COVID-19 Situation Summary

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We are continuing to learn more about the virus and variants. Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services continues to partner with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to maintain the most up-to-date information and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website for the most up-to-date information.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19

  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Practice good handwashing
  • Disinfect surfaces
  • Follow CDC recommendations for travel
  • Get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms or if you were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Isolation and Exposure Guidance

If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others. Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed COVID-19. Individuals should also isolate if they are sick and suspect they have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. For detailed guidance on isolation visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. If you were exposed to COVID-19, follow the steps on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) If You Were Exposed website.

Testing Information

  • Testing remains an important tool for keeping COVID-19 from spreading. There are several COVID-19 testing resources available, including community (rapid and saliva) and at-home testing.
  • Health care systems, clinics, pharmacies, local public health, and other private labs are offering free testing for Minnesotans. Visit Find Testing Locations website for a list of participating sites.
  • Insurers are required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home COVID-19 test kits per month for enrollees. Check with your insurance company about ways to get free rapid testing from pharmacies.

Treating COVID-19

Prescription medication is available for Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick because of older age or underlying health conditions.

These medications, also called treatments, can help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. If you are at high risk and test positive, it is important to get medication right away to prevent serious illness. 

A way to access COVID-19 medication, especially if you do not have a health care provider, is by visiting pharmacies or health care providers participating in the nationwide Test to Treat program. There, you can take a COVID-19 test and, if positive, be assessed by a provider on-site. If you are eligible for treatment, you can receive and fill a prescription for pills at the same time.

The federal government has a Test to Treat locator to help find participating sites. Some of these sites require appointments. Learn more at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

One-stop Test to Treat sites are available at many locations across Minnesota, including pharmacies and federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs). Some of Minnesota’s community testing sites are now test-to-treat sites offering COVID-19 pills to patients. Find a location near you at COVID-19 Community Testing sites.

People can continue to be tested and treated by their own health care providers who can appropriately prescribe these antiviral pills at locations where the medicines are distributed.

Learn more about available medical options and how to get treatment here.

Vaccination Information

Up-to-Date Health Information

To receive up to date health information please follow the following links:

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  1. Resource Library


    Anoka County Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Resources

    Anoka County SHIP has compiled a variety of resources to support the community during this time. Resources are organized by topic area and include food access, physical activity, tobacco cessation, mental well-being, and violence prevention. There are also resources specific to youth/families, seniors, food shelves, schools, and workplaces. View SHIP resources here. 

    Resources for Senior Citizens 

    • ACCAP 763-783-4707
    • Senior Linkage Line 800-333-2433 
    • Additional Senior Resources 
      • PDF of phone numbers, please be aware some listed resources have limited to no available service due to closures.

    Anoka County Printable PDF Health Posters


    Minnesota Department of Health Materials and Resources

    • MDH Materials and Resources
      • Video PSA, print materials, and translated documents to assist with preparing for and responding to COVID-19


    Avoid Scams Related to Coronavirus

    • Online scam resource