New Coronavirus Testing Sites Planned For Minneapolis Protesters

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — As massive protests bring thousands to Minneapolis streets, the city's top health official has announced a plan to set up four new testing sites to address the "uncertainty" around a possible spike in coronavirus cases.

During a Friday morning city council meeting, Minneapolis Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant noted the creation of the new testing sites during her update on the the status of the city's coronavirus response. Since mid-March, Minneapolis has reported nearly 3,500 cases and 137 deaths related to the virus.

But health concerns have collided with the ongoing protests over George Floyd's killing last week. In response, Musicant said that city and state health agencies have distributed 50,000 masks to protesters. Meanwhile, the state has added attendees of "large community events" to the list of those designated as "eligible" or "appropriate" for coronavirus testing. The list already includes health care providers and nursing home workers.

Starting next week, and running through the next three weeks, the new testing locations in Minneapolis will located at:

• Sabathani Community Center — 310 East 38th St.
• Native American Community Clinic — 1213 E. Franklin Avenue
• New Salem Missionary Baptist Church — 2507 Bryant Avenue North

A fourth location is yet to be determined, Musicant said.

Musicant clarified that the new testing locations are distinct from testing sites previously established at six National Guard Armory locations. The National Guard, which was called up in response to the protests, won't be involved in the new testing sites. "We don't think it would be appropriate," Musicant said.