MINNEAPOLIS — There's good news for Minnesotans running low on at-home COVID tests as numbers reflect an uptick in cases both here and across the nation.
After ending its free test ordering in January, the Minnesota Department of Health is once again offering free at-home rapid COVID tests to residents each month while supplies last.
The at-home rapid antigen tests available through MDH show results within 15 minutes, work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms and are effective regardless if you're up to date on your COVID vaccinations.
A batch of new tests can be ordered once per month, even if you've ordered tests in the past.
Health experts say it remains important to take precautions against COVID-19, monitor for symptoms, and get tested, especially as the new school gets underway for thousands of families.
"COVID is still certainly with us," Kathy Como-Sabetti, an epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, told KARE 11. "It's important to get tested. And it's important to understand if you are at high risk, what your options are, and how you can prevent severe disease."
All American households can also order four, free at-home tests from the federal government by going to COVIDTests.gov
The federal website also includes a primer from the FDA on extended expiration dates for the at-home tests.
The tests are designed to detect COVID variants currently circulating and are intended for use by the end of the year.
When free test ordering ended earlier this year, Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham said more than 2.5 million COVID tests had been delivered to Minnesota homes since April 2022.
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