COVID-19

​​​For the most recent information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website​. 

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 (Co​stco, Cub, CVS, Hy-Vee, Sam's Club, Walgreens or Walmart).

COVID​​-19 testing

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 sym​​ptoms

Preve​​ntion

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.

S​ymptoms

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 ​

For more information, contact:
Public Health
952-891-7500
Last updated: 05/12/2026