In response to increased levels of community spread of COVID-19 statewide, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will launch a four-week effort to provide increased access to “no barrier” COVID-19 testing in communities across the state beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Increasing testing allows us to ensure those who test positive are cared for and prevents the virus from spreading in our communities.
State health officials will work with local health officials and other community partners to offer free COVID-19 testing at four to six separate community testing events spread throughout the state each week. Testing will be:
- Free
- Available to anyone (symptomatic or not)
- Will not require health care insurance
Widespread access to testing followed by isolating those who are positive, and quarantining close contacts is a proven strategy for controlling the spread and keeping businesses and schools open as much as possible. In addition to combating existing levels of disease spread, this testing will provide important data to guide efforts to combat COVID-19 and protect those who are most vulnerable to serious complications.
Please is it the Minnesota Department of Health community testing page to find information about the nearest free testing location, and scheduling an appointment.