Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 5/22/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesotans who need or want to be tested for COVID-19 will be able to access free testing at six National Guard Armory locations across Minnesota throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend: Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.

“Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best ways to both understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to contain it, so we can continue safely reopening our state,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful the Minnesota National Guard is helping with this important effort as we continue to navigate this pandemic.”

The testing teams at each site are comprised of a coalition of National Guard members and state or local public health employees. Social distancing and the practice of wearing a mask will be enforced at the testing locations for everyone’s protection. Anyone experiencing symptoms should self-quarantine before and after their test until they receive their results.

COVID-19 Testing Locations:

East St Paul: 1530 Maryland Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106

Minneapolis Armory: 1025 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413

Moorhead Armory: 1002 15th Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560

Duluth Armory : 4015 Airpark Blvd, Duluth, MN 55811

Faribault Armory: 3000 W Airport Rd, Faribault, MN 55021

St. James Armory: 521 Armstrong Blvd N, St James, MN 56081

Who can be tested?
Any Minnesotan. We especially encourage those who are ill, or who has been directly exposed to a known COVID-19 positive contact.

How will the testing take place?
No appointment is necessary. National Guard members will swab the inside of your nose and ask you to complete paperwork with your name and contact information so you can be contacted with results. Results will be provided by phone and expected with an average of 48 hours.

Is there a charge for the test?
There is no charge for the testing and Minnesotans will not be asked for insurance cards or ID.

When can I be tested?
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day)

Will there be future opportunities like this?
Future testing events depend on several factors, including demand demonstrated this weekend. Minnesotans can find other testing facilities as well as a symptom screening tool at https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
Stay six feet away from others.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.