COVID-19 Testing & Treatment

Testing is an important way to keep COVID-19 from spreading. If you have symptoms, test immediately. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. 

To be confident you do not have COVID-19, the CDC and FDA currently recommend two negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or three antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single PCR test can also be used to confirm an antigen test result. Visit COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know for the CDC and FDA antigen testing recommendations.

COVID-19 self-testing / free test kits

Minnesota residents have many COVID-19 testing options. One option is a self-test which can be done anywhere. Results are often ready within 15 minutes.

COVID-19 treatment at no-cost

If you are a Minnesota resident who has tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms have started within the last 5 days, you may be eligible to receive at-home treatment at no-cost, provided by the Minnesota Department of Health and Cue Health.

Patients wanting COVID-19 treatment can visit Cue Health to get started or call 1-833-283-8378.

Test to Treat

Test to Treat is a nationwide program where you can take a COVID-19 test and, if positive, be assessed by a provider on-site. If you are eligible for treatment, you can receive and fill a prescription for pills at the same time. Please bring a current list of medications to your appointment. Patients seeking treatment should plan to spend one hour at the site. Some of these sites require appointments.

Find a provider using the Test to Treat locator.

COVID-19 Treatment through Telehealth Program

People in Minnesota who have tested positive for COVID-19 can receive free COVID-19 medication through a telehealth program provided by the Minnesota Department of Health and Cue Health.

To be eligible:

  • You tested positive for COVID-19 within the last five days.
  • Your symptoms started within the last five days. 

This program can be used no matter where you got tested, including if you used an at-home test. It is available to all people currently in Minnesota, regardless of residency or citizenship status. A state ID is NOT required. The service is available at no cost. Get COVID-19 treatment through telehealth.

Types of tests

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Molecular test Antigen test
  • Most accurate way to detect the COVID-19 virus. A PCR test is one version of molecular test.
  • Only one molecular test is needed— more tests are not necessary.
  • Usually done in a clinic or hospital.
  • Results may take a couple of days because tests must be sent to a laboratory.
  • Learn more about molecular tests.
  • Positive test results are usually correct and reliable.
  • If someone does not have symptoms, antigen tests are less likely to be correct.
  • Test results are available within 10 - 30 minutes.
  • Learn more about antigen tests.

Community testing locations

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Location Details

Minneapolis - Phyllis Wheatley Community Center

1301 North 10th Ave
Minneapolis 55411
  • Nasal swab tests only.
  • Monday - Thursday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
  • Walk-ins accepted.
  • Full vaccine schedule.
  • Contact the Minnesota Black Community COVID-19 Hotline at 612-254-1145.

Find all community testing locations.

Additional testing locations

COVID-19 testing is also offered at some clinics, hospitals and pharmacies (like CVS, Hy-Vee and Walgreens).

Find testing locations