To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our workers, volunteers and community partners, we are monitoring the developing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and are taking necessary precautions to minimize the exposure and spread of the disease to our staff, volunteers and the communities we serve.

What is the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus that has not been found in people before. Because this is a new virus, there are still things we don’t know, but every day, we learn more about COVID-19.  The Minnesota public health community is working hard to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state, and we need everyone’s help. Avoid assumptions about who you think may have this disease.

Know how it spreads:
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Wash your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. It’s especially important to wash:
~~Before eating or preparing food
~~Before touching your face
~~After using the restroom
~~After leaving a public place
~~After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
~~After handling your mask
~~After changing a diaper
~~After caring for someone sick
~~After touching animals or pets
~~If soap and water are not readily availableuse a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
~~Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
~~Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
~~If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
~~Outside your home put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
~~Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
~~Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others because the mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

Free Community Testing Sites:
~~Free testing locations offered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in partnership with communities.
~~Minneapolis Convention Center is offering free Covid-19 testing.

We strongly encourage you to sign up for an appointment using the registration link listed with each location.
Signing up ahead of time helps avoid long lines. People who walk in without an appointment might have to come back later or another day. If you are not able to sign up online, or need an interpreter, call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.

To request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation or other accessibility needs for testing, please email covidresults@state.mn.us  or call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance. Please make requests 2-3 business days before the testing event to ensure time to coordinate accommodations.

Check the MDH page to stay up to date on locations and dates for new community testing sites. To get regular COVID-19 email updates, including announcements of new community testing events, Subscribe to COVID-19 MDH Updates.

If you need assistant to find Covid-19 free testing locations our staff will be available to assistant you or answer your questions over the phone between the hours of 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Sunday, at 612-644-4950.