4 additional free COVID tests available ahead of holidays

Symptoms of COVID-19.JPG — You'll be reminded of the symptoms of COVID-19 at several tables along the way. The symptoms include a fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal

By Staff reports

November 15, 2022 at 3:49 PM

Four additional free at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 are available to all Minnesota households in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday through the state’s online ordering program.

Minnesotans who have previously ordered tests are again able to receive four additional tests per household, according to a news release from Governor Walz' office. Order your free at-home rapid tests on mn.gov/covid19.

Minnesotans can also place orders through the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Language assistance is available.

How to get a test

Order your free at-home rapid tests at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/at-home/index.jsp . Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also have free tests available.

Anyone can walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing sites or find a testing option near them through the state’s Find Testing Locations map.

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 as a result of actions taken by the Biden Administration. In some circumstances, Minnesotans can receive free tests by showing their insurance card at a store. People should check with their health plan prior to purchasing at-home tests to ensure they are following the necessary steps to have costs covered.

Testing and COVID-19 medications

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.

When to get tested

Testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of the virus. It is especially important to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who has COVID-19. For more details and additional information on when to get tested, see the MDH COVID-19 Testing page.

Questions about COVID-19

Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.