COVID-19 Testing Sites
Testing for COVID-19 is an important strategy in slowing the spread of the virus.
Community testing sites are currently offered by the State of Minnesota. These sites are available at no-cost to all Minnesotans. Learn more
When to get tested - symptomatic individuals
- If you have symptoms, get tested right away. Community testing sites are best for people with mild symptoms. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, call your health care provider or go to the hospital. Learn more about who should get tested
When to get tested - after COVID-19 exposure
- It's best to get tested at least five days after the last time you were close to the person with COVID-19. If you get tested too soon, the test may not be able to detect the virus. Learn more about who should get tested
Saliva testing events (available every day)
Daily testing at Roy Wilkins - sponsored by the State of Minnesota
Saliva testing is offered every day at the Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall.
Hours
- Sunday (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Monday - Thursday (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- CLOSED Fridays and Saturdays.
Location
- Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall - 175 Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Parking and entrance map (PDF)
- Free parking is available on the roof of the RiverCentre ramp. If that is full, metered parking is available in Rice Park.
What to expect at saliva testing events:
- Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-in’s are available.
- Open to everyone.
- Free, no insurance needed.
- Symptoms or no symptoms.
- No ID required.
- Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age four or someone who has suffered a stroke.
How the saliva test works:
- Do not eat, drink, chew or smoke anything for at least 30 minutes before taking a saliva test.
- A health care professional will tell you how to take the test, but you will do it yourself.
- You will spit into a funnel attached to a tube. Producing the required amount of saliva usually takes 10-12 minutes.
- You will get your results in 24-48 hours.
Testing is free
- There is no cost to you for the test. Do not pay your insurance company or the testing provider for your test.
- All costs are covered by your insurance company or the federal or state government.
- Insurance companies may send you an Explanation of Benefits or "EOB" showing the difference between the billed cost of this test and what they paid. It may say a portion is "patient responsibility." This is simply for your information. It is not a bill, and you do not need to pay anything.
Accessibility
- If you are not able to sign up online, or need an interpreter, call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.
- To request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation or other accessibility needs for testing, please email [email protected] or call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance. Please make requests 2-3 business days before the testing event to ensure time to coordinate accommodations.
- The testing location is ADA accessible. Upon arrival, guests that cannot use an escalator should notify the greeter and an elevator option will be made available.
- There are ramps and changes to the floor grade. Expect a 3 – 5 minute walk from any entrance to the testing site. People with mobility challenges may find the Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park locations easier to navigate.
Waiting for test results:
- Follow these instructions: What to do while you are waiting for your results (PDF)
- You should get your results back in 48-72 hours. Sometimes there are delays.
- Results are sent via email. Check your junk/Spam folder for an email from Vault Health.
- If it has been more than three days and you have not received your results, call 1-800-800-5698 or email [email protected].
If your test is positive:
You will receive a text followed by a phone call from the Minnesota Department of Health. It is important to answer the call. On the call, you will talk about:
- Your test results and what they mean.
- A household plan to help keep others from getting sick, and to make sure you have what you need.
- Any people you spent time close to (sometimes called "close contacts") starting two days before you were tested or when you started feeling sick.
Please note: the results of your test are not shared with anyone outside of your public health department.
If your test is negative:
You will receive an email regarding your negative test results. Please note:
- This means you do not currently have COVID-19. However, you could still be exposed or become sick at any time. You should continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
- If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your health care provider about getting tested again.
- If you were exposed to COVID-19, you will need to stay home for 14 days after your last contact with the person who has COVID-19, whether you have symptoms or not. Even with a negative result AND no symptoms, you must still quarantine for 14 days.
Saliva testing at home
Minnesota and Vault Medical Services have teamed up to offer at-home saliva testing for everyone, at no cost.
Both adults and children can use these tests. An adult 18 or older must request a test for a child. Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke.
How it works
- Order your test from Vault. The test kit will arrive at your home via expedited shipping.
- Vault sends out a certain number of testing kits each day, in order to give you your results in 24 to 48 hours.
- Log on for a virtual visit with a Vault test supervisor; they will show you how to collect your saliva sample. You must not eat, drink, smoke or chew anything for 30 minutes before your testing session.
- Ship your sample to the lab in Oakdale using a prepaid UPS package.
- Get your result 24 - 72 hours after your sample arrives at the lab.
Before you get started
You will not be charged.
This at-home saliva test is offered at no cost from the State of Minnesota, and you will not be asked for payment information. If the system does ask you for payment, this is an error; close your browser and try again. You will be asked for insurance information if you have it, but it is not required to test at home. These saliva tests are offered at zero cost to you.
You will need an email address for each person/test.
Each test needs a unique email address and Vault account. If you use your email to order a test for yourself, you will need to create another account with a separate email to order a test for your child (or other family member). To order multiple tests, you must complete one request and then return to this page to begin the next request.
A photo ID is required.
Vault requires a photo ID so that the test supervisor can confirm the identity of the person taking the test on the Zoom call. Any photo ID will work, whether it is government-issued or from your place of work or school.
Frequently asked questions.
For information about mailing test kits, ages, next steps, results, troubleshooting orders and more, visit frequently asked questions about at-home saliva testing.
Waiting for test results:
- Follow these instructions: What to do while you are waiting for your results (PDF)
- You will get your results by email, 24 - 72 hours after your sample arrives at the lab.
If you are not able to order a test online, or need an interpreter, call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.
More information
- Vault virtual waiting room
- COVID-19 test at home - Minnesota Department of Health
- No cost COVID Testing for all Minnesotans - Vault Medical Services
If you have questions regarding saliva testing, please email [email protected] or call 800-800-5698.
Nasal swab testing
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is no longer hosting nasal swab testing events.
- Residents are encouraged to use the free saliva testing site at Roy Wilkins Auditorium sponsored by the State of Minnesota.
- Saliva tests are more comfortable than nasal swabs and just as accurate.
- Test results are available in 24-48 hours.
If you think you need a nasal swab test instead of a saliva test, consider the following:
- Call your primary health care provider to see if they offer nasal swab tests instead of saliva tests. Ask ahead of time about cost (with or without health insurance). Some providers will work with you on cost.
- Contact a community clinic to see if they currently offer nasal swab tests and what the cost might be.
- CVS, Hy-Vee and Walgreens pharmacies continue to offer nasal swab tests, and they may also be available at other neighborhood pharmacies.
Community clinic testing
The following Ramsey County community clinics offer COVID-19 testing on an ongoing basis and occasionally offer testing events. These Federally Qualified Health Care Centers provide tests to people who need them. They work with patients to make sure cost is not a barrier and may even have programs to support testing at no cost.
Community clinic ongoing testing
United Family Medicine
Peter J. King Family Health Center
1026 7th St W, Saint Paul, 55102
- Open to established patients or residents of Saint Paul.
- Symptoms or NO symptoms.
- By appointment only. Call 651-241-1000.
- Interpreters available upon request.
- Learn more
Minnesota Community Care
East Side Clinic
895 East 7th St. Saint Paul, 55106
- By appointment only. Call: 651-602-7500.
- Learn more
Additional testing locations and resources
More information on COVID-19 testing: