COVID-19 local response efforts

Current Status

Stay up to date with Olmsted County's latest community level with the county check.

Stay up to date on wastewater data collected to review prevalence of illness in the community.

COVID vaccine

There are many opportunities to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are available at no cost; however, some clinics and pharmacies may charge an administration fee.

COVID-19 vaccine availability

Contact your primary care provider for an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine.

Olmsted County Public Health Services is offering vaccines during regular clinic hours.

COVID testing

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.

When you get tested:

  • Choose the right type of test for your circumstance
  • For antigen tests, follow test directions as recommended by FDA and the test manufacturer

If you do not, your results may be less likely to correctly indicate whether you have COVID-19 or not.

Interpreting Your Results

If your COVID-19 test is positive

A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have or recently had an infection.

  • Take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
  • Seek health care right away for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

If your COVID-19 test is negative

A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have an infection. If you used an antigen test, follow FDA recommendations for repeat testing.

If you have symptoms:

  • You may have COVID-19 but tested before the virus was detectable.
  • You may have another viral infection or illness.
  • Take actions to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
  • Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result.