Hennepin County's COVID-19 level has increased to Medium.
This means that hospitals are being impacted by the current rise in COVID-19 cases. Bloomington Public Health recommends you use a high-filtration mask indoors and on public transit, get tested if you start to experience symptoms, and consult your health care provider if you’re part of the 45% of the public at high risk for severe illness. We also encourage everyone to get up to date with their vaccines – they’re still the best way to protect yourself, those at risk, and our community’s hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise. Find free vaccines, testing, masks and more below.
As COVID-19 continues to evolve over time it's important to stay aware of changing risk levels in your community and any travel destinations, then take the appropriate precautions.
COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.
Video: MN Department of Health explains best practices when selecting, wearing, removing, and reusing masks.
How should I choose a mask?
Face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when they are high quality and are worn consistently and correctly. Here are considerations to help you choose a mask and ensure you get the best protection from it.
Filtration. Properly fitted high-filtration masks such as N95s, KN95s, and KF94s offer the best protection. In absence of a high-filtration mask, people can improve the protection of their masks by wearing two masks (a cloth mask over a disposable mask).
Fit. Any mask is less effective if it is worn improperly or removed often, due to poor fit or discomfort. If you are wearing a high-filtration mask, ensure that it seals tightly to your face. Masks should fit snugly over your nose and mouth with no gaps.
Comfort. Some masks are harder to tolerate than others. Some people prefer ear loops and others prefer head straps. Try out a few styles of masks to find the right one for you.
Do your research to make sure the masks you purchase meet safety standards and are not counterfeit. The CDC has information on its website regarding what to look for when purchasing a mask. Other good options for buying masks include the nonprofit Project N95, pharmacies and home improvement stores.
What mask should I wear?
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The above graphic contains the following information:
Along with getting vaccinated or boosted, experts recommend upgrading your mask for the most protection.
Four images illustrate various degrees of protection:
Least protection – No mask or improper use. Don't use masks that are damp, dirty or damaged.
Better – Cloth masks. Washable and reusalble.
Still better – Surgical masks. Disposable, intended for one-time use.
Most protection – High-filtration masks. N95, KN95, KF94. Varies by mask type, but reusable up to five times with proper care.
Free N95 masks from the federal government
CDC's Find Free Masks tool shows a list of area pharmacies that provide free N95 masks. It does not show their current inventory—please contact the pharmacy for availability.
What are COVID 19 vaccine booster shots? - American Sign Language (ASL)
COVID-19 vaccines are effective, especially at preventing serious illness and death. However, evidence is showing that boosters, given at the appropriate time after your vaccines, can help extend the protection and keep it at a higher level. MN Department of Health recommends all people aged 12 and older get a booster shot. Learn more and schedule a booster.
The State of Minnesota’s website helps people determine if they should get tested for COVID-19 and find a testing location near them.
Testing options:
Free rapid tests from Minnesota
The state of Minnesota is sunsetting its longstanding mail-order COVID-19 lab test program. Minnesotans who have Vault PCR tests at home will be able to use them until they expire, or until December 31, 2022, whichever comes first.
Minnesota residential households can now order 2 orders of 2 at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits. Order now.
Free rapid tests from federal government
Residential households in the U.S. are eligible for 2 orders of 4 free at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Order now.
Community testing sites (No cost)
Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota. Sites offer rapid, saliva, or both types of tests.
In Bloomington
The state has a saliva testing site in Bloomington at 9930 Logan Avenue S., the former site of the Motor Vehicle Office (DMV). Appointments are encouraged. You can make an appointment online to get tested there, or at another state testing location.
Other testing sites in Minnesota Find a testing site that is convenient for you, including clinic, hospital and pharmacy locations. These sites may have different pay structures, so be sure to contact both the testing site and your health insurance company ahead of your visit to make sure you won’t be charged for a test.
What does a saliva test involve?
What to expect: Visiting a COVID-19 Saliva Testing Site
Several COVID-19 testing options are available, including at hospitals and clinics, community sites, or at home. Many COVID-19 tests are free, but a health care provider may charge for their time. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are the recommended testing option for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Tests at the state’s community saliva testing sites are PCR tests.
If you test positive and are an older adult or someone who is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, treatment may be available. Contact a healthcare provider right away after a positive test to determine if you are eligible, even if your symptoms are mild right now. You can also visit a Test to Treat location and, if eligible, receive a prescription from a provider.
Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.
Did you forget or misplace your COVID-19 vaccination card? Use the free Docket app to access your immunization history in Minnesota, including your COVID-19 vaccine. With Docket, you can share immunization records for health, school, travel, and other purposes.
If you’d like to access your immunization record another way, you may submit a request to the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection. Request your immunization record online or call their record request line at 651-201-3980.
COVID community coordinators support Minnesotans who need COVID-19 information specific to their communities, including in their languages. Coordinators help community members find and get critical resources to deal with health concerns, as well as employment, food access, housing, child care, and legal rights.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health recommend that people, both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated, continue to wear a well-fitted mask in some settings or situations. CDC classifies every county in the U.S. into low, medium, or high-risk categories, called COVID-19 Community Levels. These levels are based on COVID-19 cases, new hospital admissions, and hospitalizations. Stay aware of changing risk levels in your community and any travel destinations, then take the appropriate precautions for your business.
