Coronavirus Update

Vaccine Connector

When you sign up and become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will alert you of your eligibility; connect you to resources to schedule an appointment; and notify you if there are vaccination opportunities in your area.

Download this flyer for more information (PDF)

COVID-19 Free Community Testing Sites

Visit MDH's website for a map of all testing sites.

While walk-ins are welcome, people seeking testing at these sites can schedule a test at Vault Health. State guidance on who should be tested can be found on MDH's website.

  • Bloomington (former DMV): 9930 Logan Avenue South, Bloomington
    Weekdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Weekends: Closed
  • MSP Airport: 4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul
    Weekdays: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
    Weekends: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Roy Wilkins Auditorium: 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul
    Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Friday-Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Minneapolis Convention Center: 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis
    Beginning September 8, 2021
    Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Brooklyn Park - Starlite Center: 8085 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park
    Weekdays: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
    Weekends: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies may have different pay structures. Contact both the testing site and your health insurance provider ahead of your visit to make sure you won't be charged for a test. 

Guidance Updates

Governor Tim Walz on May 13, 2021 announced the end of Minnesota’s statewide mask requirement, aligning Minnesota with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on face coverings. Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors.

Private businesses and local municipalities may still put in place face covering requirements. And Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, along with the existing face covering guidance for schools and child care settings, remain in effect.

Read Governor Walz';s new information.

Displaced Employee Assistance

Learn about State of Minnesota and Dakota County resources (PDF) available for displaced workers due to Governor Walz’s new executive order.

Dakota County support graphic

City Facility Status

All City facilities are now open to the public.

Find Local COVID-19 Testing Locations

If you have questions about your health insurance coverage call your insurance company prior to getting tested.

What should I know before I go?
Testing sites are designed to keep you and health care workers safe. Sometimes you may stay in your car. Other sites will screen you before you come indoors. Many sites will require an appointment before you arrive in order to ensure they’ve collected your contact and insurance information. Please review directions specific to each site before you go.

COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program through MN Housing: The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance payments to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners. Local administrators will review applications from individuals and families requesting assistance, verify eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households. The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff to help answer questions, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday.

COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Resources: Dakota County residents who are experiencing a short-term financial hardship with an eviction or utility shut-off can take action via several resources to apply for financial assistance. Services and programs are changing rapidly, please contact agencies directly to determine the availability of individual programs.

Dakota County Resources

Dakota County is expanding its COVID-19 hotline to connect residents to a range of local resources during the pandemic.

Beginning Monday, April 20, public health nurses answering the hotline will assist callers seeking help in Dakota County for housing, financial support, physical and mental health and other issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The county’s COVID-19 hotline number is 952-891-7834. It is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Language interpreters are available.

Community resource information is also available on the county’s website. Visit dakotacounty.us.

The Minnesota Department of Health also has COVID-19 hotlines available daily.

  • School and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
  • Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-390