With a blizzard warning encroaching on the metro area this afternoon, and heavy snow and wind certain to cause terrible travel conditions, the state is closing all COVID testing sites early on Wednesday.
Jesse Stock is spokesman for the state's community COVID testing sites. He says the weather should not cause a major delay in getting test results.
"Weather can impact the time it takes for a test to reach the lab site so we're keeping an eye on that today," Stock said. "We can't promise there won't be delays but by the time that test reaches the lab, we should see a result in about 48-72 hours."
According to a release from the state of Minnesota:
“In the interest of the safety of testing participants and site staff, testing at the following COVID-19 community testing sites has been impacted today due to winter storm and blizzard warnings. Minnesotans are encouraged to stay home if they do not need to be tested or if a test is needed, to make an appointment for the adjusted times listed below or order an at-home test.”
- Moorhead: CLOSED, 12/23
- Winona: CLOSED, 12/23
- Duluth: CLOSING AT 2 p.m., 12/23
- St. Cloud: CLOSING AT 2 p.m., 12/23
- Brooklyn Park: CLOSING AT 4 p.m., 12/23
- St. Paul: CLOSING AT 4 p.m., 12/23
- Minneapolis Convention Center: CLOSING AT 4 p.m., 12/23
- MSP Airport: CLOSING AT 4 p.m., 12/23
Stock also said the holiday will impact when you can get tests.
The state is encouraging people to consider rescheduling for a later date which you can do here.
You can also order an at-home test which is available here.
The Twin Cities metro is under a winter storm warning. WCCO’s Paul Douglas says he is predicting 8-10 inches with significant blowing and drifting snow by Wednesday evening.