3 Minnesota cities to host ‘test-to-treat’ COVID sites

By KSTP

A file photo of a COVID-19 testing site sign. (KSTP/ File)

Gov. Tim Walz’s office has announced where the first three COVID-19 test-to-treat sites will be located.

Two weeks ago, the White House announced that Minnesota would be getting federal help to turn state-run community testing sites into test-to-treat locations. Test-to-treat sites will offer COVID testing, assessments, and the oral antiviral treatment Paxlovid all at the same place.

The governor’s office says in the next week, Brooklyn Park (June 10), Moorhead (June 13), and Duluth (June 14) will have community sites transformed into test-to-treat sites.

“I am proud to be one of the first states to partner with the federal government to offer more test-to-treat options to people who need them,” Walz said in a statement. “We will continue to make sure all Minnesotans have options when it comes to testing for and treating COVID-19. It is important when someone tests positive for COVID-19, they have immediate access to treatment options.”

The new sites will still provide testing and, if necessary, Paxlovid at no cost to patients.

While walk-ins will be accepted, the state is urging appointments, which can be made online.

Other test-to-treat sites can also be found online.

“Minnesota has been a leader on innovation in COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic, and this exciting partnership with the federal government is another step to help ensure all Minnesotans can get the COVID-19 testing and care that they need,” Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “Antiviral treatments are a critical piece of our fight against COVID-19 and new community test to treat sites will ensure those treatments are more accessible and available statewide. We’re grateful to our federal partners for their continued support of our nation-leading COVID-19 response.”

Last week, the state also made more at-home rapid COVID-19 tests available for Minnesotans to order.

Those with questions about COVID-19 can call MDH’s public hotline at 1-833-431-2053.