Minnesotans can order free at-home COVID tests

Starting Tuesday, Minnesotans can order two free at-home COVID-19 test kits.

The governor’s office announced the state has 500,000 to give away.

Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says at-home testing is becoming the preferred option for patients.

"Even during times of lower community transmission, there are plenty of reasons a person might want to know whether they are infected and a potential risk to others around them," Malcolm said.

The state says if the program is successful, they will count on it to respond to future surges.

Minnesota currently offers an at-home PCR test option through Vault Health. That program will end on March 31, although people can continue to use them through their expiration or Dec. 31, 2022.

Each kit contains two tests, so households may receive up to four tests total.

Visit mn.gov/covid19 to order them.