State announces sites for second week of COVID-19 testing push

Four-week testing push is response to increased community spread statewide and is free and open to all, with or without symptoms

Sep 28, 20200

The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with local public health officials to offer free COVID-19 testing the week of September 28 in Bemidji, Bloomington, Maplewood, Marshall, Moorhead, and Thief River Falls.

Testing will be free, available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and will not require insurance. The six events next week are part of a four-week push to provide increased access to “no barrier” COVID-19 testing following increased levels of community spread statewide. The Minnesota National Guard will continue providing logistical support for a number of these events.

“The recent spike in cases – particularly among people who don’t know how they contracted the virus – is deeply concerning,” Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “But Minnesota communities are taking it seriously and are proactively seeking support for increased access to testing. More than 2,600 people sought a test at this week’s testing events and many have already received their results. All who contract the virus are contagious and giving people a chance to get tested allows people to isolate if positive and let their close contacts know they should quarantine. This is a proven strategy for fighting the spread of a virus like COVID-19.”

The first week of targeted testing was held in Grand Rapids, Pine City, and Waseca. Health officials are using testing data to identify communities that are experiencing workplace clusters, are close to bordering states, or haven’t yet had larger-scale testing offered. This strategy will help increase the geographic balance of testing across Minnesota and respond where the health risk is greatest. Testing will be done with a nasal swab, processed either by Mayo Clinic Laboratories or the University of Minnesota, through the lab capacity created by the testing partnership.

Anyone who wants to be tested is encouraged to come, even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19. No insurance or identification is needed. To avoid long lines, people are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot. The details and pre-registration links for all six events next week are listed below. Those who are unable to sign up online or need interpretation can call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.

Bemidji

Tuesday, September 29; Wednesday, September 30; Thursday, October 1

12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bemidji Armory

1430 23rd Street NW

Bemidji Community COVID-19 Testing: Schedule Appointment

Bloomington

Tuesday, September 29; Wednesday, September 30; Thursday, October 1

12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Normandale Community College - parking ramp

9700 France Ave S

Bloomington Community COVID-19 Testing: Schedule Appointment