COVID-19
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COVID-19 Community Testing
Other languages
- Kuaj Mob COVID-19 Hauv Zej Zog (Hmong)
- Baaritaanka Bulshada ee COVID-19 (Somali)
- Pruebas de COVID-19 para la comunidad (Spanish)
Updated 8/14/2024
Order free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests: www.covidtests.gov
- If you need help placing an order for your at-home tests, call the MDH COVID-19 Public hotline at 1-833-431-2053.
- Health insurance is not required to order your free at-home tests.
On this page:
Available to all
Tests are free, insurance is not required
Tests offered
When to test
More information
Other languages
Locations
Available to all
- Anyone living in Minnesota can get tested for COVID-19 at a community testing partner location.
- Testing is available with or without an appointment.
- Interpreters are available (in-person or phone) to help you in your language.
- Some testing sites have COVID-19 Community Coordinators to help guide you through the testing process. You can connect with a COVID-19 Community Coordinator (CCC) at any time for testing help.
You can also use the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC's) Search for No-Cost COVID-19 Testing tool to find a test near you.
Tests are free, insurance is not required
All costs for tests at these community testing locations are covered by your insurance company or the federal or state government. There is no cost to you.
- If you have health insurance, you will be asked for your health insurance information so your insurance company can be billed.
- If you do not have health insurance or your insurance will not pay all of the cost, the cost will be covered and you will not have to pay.
- Do not pay your insurance company or the testing provider for your COVID-19 test.
Tests offered
Community testing sites offer Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) saliva tests, at-home antigen nasal swab tests (also called "self-tests"), or both. If those are not right for you, contact your doctor for other options.
- The most accurate test.
- Positive and negative results are reliable. You do not need to repeat the test.
- Results may take a couple of days because these tests must be sent to a laboratory.
- A less accurate test, especially if you do not have any symptoms.
- Positive results are reliable. If the test is positive, you do not need to test again.
- If the test is negative, it is recommended that you test again, at the right time, to be confident you do not have COVID-19. Follow the CDC and FDA guidance for when to take additional tests at CDC: Testing for COVID-19 or contact a COVID-19 Community Coordinator (CCC) for help.
Tip: Check with our CCCs to see if they have free rapid antigen self-tests available to be picked up.
When to test
- Testing at the right time can help you:
- Avoid spreading COVID-19 to those around you.
- Figure out if you need COVID-19 Medications.
- Decide whether or not to spend time with someone who is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
- If you have symptoms, test immediately.
When should I get tested? Symptoms (video)
Other languages: When should I get tested? Symptoms - When you have been around someone who may be sick with COVID-19, test five full days after being around them.
When should I get tested? Close contact (video)
Other languages: When should I get tested? Close Contact
More information
- General information About COVID-19
- The Videos for COVID-19 Response webpage has videos about many COVID-19 topics such as vaccine safety and how to wear a mask. Many are offered in multiple languages.
- Find out how to Protect Yourself & Others
Locations
The sites listed below are not directly operated by the Minnesota Department of Health. Hours of operation may be different from what is listed here. Please contact the sites directly before visiting to confirm when they offer tests.
For help finding a testing site, knowing what to do when you’re sick, or for other COVID-19 questions, call the MDH public hotline: 1-833-431-2053.
Minneapolis
1433 East Franklin Ave, Unit 13B
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Saliva (PCR) tests
- Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- No appointment necessary.
- For assistance or questions, please call: 612-443-8806 or 612-443-8941
1301 North 10th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Saliva (PCR) tests
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- First and third Saturdays of the month: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- No appointment necessary.
- For more information about testing, call the Minnesota Black Community COVID-19 Hotline at 612-254-1145.
Visit the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center for information about community vaccinations. Free vaccines are available on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment necessary.
Closed on:
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day