Here are the 4 free COVID-19 testing sites in MN for the week of Nov. 2
The Minnesota Department of Health is hosting a seventh week of free, no-barrier COVID-19 testing.
There will be four locations the week of Nov. 2 where people can get a test for free – no insurance is required and you don't need to have symptoms. These locations will be in Burnsville, Fergus Falls, Mora and Pipestone (more details on where to go and how to sign up below).
The state began offering free testing following increased levels of community spread statewide.
“We continue to see an alarming level of community spread, particularly across Greater Minnesota,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “This isn’t caused by one or two big events. It’s driven by thousands of seemingly small decisions people are making every day without realizing the impact those decisions are having on their neighbors and their community.
"We are seeing that small, everyday gatherings and activities are leading to infections that can then spread into schools, school sports, long-term care facilities, businesses, and more."
On Thursday, Oct. 29, there were 2,872 positive tests and 32 new deaths reported, bringing the total number of cases to 142,311 and deaths to 2,419.
"Many are trying to find the right balance between social connections and COVID-19 precautions, but the level of virus out there now means things that were less risky two months ago now carry more risk," Malcolm added. "We urge people to step up their efforts to follow guidelines for social distancing, wearing masks when in public, avoiding larger gatherings, staying home when sick, and seeking testing.
"Testing is one of the critical ways we can fight this virus, because if you get tested and learn you have COVID you can isolate, protect your friends and family, and stop the chain of spread," Malcolm said.
MDH is partnering with local public health officials to offer free testing, which will be done using a nasal swab and processed by the Mayo Clinic Laboratories or the University of Minnesota.
State health officials use testing data to identify communities that are experiencing workplace clusters, are close to bordering states or have not yet had larger-scale testing offered. The hope is that more testing will increase the geographic balance of testing across the state and lead to a better response where the risk is greatest.
Testing locations
Below are the no-barrier testing locations for the week of Nov. 2. People are encouraged to pre-register for a timeslot.
Burnsville
- Wednesday, Nov. 4; 2-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5; noon-6 p.m.
- Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 County Road 42 E
- Schedule an appointment here
Fergus Falls
- Wednesday, Nov. 4; 2-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5; noon-6 p.m.
- Fergus Falls Armory, 421 E Cecil Ave.
- Schedule an appointment here
Mora
- Wednesday, Nov. 4; 2-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5; noon-6 p.m.
- Mora United Methodist Church, 500 S Clark St.
- Schedule an ppointment here
Pipestone
- Wednesday, Nov. 4; 2-6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5; noon-6 p.m.
- Armory, 421 2nd Ave. SW
- Schedule an appointment here
If you have trouble signing up online or need interpretation, call 1-855-612-0677. MDH's COVID-19 Community Testing website is here.
Other testing options
The community testing sites above are among several efforts from the state to get more people tested for free.
The state recently opened seven saliva testing sites in Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Moorhead, Mankato, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Winona. These tests are free but you will be asked for insurance information – if your insurance doesn't cover it or you don't have insurance, the state will pay for it.
MDH has also launched an at-home saliva testing option for people living in certain areas who haven't had as much access to testing. As with the saliva testing centers, the state will pay for the cost of the test if you don't have insurance or if your insurance won't cover the test.
MDH's COVID-19 testing website, which has more information on these tests and other testing locations in the state, is here.
