Health Information on COVID-19
Should I get tested for COVID-19?
Please refer to the Minnesota Department of Health's online screening tool.
- Should I get tested? - online screening tool
- Find testing sites
Symptoms
The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure. Symptoms can include:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headache.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Sore throat.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
If you are mildly ill with COVID-19, you can stay at home during your illness.You should restrict activities outside the home, except for getting medical care.
Call your medical care provider if you develop symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, or if your symptoms get worse or become severe.
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick (PDF)
When to seek medical attention
If your illness gets worse or you notice any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, call your medical care provider right away. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing.
- Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion or not being able to wake up.
- Bluish lips or face.
*This list is not all-inclusive. Call your medical care provider before going in. Tell them about your symptoms, and they will give you instructions to help protect you and other patients.
Immigrant and refugee communities
Anyone who is sick should seek medical care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services.
Prevention
Health officials recommend taking the same precautions for COVID-19 as you would for avoiding colds and the flu:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
Stay Safe MN Guidance
Minnesota has begun safely reopening. As we return to work and activities we enjoy, we have a shared responsibility to look out for each other and save lives. Keeping businesses and other venues open will depend on all of us doing our part to stay six feet apart, wash our hands often, stay home when sick and wear a mask.
Guidance for individuals and families
Guidance for businesses and organizations
Guidance for schools
- Stay Safe Guidance - schools
- Stay Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year
- Schools and Child Care: COVID-19 - Minnesota Department of Health