New covid testing sites open in state

The state of Minnesota is adding more Covid- 19 testing sites to meet a resurgent demand.

Early in the summer the state had closed some of its community testing sites as fewer people were seeking tests. But rising case counts driven by the more- contagious delta variant in recent weeks are bringing more demand for testing.

The state opened a semi- permanent testing site at the Minneapolis Convention Center last week and will open another at the former YMCA in Lino Lakes on Monday.

They join existing community testing sites in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead, St. Cloud, St. Paul and Winona, as well as at the Minneapolis- St. Paul International Airport.

The saliva tests for Covid provided at those sites are free; people are encouraged to schedule an appointment but walk- ins are welcome.

The Duluth site is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.