Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. On this page you will find the latest press releases, statements, and other information on COVID-19.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul testing sites will open two hours early and Duluth testing site is adding an additional testing day starting December 20, all three sites offer rapid and PCR testing
12/16/2021 12:24:07 PM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – As part of the Walz-Flanagan Administration's ‘ Celebrate Safely, Minnesota ’ Campaign, Governor Tim Walz today announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays.
“Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these sites, we are also encouraging all Minnesotans to take advantage of the free testing offered at all 21 sites across the state, as well as through the at-home program. After getting vaccinated and boosted, get tested, and Celebrate Safely, Minnesota!”
Beginning Monday, December 20, the Minneapolis and Saint Paul state community testing sites will open two hours early at 9 a.m. (instead of 11 a.m.). Also beginning Monday, December 20, the Duluth state community testing site will add an additional testing day to its weekly operations. All three sites offer rapid antigen swab and saliva PCR testing. Appointments are strongly encouraged . Walk-ins are also available.
COVID-19 testing is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 variants, including Delta and Omicron. To that end, the Minneapolis and Saint Paul sites are also adding additional testing hours, and the Duluth site is adding two extra days, to increase their capacity ahead and through the holidays. Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul sites will increase their daily capacity by approximately 250 tests for a new maximum daily capacity of approximately 1,250 tests per site.
Here are the details:
Minneapolis at the Convention Center – Expanding Holiday Hours
Duluth at the DECC – Adding Two Extra Days
Saint Paul at Roy Wilkins Auditorium – Expanding Holiday Hours
Locations and hours of all the state’s community testing sites can be found here .
“As a mom, I couldn’t be more thankful for the state’s free testing resources,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We have worked hard to make a variety of options accessible to all Minnesotans, including the 21 free sites across Minnesota and the statewide at-home testing program. I encourage all families, including those with kids who are too young to be vaccinated, to take advantage of these options. You have the power and the resources to Celebrate Safely this holiday season. Get tested, get vaccinated, and get boosted, Minnesota.”
The ‘Celebrate Safely, Minnesota’ campaign was launched by Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan launched earlier this month. The campaign is a coordinated, statewide effort to help Minnesotans access the resources they need to celebrate as safely as they can this holiday season. In addition to testing and vaccine events, the campaign is helping Minnesotans find a test, vaccine, or booster and highlight why each step is critical to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As the state continues to assess current and projected testing needs, testing capacity through the state’s community testing site program may expand further.
The state community testing network offers both PCR and rapid testing options. Testing is open to Minnesotans who believe they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. Testing is free at all of the state’s community testing sites. Participants that 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, so testing remains no cost to all.
State guidance on who should get tested can be found on the COVID-19 Testing webpage.
Those who arrive for a PCR test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before being tested. Once they arrive at a testing location, they will self-administer the test by salivating into a funnel attached to a small tube. Site staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process. PCR tests will be processed in Minnesota at the saliva lab in Oakdale. Results will be provided via email in approximately 24-28 hours after the lab receives the testing sample.
Rapid testing results will be provided within 15 minutes to three hours after processing.
Accessibility accommodations are offered at the state’s community sites. To request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), spoken language, American Sign Language and/or other accommodation, Minnesotans are encouraged to call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline, 1-833-431-2053, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Translative services are also available on-site. Patients are encouraged to make requests two to three business days before their visit to ensure time to coordinate accommodations.
How families can find a shot for their child:
How Minnesotans can get their free shot:
How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
