Indie pop musician Messersmith wonders if he’s one of 1,700 frozen COVID-19 tests, waits for results

Minnesota’s Department of Health said it is working to get through the 1,700 frozen samples from COVID-19 tests.

Jeremy Messersmith, a Twin Cities indie pop musician, whose music has earned him appearances on national late-night television is waiting for his own COVID-19 test results.

“My identity is wrapped up in,” said Messersmith of his voice which he lost during an illness. “I went from being able to sing and speak to having none of that in a matter of four hours."

Messersmith said he had a high fever and other flu-like symptoms.

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After consulting with his brother, who is an emergency room doctor, and taking an online COVID-19 symptom checker, he decided on Monday to go for a drive-up COVID-19 test in the metro.

He recorded the test here.

"Really, it's the unknown thing that's the most scary," Messersmith said.

The musician was told they would call with the test results, which he was still waiting for by midday Thursday.

He wonders if he’s one of the 1,700 samples that Gov. Tim Walz mentioned Wednesday were frozen due to a shortage in testing supplies.

"It would be nice to know if I do indeed have COVID-19 or if I don't,” Messersmith said. “It would be helpful to the people who I've had contact with to ease some anxiety."

MDH said it's hoping to get through the 1,700 samples in the next 72 hours.

Messersmith worries about the other musicians whose gigs have been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.

"It's going to be real touch and go for the next several months," Messersmith said.

At home in isolation, Messersmith hopes it sparks some creativity once his voice fully recovers.

"I think it will much to the annoyance of my neighbors,” Messersmith said. “I'm looking forward to writing a few songs when I get this back entirely."