The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with local public health officials and those in the community to offer free, no-barrier access to COVID-19 testing in several cities around the state.
According to the health department, the testing will be occurring the week of Oct. 5 in St. Joseph, Willmar, Fairmont, Inver Grove Heights, Ely and Cloquet.
Health officials say the events are part of an effort to increase access to this type of no-barrier COVID-19 testing — following increased levels of community spread statewide. The Minnesota National Guard will be providing logistical support for a number of the events.
Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says there are some people who contract COVID-19 who might not even know they have it, which is part of what makes the virus so dangerous and why quick results are so important. She says all who contract the virus are contagious and giving people a chance to get tested means people can isolate and let close contacts know they should quarantine.
Testing will be done by nasal swab. Anyone who wants to be tested is encouraged to attend, even if they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. No insurance or identification is needed.
To avoid long lines, people are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot. More information is on the Minnesota health department’s website. You can also call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.
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