Key COVID Test Message for Partners

Key COVID Test Messages for Partners
• The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is opening a new COVID-19 community testing location in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul and closing two existing testing sites – Saint Paul Roy Wilkins and Stillwater.
• The state’s new testing site, located in the former Herberger’s at 1400 University Avenue West, in Saint Paul, will open on Monday, May 16th and offer rapid antigen testing Sundays 11-4 and Monday through Fridays, 11-6.
• This new site will bring even greater consistency to Minnesotans who want to access testing as it will not be subject to the occasional closures that took place to accommodate events at the Auditorium and Armory.
• May 12 will be the last day of testing at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown Saint Paul, and May 13 will be the last day of testing at the Stillwater Armory.
• The opening of the Midway site is part of the state’s ongoing work adjusting testing resources to meet demand and need.
• The new Midway testing location can conduct 5,000 tests per day. The site is located near multiple transit options and has ample parking for visitors. Translators and accessibility accommodations are available on site. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
• The state has worked hard to ensure that there are many ways to be tested for COVID-19.
o Minnesotans can order two sets of two rapid tests through the state at Order your free at-home rapid tests. Through the federal government, Minnesotans can order free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov. Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also have free tests available.
o Costs for over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health plans offered by Medicare, insurance companies, employers, and groups under actions taken by the Biden Administration. Minnesotans should check with their health plan prior to purchasing at-home tests to ensure they are following the steps necessary to have costs covered.
o Anyone can walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing sites.
o Find a testing option near them through the state’s Find Testing Locations map.
o Test to Treat
o If you are high risk and develop symptoms that could be COVID-19, get tested right away. Prescription medication is available to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. Talk to a health care provider to learn if you qualify for COVID-19 treatment and where to get it. Learn more about COVID-19 medication at COVID-19 Treatments.
o Dozens of Minnesota pharmacies and federally qualified health centers are participating in the federal Test to Treat program. There, you can take a COVID-19 test and, if positive, be assessed by a provider on-site. If you are eligible for treatment, you can receive and fill a prescription for pills at the same time. The federal government has a Test to Treat locator to help find participating sites. Some of these sites require appointments. Learn more at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.