MN Department Of Health Closes DECC COVID Testing Site In Duluth

It's been an option since the pandemic started in 2020. But if you're looking to get a COVID-19 test at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, you'd better do so soon.

The Minnesota Department of Health will be closing their four-remaining state-run Community COVID-19 test sites this weekend. Along with the three other sites - in Brooklyn Park, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, and in St. Paul, the Duluth site will wrap up its operations. The St. Paul-Midway option will close on Friday, January 27; the Brooklyn Park and the Airport site will close on Sunday, January 29; and the Duluth site at the DECC's last day will be Saturday, January 28.

While the sites run by the state will be closed, there are still options available for Minnesota residents. The Department of Health shared the following options:

Test-to-treat programming is available to all Minnesotans via telehealth through Cue Health
Many insurance companies are offering free at-home test kits through local pharmacies. You're directed to check with your insurance provider for more details
Your local health care provider or local pharmacy has COVID-19 testing options; contact them for more information
At home-test kits are still available - but for a limited time - through the mail. That program is ending soon, so interested individuals need to get signed up to receive those last four free tests per family address

Individuals who are utilizing the free community COVID-19 test sites are asked to bring along with them a list of their current medications at the time of the appointment. The Minnesota Department of Health is directing individuals that they should plan to spend an hour at the site.

Things To Do Before + After Getting The COVID Vaccine

A variety of things to do to get ready for the COVID-19 vaccine as well as some considerations to take afterwards.

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.

Minnesota Department Of Health Closes COVID Testing Site At The DECC

Things To Do Before + After Getting The COVID Vaccine

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

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