Minnesota gets another 1 million at-home test kits, will start offering boosters at school clinics

Minnesota is set to take new action in its efforts to combat COVID-19.

Gov. Tim Walz’s office said Friday that Minnesota is getting another 1 million over-the-counter BD Veritor at-home rapid test kits for schools and child care providers. They will be able to distribute the tests directly to Minnesota families. Those tests are expected to arrive by the end of the year.

Additionally, starting possibly as soon as Dec. 6, the state will offer booster shots at multiple state-run, 5- to 11-year-old vaccine clinics, including about 35 hosted at schools. The booster shots will be available for parents of children receiving their first or second doses this month or in the first week of January.

"Today we’re taking another step to meet people where they are and make COVID-19 vaccinations and testing options as convenient as possible for Minnesotans," Walz said in a statement. "Minnesota is a national leader in testing for COVID-19 and administering booster doses, and today’s announcement will provide even more resources for those who need them. I strongly urge every Minnesotan to get vaccinated, get boosted, and get tested to stay safe this holiday season."

According to Walz’s office, Minnesota ranks second in the country in the percentage of fully vaccinated people with booster shots, next to Vermont. At least 35% of fully vaccinated Minnesota have gotten a booster shot.