State officials want Minnesotans to test for COVID-19 before getting together for the holidays, and more free tests are now available.
Minnesota offers more free at-home rapid tests for COVID-19
State officials want Minnesotans to test before heading out for the holidays.
![A Flowflex COVID-19 antigen home rapid test displays a positive result, Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Minneapolis, Minn. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stubbe@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZBUSZ4TS2RESIHJYXLXBXUKKAI.jpg?&w=712)
Gov. Tim Walz says four more free at-home rapid tests are available to all Minnesota households through the state's online ordering program.
"Each of us can do our part to protect the health of our loved ones this Thanksgiving — taking a COVID test is one of the best ways to do that," Walz said in a prepared statement.
Minnesotans can also place orders through the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 public hotline at 1-833-431-2053. The line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Food banks, public health agencies, community groups and other community health organizations may also have free tests available, and insurance covers over-the-counter at-home tests. Testing also is available at free community testing sites and Test to Treat centers.
The state GOP wants to resolve intraparty feuds before the 2026 election. But some Republicans are calling for the party to cut out its fringe factions, not work with them.