“No Barrier” COVID-19 Testing Ramps Up in Minnesota

Six months into the pandemic, Minnesota had logged over 1,763,000 COVID tests.

That’s a lot of tests. And Minnesota’s not done yet, said Governor Tim Walz in a September briefing.

“But let’s just be very clear. Testing is the key to getting out of this. Testing and the robust testing capacity is one of the keys. Minnesota is not turning our backs on that. In fact, we’re increasing our capacity to be able to do that,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Testing is key to tracking the pandemic.

So on September 17^th, Minnesota health officials announced free “no barrier” coronavirus testing. Beginning the week of September 21^st, health officials will hold three to six community testing events each week for a total of four weeks.

The events will be spread across the state. The free tests are available to anyone who feels a need to be tested. It’s called “no barrier” testing because it provides COVID tests to those who otherwise might not get them, owing to lack of insurance or not showing symptoms.

Minnesota is ramping up testing as the state is experiencing a surge in community spread. Health officials are hoping to get ahead of the spike so it doesn’t rage out of control.

The Minnesota Department of Health will announce locations as it determines where testing is most needed.

Individuals wishing to be tested just need to provide a name and a way to contact them when results come in.