For the most recent information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites.
Find COVID-19 information in other languages on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
COVID-19 Vaccine
A vaccine for COVID-19 can help protect you and reduce the spread of the disease. All Minnesotans 6 months of age and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
The COVID-19 vaccine is offered at our Dakota County vaccine clinics for eligible people.
Additional vaccination clinics
To find other locations offering COVID-19 vaccines, including pharmacies, visit Vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters may also be available at your local health care provider or pharmacy (Costco, Cub, CVS, Hy-Vee, Sam's Club, Walgreens or Walmart).
Free COVID-19 Test Kits
Every household can order a free set of four at-home, rapid antigen COVID-19 tests at CovidTests.gov.
Before you throw out "expired" tests, check FDA's website to see if the expiration date for your COVID-19 tests were extended.
The Minnesota Department of Health has information regarding testing locations and getting your test results.
COVID-19: Prevention and Symptoms
Prevention
Health officials recommend taking the same precautions for COVID-19 as you would for avoiding colds and the flu:
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wear a mask if you are sick and need to go out in public.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Cover your coughs and sne ezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like phones, tables, doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Symptoms
The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2–14 days after being exposed to the virus:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID-19 hotlines
The Minnesota Department of Health has staff available to answer COVID-19 questions. Interpreters available.
Health questions:
1-833-431-2053
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: closed