Available COVID-19 Testing Options, Oct. 27, 2020
Good morning, Faculty and Staff,
Today, I write to share additional COVID-19 testing opportunities now available to you:
1. All Minnesota State employees will receive a notification from the system that they can now request a free saliva test kit from Vault Health. A single saliva test kit for COVID-19 will be provided free of charge to all faculty and staff currently working in the Minnesota State system. This initial program is currently available through December 31.
To order a kit, employees will retrieve a link provided online via Minnesota State’s Employee Home application. To access Employee Home, login using your Star ID and password online. After logging into Employee Home, you will see the message “Free COVID Test Kit Available until December 31”. In the displayed message window, click the hyperlink to be redirected to Vault Health’s website to request your test kit. You will need contact information, identification and insurance information to request a test kit on-line. You will not be charged if your insurance does not cover the cost of the kit.
The test is conducted by collecting a saliva sample during a Zoom-enabled, HIPAA-compliant, supervised visit with a Vault Health professional. The visit is necessary to ensure enough of a sample is produced from the appropriate individual. After a sample is collected, it is sent to a Vault Health laboratory for testing.
More information on the saliva testing kit from Vault Health can be found here: FAQ
2. Minnesota Department of Health launched a free saliva testing site in Mankato at the former Gander Mountain location, 1940 Adams Street. This is the state's fifth semi-permanent site for COVID-19 PCR saliva testing and will give Minnesotans an additional barrier-free COVID testing option.
The Mankato site opened last Friday and will be open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While it is open to walk-ins, people are encouraged to make an appointment if possible, to prevent crowding and long lines. That information and the scheduling link can be found here.
If you choose to get tested, here's what you need to know:
- You'll be asked to register briefly on the iPad with name and contact information.
- While the test is 100 percent free for you, you will be asked for your insurance information, as the state is working to recover as much of the cost of the tests as possible. If you're uninsured, you can simply say that.
- You can't eat, drink, chew or smoke anything 30 minutes prior to the test.
- It typically takes around 8-10 minutes to generate enough saliva to be tested.
More information regarding the MDH Testing Site can be found here: FAQ
3. Local health systems also offer testing:
- Mayo Clinic Health System has moved its COVID-19 testing site to Madison East Center, 1400 Madison Avenue. Those with COVID-19 symptoms who want to be tested should call the COVID-19 Nurse Line at 507-293-9525 or contact their primary care provider.
- The Mankato Clinic testing site is also available at the Madison East Center, 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 40. Appointments are required. Call 507-389-8548.
I hope these additional resources are helpful to you and your loved ones.
Please continue to be safe and well.
Sincerely,
Richard Davenport
President
