COVID testing information

Due to low demand, St. Louis County Public Health has discontinued offering COVID testing sites for the time being. Below are options offered by the State of Minnesota to access COVID testing.

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

 

FREE at-home test kits: Beginning the week of March 7, every home in the United State can order an additional set of four tests. COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests

Beginning March 28, Minnesota residents can order an additional four tests here: Home - Say Yes! To Covid Test (sayyeshometest.org)

 

Who should get tested

Testing recommendations for vaccinated vs unvaccinated

Register for a free saliva test 

What to do while waiting for a test result

Testing resources for employers

Face mask information

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.

Recommendations on masking are linked to a community's COVID-19 level .COVID-19 Community Levels | CDC  

Face masks may be required in certain locations, businesses and situation.

Learn more:

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

What can I do to keep myself or my family safe?

  • 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

What is St. Louis County's role in this?

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.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

We recommend you talk to a trusted healthcare provider or call St. Louis County Public Health at 218-625-3600. Our Public Health team will answer and return calls Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You also may call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 hotline: 1-833-431-2053