Central Lakes College is urging all CLC students to take a COVID-19 test prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday break.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is concerned that people ages 18 – 35 are driving the state’s community spread of COVID-19 to record highs. Many people in this age group have no symptoms and no way of knowing they are positive. MDH believes the possibility of continued spread of the virus as young people visit family and friends for Thanksgiving poses a serious risk. They recommend all college and university students take a COVID-19 test prior to the Thanksgiving holiday or other opportunities to gather.
To make this possible, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced a significant expansion in COVID-19 testing access, with the addition of more than a dozen new testing locations opening across the state over the next two weeks. All testing will be free and available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and it will not require insurance.
We recommend that students take advantage of the convenient option of the free, at-home COVID-19 saliva test. This option is available for any student, with or without symptoms. Minnesota and Vault Medical Services have teamed up to offer this at-home saliva testing. Go to Vault: No-Cost COVID Testing for all Minnesotans to order a test. (link below)
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html
Order your free at-home saliva testing kit now. We recommend that students take the test by no later than Saturday, November 21. With mailing and process time, you should have results before you leave on Thanksgiving break.
We encourage you all to take advantage of this opportunity to help protect your family, friends, and community. As always, remain vigilant about washing your hands, wearing a mask, and remaining socially distant from others both on and off campus.
Help keep your friends, family, and classmates safe. Get tested!