Today, Governor Tim Walz announced his intention to provide $40 million in new funding to continue to expand COVID-19 testing resources in Minnesota.
The $40 million will go directly to purchasing COVID-19 rapid tests and getting them in the hands of Minnesotans across the state as quickly as possible. Minnesota is actively negotiating with testing manufactures to increase their supply of rapid testing in the weeks and months ahead. Governor Walz submitted his plan for the funding from the American Rescue Plan to the Legislative COVID-19 Response Commission on Wednesday.
“Today, we are continuing our efforts to provide free testing to Minnesotans across the state,” said Governor Walz. “No Minnesotan should have to go without a COVID-19 test because they can’t afford it, and we’re tapping every available resource to make sure every Minnesotan gets the public health tools they need to stay safe.”
“COVID-19 testing is a critical public health tool, and every Minnesotan deserves equitable access,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Today we’re taking action to provide more access to tests for Minnesotans when and where they need them.”
Last week, Governor Walz took a series of actions to expand testing capacity through various channels, including:
- New locations, higher capacity, and expanded hours in the state’s Community Testing network;
- 1.8 million rapid tests for school districts to use during the spring semester and;
- 150,000 rapid tests to be distributed to vulnerable communities through community partners.
How families can find a shot for their child:
- Visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find clinic locations near you.
- Check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments.
- Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.
How Minnesotans can get their free shot:
- Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
- Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Walk in to or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
- Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
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- 1-833-431-2053
- Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
- Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites.
- Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home.
- Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations.
