Minnesota adding three COVID-19 testing sites in response to demand, omicron concerns

Governor to highlight efforts to reduce hospital pressure by deploying specially trained National Guard members to nursing homes

Jan 05, 20220

David Joles, Star Tribune count

People waited in long lines Tuesday to get tested for COVID-19 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Minnesota is opening three more free COVID-19 testing centers in response to public concern over the fast-spreading omicron variant and hourlong lines at existing sites.

Gov. Tim Walz said new sites in Anoka, Cottage Grove and North Branch will help increase surveillance of viral spread and alert people to their infection status so they can take steps to protect others.

Even with the expansion, Walz predicted the greatest demand for COVID-19 tests in the entire pandemic in the coming weeks and that some people might struggle to access them.

https://www.startribune.com/december-was-minnesotas-deadliest-month-in-2021-for-covid-19/600132568/