[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced three new COVID-19 rapid testing opportunities and a new saliva PCR testing site to expand Minnesota’s network of community testing sites across the state.

This week the state is launching a new COVID-19 community rapid testing site in Albert Lea with the support of the Minnesota National Guard. The state is also opening a new a new saliva testing site in Marshall. Both testing sites will open Thursday, November 11.

The state also began offering rapid tests at an existing community saliva testing location in Lino Lakes. The existing saliva site in Minneapolis will begin rapid testing on Friday, November 12.

“An expansive, accessible, and free community testing network is critical to making sure Minnesota families can get tested for COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “Testing provides clarity and peace of mind for parents, workers, and anybody heading out their front door. By expanding our community testing network, we’re making it easier for more Minnesotans to get the COVID-19 tests they need. Make an appointment at one of our free sites today!”

“Our community testing network helps Minnesotans find COVID-19 testing in their neck of the woods,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “With more activities heading inside as the weather cools down, it’s important that Minnesotans get tested if they’re feeling ill. By expanding our testing network, we’re connecting more Minnesotans to testing options near them.”

The Walz-Flanagan Administration has moved quickly to make free rapid testing available at community testing sites around Minnesota. Since October, the state has launches rapid testing at community testing sites in Stillwater, Crookston, Hutchinson, Moorhead, Saint Paul, Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Inver Grove Heights, Wadena, and Hibbing. The state’s community testing sites have administered more than 27,000 rapid tests in the last three weeks.

Since this summer, the Administration opened new saliva PCR testing in Bloomington, Lino Lakes, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Morris, and Bemidji and expanded testing capacity in Duluth, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, and Winona. Health officials are constantly assessing testing demand and will continue to expand the state’s community testing network to ensure every Minnesotan has access to free testing to keep their families and communities safe.

In addition to the new state rapid testing options, the Walz-Flanagan Administration is partnering with local public health (LPH) agencies around the state. Sixteen local public health agencies are deploying rapid tests provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, some of which will be used at community testing clinics, while others will be used for targeted testing efforts. Participating agencies will announce their testing plans and appointments processes, which can be found at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp

Rapid testing at state sites is recommended for symptomatic Minnesotans and is open to Minnesotans with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested can be found on the COVID-19 Testing webpage.

Testing is free at all the state’s community testing sites. Participants who have health insurance will be asked for their insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference, ensuring testing remains open to all at no cost.

While walk-ins are welcome, people seeking testing at state sites can schedule a test as well at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp . Rapid test results will be available within approximately 1-3 hours.

Details on the testing sites are below:

Lino Lakes – Saliva and Rapid Testing

Former YMCA

7690 Village Drive

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Minneapolis – Saliva and Rapid Testing

Rapid testing begins Friday, November 12

Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South

Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Albert Lea – Rapid Testing

Opens Thursday, November 11

Former ShopKo at Northbridge Mall

2610 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Thursday and Friday 11a.m. -6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Marshall – Saliva Testing

Opens Thursday, November 11

1651 Victory Dr.

Marshall, MN 56258

Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free rapid and/or saliva community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites .
• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home .
• Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations .

How currently eligible Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
  • Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
    • 1-833-431-2053
    • Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Check for vaccine appointments using the CDC’s Vaccine Finder . You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.

###