New COVID-19 community rapid testing site launches in Albert Lea

(ABC 6 News) – Governor Tim Walz announced three new COVID-19 rapid testing opportunities and a new saliva PCR testing site to expand Minnesota’s network of community testing sites across the state.

This week, the state is launching a new COVID-19 community rapid testing site in Albert Lea with the support of the Minnesota National Guard. The state is also opening a new saliva testing site in Marshall. Both testing sites will open Thursday, November 11.

The state also began offering rapid tests at an existing community saliva testing location in Lino Lakes. The existing saliva site in Minneapolis will begin rapid testing on Friday, November 12.

In addition to the new state rapid testing options, the Walz-Flanagan Administration is partnering with local public health (LPH) agencies around the state. Sixteen local public health agencies are deploying rapid tests provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, some of which will be used at community testing clinics, while others will be used for targeted testing efforts. Participating agencies will announce their testing plans and appointments processes, which can be found at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp

Rapid testing at state sites is recommended for symptomatic Minnesotans and is open to Minnesotans with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested can be found on the COVID-19 Testing webpage.

Testing is free at all the state’s community testing sites. Participants who have health insurance will be asked for their insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference, ensuring testing remains open to all at no cost.

While walk-ins are welcome, people seeking testing at state sites can schedule a test as well at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp. Rapid test results will be available within approximately 1-3 hours.

Details on the testing sites are below:

Lino Lakes – Saliva and Rapid Testing

Former YMCA

7690 Village Drive

Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Minneapolis – Saliva and Rapid Testing

Rapid testing begins Friday, November 12

Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South

Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Albert Lea – Rapid Testing

Opens Thursday, November 11

Former ShopKo at Northbridge Mall

2610 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Thursday and Friday 11a.m. -6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Marshall – Saliva Testing

Opens Thursday, November 11

1651 Victory Dr.

Marshall, MN 56258

Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.