Duluth COVID Saliva Test Site Opens September 23

It's a first for the state - and it's happening right here in the Twin Ports. The Minnesota Department of Heath has announced that the first COVID-19 Community Saliva Test site will be opening in Duluth on Wednesday, September 23 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). The test facility marks the first saliva-based testing site in the State of Minnesota.

According to the the Minnesota Department of Health, here's what you need to know:

Testing is free and open to all Minnesotans who believe they need a COVID-19 test.
You do not need identification or insurance.
If you have insurance, you may be asked for it so the state can bill the insurance company. If you do not have insurance or insurance doesn't cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains completely free to everyone.
The saliva test is comfortable to take and is self-administered, meaning the person taking the test does it themselves with instructions. This means it can be done without in-person interactions.
Register for an appointment time, if possible. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Wear a mask or face covering if you can.
Do not eat, drink, chew or smoke anything for at least 30 minutes before getting tested.
You will be asked to perform the saliva test yourself. Health care professionals will be on site to give instructions and assist.

For now, the hours at the DECC's COVID-19 Community Saliva Test site are Wednesday through Friday, 12 Noon until 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Parking at the DECC will be free for the first 30 minutes.

While walk-ins are available, pre-scheduling an appointment time is encouraged. Click here to get the process started.

Results are typically provided via email within 24-48 hours of arriving at a lab for processing. The state plans on opening more COVID-19 Community Saliva-based testing sites in the future.