Key Messages: COVID-19 Testing for Children and Parents

COVID-19 testing for children and parents
COVID-19 testing is available at sites across Minnesota, as well as through our at-home
testing program. Even so, we understand that getting quick access to testing is still a
challenge for many, especially for parents of young children who can’t do a saliva test or
need a negative PCR test to return to regular activities. We’re continuing our efforts to
make COVID-19 testing accessible to all Minnesotans.
If your child can’t do a saliva test:
– Visit your child’s health care provider or go to a state testing site that offers rapid
testing. All rapid tests at state sites are nasal swabs.
– To get your child under 2 a free rapid nasal antigen test, consider visiting a state site in
Albert Lea, Crookston, Hibbing, Hutchinson, Inver Grove Heights, Stillwater, or Wadena,
if possible.
​​If you or your child need a negative PCR result to return to school, child care, or work:
– Visit your health care provider or choose any state testing site that offers saliva testing.
Saliva tests at state sites are all PCR tests.