DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health announced Monday that Duluth will conduct the first COVID-19 saliva test later this week.
The pilot site will be at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and will be available to all Minnesotans who wish to be tested.
“Our war on COVID-19 is far from over,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “The largest number of new cases we’ve noticed in recent days shows that the epidemic can temporarily spread out of control, so it’s vital The next step allows us to expand and diversify our check functions for Minnesotans. -they have a way of keeping schools and the economy as open as you can imagine. Although the check alone does not suppress the virus, higher test volumes are a central component of our virus control strategy».
The state plans to open up to more sites across the state in the coming weeks.
“The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is a wonderful position for this next step,” said Dan Huff, Assistant Commissioner for Health Protection at the MDH. “Minnesota regional centers are wonderful places that many other people in rural areas have normal access to. As a population center with more than 20,000 students, the opening of this site in Duluth will allow access to tests for those who need it ».
Health officials said the Duluth will be open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p. m. 7 p. m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.
Thirty minutes of loose outdoor parking on the review site will be for those visiting the review site.
People must make an appointment in advance, but no appointment tours are available.
The results will be emailed within 24 to 48 hours of arrival at the laboratory for treatment.
“I am deeply grateful to the governor and the Minnesota Department of Health for opting for Duluth as one of those state-of-the-art critical control sites with low barriers,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “The installation of the DECC is simple for residents, visitors and others in our area, and will be a wonderful addition to the verification sites provided through our local hospitals.
Those who come for a check avoid eating, drinking, chewing or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before offering a sample.
“Our saliva control is one of the most reliable COVID controls with an effective rate of 99%,” said Jason Feldman, co-founder and CEO of Vault Health. “It is convenient to take and can be performed without the need for a person interaction, which means there is no threat of virus transmission and no need for personal protective equipment to carry out control. Minnesota is leading the way in unlocking controls for everyone. “
Vault Health will work on the Duluth site because the team has reveled in managing sites like this across the country. Vault recruits local staff to paint on verification sites and directly day by day according to inquiries. For now, checks will be sent to Vault Health’s lab in New Jersey; however, the Minnesota association includes the creation of a saliva control laboratory in Minnesota. Once the lab opens in Oakdale in mid-October, saliva checks will be performed in Minnesota. 30,000 samples consistent with the day.
To schedule an appointment in advance or to learn more about the COVID-19 network saliva test, click here.