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COVID-19 Testing and Flu Shots
Testing
The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu shots. All are welcome. You do not need insurance for the test. The flu shot is free if you do not have insurance. If you have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot.
Who should get tested?
- Everyone is welcome to get tested for COVID-19.
What to expect when you get tested
Where to get free COVID-19 tests and flu shots?
- You can get a COVID-19 test even if you do not have health insurance.
- Your flu shot is free if you do not have insurance. If you have insurance, bring your insurance card for a flu shot.
Minneapolis Health Department free COVID-19 saliva testing events
Everyone is welcome. You do not need to register ahead of time.
About the saliva test
The saliva test is just as accurate as the nasal swab test. It checks whether you have COVID-19 right now and can spread it to others. It is not an antibody test that looks for whether you have had COVID-19 in the past.
- Do not eat, chew, or drink anything (even water) for at least 30 minutes before you take your test.
- Both adults and children can use these tests. The tests might not work well for children under age 4 who may not have enough saliva. An adult 18 or older must request a test for a child.
- Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as young children or someone who has suffered a stroke.
January 2021 COVID-19 testing events flyer (PDF)
- Sabathani Community Center
Noon to 4 p.m.
Saturdays, Jan. 9 and 23
310 East 38th Street - Columbia Manor (Columbia Golf Course)
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mondays, Jan. 4, 11 and 25
3300 Central Ave. NE - Hennepin United Methodist Church
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays, Jan 21 and 28
511 Groveland Ave - Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturdays, Jan. 16 and 30
1250 West Broadway Ave
At-home saliva testing kits
The Minneapolis Health Department is offering free at-home COVID-19 saliva testing kits for Minneapolis residents. Due to our limited supply, we are prioritizing requests based on the following:
- Those who are at high risk of COVID (such as the elderly, people living with chronic disease, front line workers, etc.) or to those who are in need of testing.
- Areas with limited to no testing availability nearby, or to those with limited access to testing.
Once you place an order for a testing kit, one of our staff members will contact you for additional information. They will help you decide which test kit is the best fit for you and review the instructions for how to take the test.
Order a saliva testing kit from the Minneapolis Health Department.
If you do not meet the requirements for getting one of our saliva testing kits, you can order a free at-home COVID-19 saliva testing kit through the Minnesota Department of Health.
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 testing
- Saliva testing
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Avenue South, Exhibit Room E, enter on west side of building off 1st Avenue
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome
Make an appointment here
Find information and instructions from the State
Free curbside parking on 1st Avenue South
Flyers:
COVID-19 saliva testing - electronic version (PDF)
COVID-19 saliva testing - print version (PDF)
COVID-19 testing by community clinics
- Native American Community Clinic, 1213 East Franklin Avenue
COVID-19 testing
2 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays
Appointments are required
To make an appointment call 612-872-8086 - Southside Community Health Services, 324 East 35th Street
COVID-19 testing
2 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday
Expect results in two to three days
Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers
Call 612-827-7181 to schedule an appointment
Other Minnesota testing sites
If you cannot attend one of these testing events, you can use this this directory to find other testing locations.
What to do while you wait for your results
- Stay home and away from others.
- Make a plan on what you will do if you test positive.
- List people you have been in close contact with recently.
- If you were tested for an upcoming medical procedure and do not have symptoms, you do not have to stay home while waiting for your test results.
- StaySafe MN has more information on what to do while you wait for your test result.
Getting your test results
- The clinic that did your testing will get the results to you.
- It can take several days for test results to come back.
- Do not call the Minnesota Department of Health to get your test results.
What if I test positive?
You may be told to isolate or quarantine if:
- You had a positive COVID-19 test
Someone you have been in close contact with tested positive
If you isolate or quarantine, you don't get other people sick.
See the Minnesota Department of Health website for more guidance
How do I isolate or quarantine?
Find out how to isolate or quarantine with these videos and handouts from the Minneapolis Health Department.
- Watch and share the video How to Isolate or Quarantine Yourself.
Watch the video in Spanish, Somali or Hmong - How to Isolate or Quarantine Yourself handout (PDF)
See the handout in Spanish (PDF), Somali (PDF) or Hmong (PDF)
Last updated Jan 12, 2021
