COVID-19

COVID-19 Current Status

Situation update for COVID-19 in Minnesota

COVID-19 Testing

When to test:

• Test right away if you have symptoms: Fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, congestion, and loss of taste and smell.
• If exposed and have no symptoms, wait 5 full days before testing.
• Consider testing before seeing high-risk people.

https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/self-testing.html

Getting a COVID-19 Test

• Buy self-tests (at-home tests) at a local retailer or pharmacy. If you have health insurance, ask your pharmacy or health insurance company if they provide tests at no charge to you.
  https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html
• Go to a testing location- local healthcare clinic or pharmacy.
  
  

At-Home OTC COVID-19 Tests and Expiration Dates: Please check the FDA’s website for updates to your OTC COVID-19 test’s expiration date. To see the full list of FDA-authorized COVID-19 test extended expiration dates go to the FDA website here.

Testing Resources by County

Douglas County:
Alomere Health Respiratory Clinic 320.763.5123
Sanford Health Broadway Clinic 320.762.0399
Thrifty White Pharmacy 320.762.1531 (call to schedule)
Walgreens 320.763.4360
Walmart Pharmacy 320.762.2850

Grant County:
Lake Region Healthcare- Elbow Lake Medical Center 218.685.7300
Lake Region Healthcare- Ashby Clinic 218.747.2293

Pope County:
Glacial Ridge Health System- Glenwood Medical Center 320.634.5157
Glacial Ridge Health System- Starbuck Medical Center 320.239.2200

Stevens County:
Lake Region Healthcare- Morris Medical Center 320.589.4008
Stevens Community Medical Center 320.589.1313
Thrifty White Pharmacy 320.589.4550 (call to schedule)

Traverse County:
Sanford Wheaton Medical Center 320.563.8226

Understanding Results

If you test positive– the CDC recommends staying home, isolating from others (even household members), and taking steps to prevent spread until you’re fever-free for 24 hours (without meds) and symptoms are improving, then using enhanced precautions like masks and distancing for five days, focusing on improving air quality and hygiene, and seeking treatment if at high risk. 

https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

If you test negative– it may not rule out COVID: especially with at-home tests, repeat testing 48 hours later helps catch infection.

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEksMNco1sg

COVID-19 Treatment

Treatment

2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Group	Recommendation
Children 6 through 23 months	American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): All children in this age group should be vaccinated with the 2025–26 COVID-19 formula, regardless of prior vaccination or infection history. Children should receive or complete the initial series. Children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history. Hospitalization rates in this group are high and are comparable to adults 50 to 64 years old. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Aligns with AAP.
Children 2 through 18 years	AAP: One dose recommended for certain children (those with underlying medical conditions, in long-term care/congregate settings, never vaccinated, or living with high-risk household members). Vaccination may also be offered outside these groups if parents/guardians request. Children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history. AAFP: Aligns with AAP.
Adults 19 years and older	AAFP: All adults 19 years and older should be vaccinated, including pregnant women. This is especially important for adults 65 years of age and older, adults with medical conditions that increase risk of severe COVID-19, and those who were never vaccinated. Adults who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history.
Adults 65 years and older	AAFP: Strong recommendation that all adults 65 years and older receive COVID-19 vaccination and a second dose 6 months later (minimum interval 2 months). Adults who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history.
Pregnancy related	American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and AAFP: Recommend vaccination during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating based on strong evidence of safety and protection for both the pregnant person and the baby.

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting your COVID-19 Vaccine

• Schedule your appointment today by contacting your primary health care provider or local pharmacy.
• Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) Program: Provides COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to eligible children and adolescents who meet VFC criteria, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native.
• Minnesota Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) Program: Offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to eligible adults who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Contact Horizon Public Health for MnVFC or UUAV program questions or to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination, by calling 800.450.4177 option #3 Child and Teen Checkups and Vaccine Appointments.