Get Tested Every 2 Weeks For Coronavirus: MN To Families

Across Minnesota —The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) launched a new campaign Wednesday focused on testing young people for COVID-19. One of the main components of the campaign is the recommendation that families get tested every two weeks until the end of the school year.

In a release, the MDH said that even though more people are getting vaccinated, testing remains an important tool for limiting the spread of COVID-19 and ending the pandemic. The new campaign will include targeted outreach to families, health professionals, schools and youth organizations to encourage this regular testing.

Dan Huff, assistant commissioner of the MDH, said regular testing is vital now that students are returning to in-person classes, sports and activities. The MDH reports that 88 percent of school districts and charters in the state now are offering some form of in-person learning.

"With the rate of infection in decline, Gov. Walz has adjusted the dials so children and young adults can resume youth sports and other activities," Huff said. "To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal. That's why we are asking parents to make regular testing a priority for their families. Testing can help spot a single case early and prevent it from becoming many cases."

Though not a requirement, health officials stress that regular testing complements other safety measures like masking and social distancing.

"Testing will continue to be a critical part of our COVID-19 response for as long as there are still cases in the state," Huff said. "Our mitigation measures break down without adequate testing."

The MDH also announced this week that it had extended its testing program for child care providers. The program was launched in November and has expanded to more than 180 early care and education programs across the state. Participating programs offer optional testing for all staff on-site every other week at no cost.

Likewise, the state continues to expand its educator testing program. More than 1,700 public, private, charter and tribal schools are now registered for the program, and more than 72,700 tests have been given.

Finally, the MDH recommends participants in the state's educator testing program continue to get tested even after they receive their second dose of the vaccine.