Health Information on COVID-19

Learn about COVID-19

Should I get tested for COVID-19

An online screening tool to assist and identify Minnesotans who should be tested for COVID-19. 

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.
  • Cough.
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  • Chills.
  • Repeated shaking with chills.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Headache.
  • Sore throat.
  • New loss of taste or smell.

People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can stay at home during their illness.They should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick (PDF)

When to seek immediate medical attention 

If your illness is getting worse or you notice any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, call your medical 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 doctor or clinic 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 during the COVID-19 crisis should seek medical care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services. Information for impacted immigrant and refugee communities.

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 facemask when around others.

Strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19

Executive orders

Guidance for employers, communities and individuals about what they can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Cloth face coverings (home made masks)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.