So you tested negative for the coronavirus. Now what?
If you know you've been exposed to the virus you must stay in quarantine for 10-14 days regardless of your test results, Dr. Nick Van Deelen, St. Luke's chief medical officer, said in a news conference with hospital and local public officials Tuesday.
"That's because you can develop COVID-19 up to 14 days after your exposure," Van Deelen said. "This is vital for everyone to understand and observe in order for us to get ahead of this disease."
As coronavirus testing becomes more accessible and widespread in Minnesota, the number of people getting tested continues to increase every week.
The weekly number of diagnostic tests administered on St. Louis County residents increased by 26% in the last two weeks, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health. The number of tests administered on Carlton County residents in a week increased by more than 100% in the last two weeks. In Lake County, the increase was about 69%.
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Where you can get tested
In addition to going to a health care provider, here are some sites where residents can get a free coronavirus test:
- Duluth — The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center offers saliva testing in South Pioneer Hall, 350 Harbor Drive. The site is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Nov. 26-27) and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Hibbing — The National Guard Armory, 2310 Brooklyn Drive, is open from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday for nasal swab testing.
- Superior — The University of Wisconsin-Superior offers free nasal swab testing to the public from 2-6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Mertz Mortorelli Gym of the Marcovich Wellness Center, 1810 Catlin Ave.
- At home — The Minnesota Department of Health, in partnership with Vault Medical Services, is sending at-home saliva test kits, at no cost, to anyone who requests a kit. To order a kit, visit learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota .
