Minnesotans who need or want to be tested for COVID-19 will be able to access free testing at six National Guard Armory locations across the state throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
In Duluth, testing will be at the Duluth Armory, 4015 Airpark Blvd. Testing will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Sites could close sooner if supplies are exhausted.
Minnesota National Guard members will have the capacity to collect roughly 2,000 samples per day across six sites, for a total capacity of roughly 6,000 tests over the three-day weekend.
The sites are hosted by the Minnesota National Guard, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the State Emergency Operations Center, which is the central coordinating cell for the majority of COVID-19 operations.
“Testing, tracing and isolating are the best tools we have to understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to contain it, so we can continue safely navigating this pandemic,” Gov. Tim Walz said. “I am grateful the Minnesota National Guard is helping with this important effort.”
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The testing teams at each site consist of a coalition of National Guard members and state or local public health employees. Social distancing and mask-wearing will be enforced at the testing locations. Anyone experiencing symptoms is being told to self-quarantine before and after their test until they receive their results.
“These six testing sites across the state eliminate some of the barriers to testing so that we can focus on what matters most — the health of all Minnesotans,” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said.
"The Minnesota National Guard is proud to do our part for the state testing process," Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, Minnesota National Guard adjutant general, said.
COVID-19 testing locations
- East St. Paul, 1530 Maryland Ave. E., St. Paul
- Minneapolis Armory, 1025 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis
- Moorhead Armory, 1002 15th Ave. N., Moorhead
- Duluth Armory, 4015 Airpark Blvd., Duluth
- Faribault Armory, 3000 W. Airport Road, Faribault
- St. James Armory, 521 Armstrong Blvd. N., St. James
Who can be tested?*
Any Minnesotan. We especially encourage those who are ill, and those who have been directly exposed to a known COVID-19 positive contact.
How will the testing take place?
No appointment is necessary. National Guard members will swab the inside of your nose and ask you to complete paperwork with your name and contact information so you can be contacted with results. Results will be provided by phone and expected with an average of 48 hours.
Is there a charge for the test?
There is no charge for the testing, and Minnesotans will not be asked for insurance cards or ID.
When can I be tested?
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day)
Will there be future opportunities like this?
Future testing events depend on several factors, including demand demonstrated this weekend.
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*Answers from the Governor's Office.
