State leaders provide COVID-19 response update, new testing site opens in Blaine

KSTP

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Monday, Minnesotans will hear the latest details on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Tim Walz will join officials from the Minnesota Department of Health for the update at 2 p.m.

The update comes as another free COVID-19 testing site opens in Blaine.

Starting at 10 a.m., people can line up to get a self-administered nasal swab test at the National Sports Center. The federal government is helping to open this testing spot because of significant increases in state case numbers.

Approximately 10,000 people can get tested at the Blaine location over the next six days. The National Guard will be on hand to help.

Minnesota’s recent spike is happening in the midst of the holiday season and another round of restrictions.

We’re also learning vaccinations may begin to be available for distribution before the new year. This week, both vaccines that are close will have federal hearings, pushing them closer to that green light.

Walz and health officials are working on logistics now to make sure a plan is in place when that happens. In his most recent news conference, the governor seemed optimistic a lot of people will be vaccinated before spring.

"You’ve got to figure out where you’re going to get the PPE, when you give it, how you ship it, all of those things; this is going to take us some time, I said a while back we’re going to be in a really good spot by the time those trees bud out and bats are cracking,” Walz said.

Meanwhile, appointments aren’t required for a COVID-19 test at the National Sports Center but they are suggested. Those who want to take a test do not need to have symptoms in order to get a test.

Learn more here.