Coronavirus Testing Hours Shift At Minneapolis Convention Center

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The hours in which coronavirus testing is offered at the Minneapolis Convention Center have changed.

Hennepin County officials on Tuesday announced testing is now available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on week days and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

While appointments are not required, officials say making an appointment in advance can help residents avoid long wait times or being made to return on another day. Appointments can be made online.

Testing operations at the convention center are run by the State of Minnesota and are open to anyone who needs a test, free of charge. People with insurance are asked to bring an insurance card in order to be tested but will not be required to pay.

The county said free parking will be available to those who come to the convention center for a coronavirus test. Once parked, a person must enter the building from 1st avenue and continue to exhibit room E, where testing is performed.

The state said testing results may take several days to be delivered. Once a result is obtained, residents will be notified by phone, email or text.

People with symptoms of an illness, or those with a known exposure to the coronavirus, should stay home for 14 days after being tested, officials said. Anyone tested as a preventative measure, such as in advance of a medical procedure, are not required to stay at home unless instructed by a doctor.

Regardless of the result of a coronavirus test, Minnesotans are asked to continue wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding large crowds and frequently and thoroughly washing hands.