Gov. Walz visits new COVID-19 saliva testing lab in Oakdale

Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz highlighted the state’s expansion of COVID-19 testing.

Walz visited the state’s new saliva testing lab, opening Tuesday in Oakdale.

The lab will be able to process up to 30,000 tests per day, meaning the state will be able to process about 60,000 tests per day. The testing program includes the creation of up to 10 semi-permanent testing sites across the state, a mail order program that will launch a pilot later this month and the creation of the Oakdale lab.

"Testing is a key component of our strategy to protect Minnesotans from COVID-19," Walz said in a release. "Our saliva testing partnership has already helped bring testing access to Minnesotans across the state, and this new lab will better prepare us to track, understand, and fight the virus in our communities."

The site will run in partnership with Vault Health and Infinity Biologix.

MDH COVID-19 briefing: Additional saliva testing sites to open in Minnesota

Also Tuesday, the state’s fourth saliva testing site opens in Brooklyn Park, located at Brooklyn Boulevard and Jolly Lane and will be open seven days a week.

"While there is still work to do to remove obstacles to testing for all Minnesotans, our robust, collaborative statewide testing program helps us keep all Minnesotans safe," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "I’m grateful for our strong partnership with community leadership, local public health officials, health care systems, and many others that made this testing laboratory possible in Minnesota."

Those interested in getting a test do not need to be showing COVID-19 symptoms. The tests are free and those who want a test can either register online or just show up for a test.

Results will typically be available within two days.

There are other saliva testing sites in Winona, Duluth and Moorhead.

Walz announces plan for COVID-19 saliva testing lab in Minnesota, could process another 30,000 tests per day