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(FOX 9) – Residents of Minnesota can now get tested for COVID-19 without ever leaving their homes, according to state health officials.
The Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday that it has expanded its pilot program for its home COVID-19 test statewide. Anyone in Minnesota can now order a saliva test to deliver to their home. The test is then sent to the new saliva lab in Oakdale, Minnesota for processing using a prepaid label.
Once the test arrives at the lab, the participant will receive their test results by email within 24-48 hours.
The saliva test is just as accurate as the nasal swab test, according to MDH, and is available free to all Minnesotans, whether or not they have insurance.
MDH piloted the home testing program in 23 counties and the Red Lake Nation.
You can order a test here.
11 new COVID-19 test sites to open statewide
MDH will also open 11 new longer-term COVID-19 testing sites across Minnesota in the coming weeks.
Ten of the test sites will be at the National Guard Armory in Albert Lea, Anoka, Crookston, Fairmont, Hibbing, Hutchinson, Inver Grove Heights, Morris, Stillwater and Wadena.
The 11th test site will be somewhere in the metro in the west of the Twin Cities, according to health officials. The exact location has not been announced.
Opening of a new saliva analysis site at MSP airport
The same COVID-19 saliva test available by mail order can also be done in person in a growing number of locations across the state.
A ninth saliva testing site has opened in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Thursday. In addition to the MSP Airport, there are also open saliva testing sites in Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Mankato, Minneapolis, Moorhead, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Winona.
All saliva tests are sent to a lab in Oakdale and the results are available within 24-48 hours.
The tests are free and available to everyone, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-in visits are permitted. You can make an appointment here.
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