Barrier-free COVID-19 saliva testing sites are going up across Minnesota in the coming days. Governor Tim Walz announced today that 11 sites will be opening statewide in the next two weeks–including at MSP International Airport. Walz says “if you’ve got insurance, we look at your insurance card, if you don’t, come in, you’re still going to get tested. Our goal is now with bulk the capability between 24 and 48 hours to get results to you.” Walz notes “it’s certainly not so glamorous to spit into a tube, but I’ll tell you what, doing so just might make sure that we get a little bit closer to breaking the back of this thing, doing so might prevent your grandparents from getting this thing over Thanksgiving, might keep our schools open might keep that restaurant that’s just hanging on by a thread a little better chance to do it.” The testing is free. The state has already opened eight saliva testing sites in partnership with Vault Medical Services and Infinity BiologiX in Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, Saint Paul, St. Cloud, and Winona, with the Minneapolis Convention Center opening to the public for saliva testing today. Coronavirus cases are surging across the country and in Minnesota, with more than 10,000 news cases reported in the state over the weekend.
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