IRON RANGE TEST OPTIONS

Wednesdays: 1-5pm; PCR saliva tests and rapid Antigen tests available at the Eveleth Auditorium, 421 Jackson Street.

Thursdays: Noon-3pm; PCR saliva tests and rapid Antigen tests available at the Vermilion Community College gymnasium, 1900 East Camp Street, Ely.  Note: this location is temporary through January 27.

Fridays:  1-4pm; PCR saliva tests and rapid Antigen tests available at the St. Louis County Public Works Facility in Virginia, 7823 Highway 135.
 

DULUTH AREA TEST OPTIONS

Tuesday-Friday, 11am - 6pm; Saturday 11 am-4 pm; Rapid tests and PCR saliva tests are available at the Duluth DECC . This is a community testing site operated by the state.

All COVID-19 tests are free of charge. Results for rapid COVID tests are typically back in 1-3 hours. Results for PCR saliva tests are typically back in 24-48 hours.

Who should get tested

Testing recommendations for vaccinated vs unvaccinated

If you do not have a medical provider or have other reasons for needing to be tested, there are free testing options that are open to anyone:

Where to find a free test

Register for a free saliva test 

Request a free at-home saliva test kit

What to do while waiting for a test result

This section is for employers and other organizations that conduct (or provide) large quantities of testing. St. Louis County Public Health is listing this information as a resource and does not necessarily endorse any of these suppliers or show preference to one more than an another.

Private medical suppliers:

NAVICA App & BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag | Abbott Point of Care (globalpointofcare.abbott)

Real-time COVID-19 testing | Cue (cuehealth.com)

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Organizations | Labcorp

Corporate Covid-19 Testing For Employers & Organizations - US (letsgetchecked.com)

COVID Solutions - Vault (vaulthealth.com)

Information on types of tests:

Types of COVID-19 Tests: COVID-19 - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)

In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs - Antigen Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 | FDA

In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs - Molecular Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 | FDA

How to collect samples:

How To Collect Your Anterior Nasal Swab (cdc.gov)

Cómo tomarse una muestra nasal con bastoncito de algodón (cdc.gov)

Interim Guidelines for Clinical Specimens for COVID-19 | CDC

HOW TO: A Guide for the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Self Test - YouTube

Wearing a properly fitted face mask limits the spread of COVID-19 by blocking the respiratory droplets that a person exhales when they breathe, talk, sneeze, cough and sing. A high quality mask such as N95 or KN95 is best. If you don't have access to one of these, then wear a well-fitted mask with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric. You also can layer a disposable mask under a cloth mask to increase effectiveness.

Due to the current high rate of transmission in St. Louis County, everyone - regardless of vaccination status - is recommended to wear a face mask in indoor public settings.

Learn more:

Recommendations for Wearing Masks - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)

Benefits of kids wearing masks in school - Mayo Clinic News Network

Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2 | Infectious Diseases | JAMA | JAMA Network

Science Brief: Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 | CDC

COVID-19, also known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV, is a respiratory virus that the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. Multiple variants of the virus are now circulating here and around the globe.

Information on symptoms, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself.

The first presumptive case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County was announced March 21, 2020.

• Get vaccinated and - when eligible - get boosted
• Practice social distancing
• Wear a mask
• If you’re sick, stay home
• Get tested if exposed to a confirmed case, or when experiencing symptoms
• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer
• Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue or elbow
• Avoid touching face and mouth
• Clean frequently touched surfaces often using a regular household detergent and water. This includes countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles.
• Additional recommendations from MDH

St. Louis County Public Health follows the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We use this information as we work closely with cities/townships, school districts, the medical community, and community service providers.

Our role has continually evolved throughout this pandemic as new needs have been identified. Our responsibilities range from education - providing accurate information to people about the risk, signs or symptoms to watch for, and how best to protect yourself and your family - to offering COVID testing opportunities, to administering vaccines. Our Sheriff’s Emergency Management team is also very involved as we work to best serving our citizens.

For clinical questions about the COVID-19 virus, such as identifying symptoms or whether testing is needed:

Essentia Health 1-833-494-0836

For non-clinical questions, such as preventative steps to take or anything travel-related:

St. Louis County Public Health COVID-19 information phone line: 218-625-3600. Our Public Health team will answer and return calls Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Health hotline: 

651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504