxHealth representatives for a press conference following the meeting.