The Minnesota Department of Health announced a pilot of the COVID-19 Test at Home saliva program. Beginning Friday, October 23, Minnesotans in Dakota County and two dozen counties or tribal nations will be able to order a saliva test online, to perform in the comfort of their own home. These tests are available in select service areas free of charge to any Minnesotan who believes they need to be tested. It will soon be available to all Minnesotans.

“Minnesota’s testing strategy includes having multiple options for people seeking out testing,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “Having more options helps to remove barriers, ensuring all Minnesotans have access to quick and reliable testing. The continued increase in COVID-19 cases across Greater Minnesota, tied to small, everyday gatherings, is very concerning. Testing is one way we slow the spread of COVID-19, and the mail order program provides yet another method for Minnesotans to access testing.”

The pilot Test at Home program is available to residents of: Dakota County Rock County Kittson County Le Sueur County Beltrami County Red Lake Nation Wilkin County Carver County Nobles County Wright County Mower County See Saliva Program Page 3 At home COVID Saliva Test

From Page 1 Becker County Kandiyohi County Crow Wing County Cook County Aitkin County Steele County Itasca County Douglas County Lyon County Pine County Otter Tail County Swift County Pennington County These places selected for the initial pilot represent geographically diverse areas of the state, prioritizing locations that do not currently have a saliva testing location or where community testing events have been limited. Minnesota currently has four saliva testing sites open, in Duluth, Winona, Moorhead, and Brooklyn Park, with Mankato scheduled to open Friday and up to five more to follow in coming weeks.

Through the mail order program, Minnesotans can order a saliva test online to be shipped to their home. They then perform the test by spitting into a small tube, under the supervision of a health care professional through a video telehealth visit. Once completed, the test is shipped to the state’s new saliva lab in Oakdale, Minnesota, where results are then emailed to the person in 24-48 hours.

“Offering free, easy and reliable COVID-19 testing is a key strategy to keeping our communities safe,” said Bonnie Brueshoff, Dakota County Public Health Director. “The ability to test at home is very important to reaching community members who can’t go to our drive-thru sites or who prefer more privacy.”

Testing is free to all Minnesotans who believe they need a COVID-19 test, including those who are asymptomatic. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or for any reason insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains completely free to everyone.