Pop-up COVID-19 clinic comes and goes

Fond du Lac Human Services nurses Caitlan Rodgers, Ashley Anderson and Samantha Martin greet people as they arrive at the free pop-up Covid-19 testing clinic Tuesday, providing everyone with a fresh mask to put on before heading inside to the gym where the testing stations were set up. Public health educator Ali Mueller said they had up to 1,600 tests available for the three-day clinic Tuesday through Thursday (Oct. 6-8). The testing clinic was a joint project of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, FDLTCC, Carlton County Public Health and Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health.

"Many who contract Covid-19 may experience mild or even no symptoms, but some suffer life-threatening complications," Fond du Lac Human Services Public Health nurse Ashley Anderson said. "Everyone who contracts the virus is contagious. Getting tested helps you know if you have it so you can be informed and can protect those you are close to who might be most vulnerable to serious complications. This is a proven strategy for fighting the spread of a virus like Covid-19."

Missed it? There is also a free Covid-19 saliva testing site at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. While it is open to walk-ins, people are encouraged to register in advance and make an appointment at mncovidtestingappt.as.me/schedule.php. Local testing sites also include CMH Raiter Clinic, Min No Aya Win Human Services Center, MedExpress Urgent Care in Cloquet, Gateway Family Clinic in Moose Lake and Cromwell Medical Clinic.

- Photos and text by Jana Peterson, Pine Knot News