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.
Testing locations in Brooklyn Park, Duluth, and Moorhead to offer Paxlovid to eligible patients who test positive on-site. All community testing sites to provide free at-home rapid tests to families with children.
6/9/2022 12:23:07 PM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced today that three state-run community COVID-19 testing sites will become test-to-treat locations in the next week, allowing Minnesotans to get tested for COVID-19 and, if positive and determined to be high-risk, receive a prescription for medication at the same time.
The community testing site in Brooklyn Park will become a test-to-treat location on June 10.The testing site in Moorhead will offer test to treat beginning June 13, and the site in Duluth will offer it beginning June 14. Additional sites will offer test to treat in the weeks ahead.
The new community test-to-treat program is a partnership between the State of Minnesota and the federal government, which is providing clinical personnel, funding, and Paxlovid for the three sites.
“I am proud to be one of the first states to partner with the federal government to offer more test-to-treat options to people who need them,” said Governor Tim Walz. “We will continue to make sure all Minnesotans have options when it comes to testing for and treating COVID-19. It is important when someone tests positive for COVID-19, they have immediate access to treatment options.”
“ Minnesota has been a leader on innovation in COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic, and this exciting partnership with the federal government is another step to help ensure all Minnesotans can get the COVID-19 testing and care that they need,” said Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “Antiviral treatments are a critical piece of our fight against COVID-19 and new community test to treat sites will ensure those treatments are more accessible and available statewide. We’re grateful to our federal partners for their continued support of our nation-leading COVID-19 response.”
How to use Minnesota’s community test-to-treat sites
The three community test-to-treat sites will continue to test all Minnesotans at no cost. Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 via a rapid antigen test will be able to choose to be evaluated on site by a clinician and given a prescription for the antiviral medication Paxlovid if it is deemed appropriate. The medication will also come at no cost to Minnesotans. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are recommended at mn.gov/covid19 .
MDH is working with the Board of Pharmacy to allow the dispensing of the medication at each community test-to-treat site. Until that is authorized, prescriptions to either a pharmacy of their choosing or a nearby pharmacy to have their prescriptions filled.
Minnesotans seeking medication at community test-to-treat sites should be prepared to provide details of their medical history, particularly their current medications, to the on-site clinician. Only patients deemed high risk by the clinician will receive a prescription for Paxlvoid.
COVID-19 therapeutics are not right for everyone, but they can reduce severe illness or risk of hospitalization among patients who are unvaccinated, elderly, or have other risk factors. Learn more about COVID-19 medication on the Treatments page at mn.gov/covid19.
Where else to access COVID-19 medication
The new community test-to-treat locations will join the existing 61 test-to-treat sites that are already operating statewide across Minnesota, mostly located inside clinics and pharmacies with Minute Clinics.
Outside of the test-to-treat program, therapeutics are available through Minnesotans’ health care providers. Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 should reach out to their doctor or health care provider to see if antiviral medication or treatment is right for them.
Minnesotans can find other test-to-treat sites using the federal government’s Test to Treat locator . Some sites may require appointments. Minnesotans can learn more about COVID-19 medication on the Treatments page at mn.gov/covid19.
Community testing sites offering free at-home tests to families
In addition to the new community test-to-treat sites, Minnesota families can now pick up free at-home rapid testing at MDH’s community testing sites and the Mall of America community vaccination site.
Families with children can receive up to eight test kits (16 tests) for free at any of the community testing sites operated by MDH around Minnesota, and the community vaccination site at the Mall of America, while supplies last. They have expiration dates between July 23 and August 5.
In order to receive the free tests, Minnesotans will be asked to attest that they have children at their home. Minnesotans can find a community testing site at COVID-19 Community Testing Sites .
When to get tested:
Testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of the virus.
To keep COVID-19 from spreading, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people should test if:
Minnesotans can find up-to-date guidance on when to get tested on the MDH COVID-19 Testing page.
How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
Questions about COVID-19:
