Hennepin County Hosts Free COVID-19 Testing Event in Brooklyn Park

Since the onset of the pandemic, the CDC says that racial and ethnic minority groups are at an increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.

It’s one reason why Hennepin County and the city of Brooklyn Park have teamed up to provide free testing.

“Brooklyn Park residents are impacted at a higher rate, particularly residents of color are impacted at a higher rate by COVID-19,” said Matt Rabe, a Brooklyn Park community engagement officer. “We’re trying to be very intentional about reaching out to those communities, trying to get them to come out and not only provide resources, but provide an opportunity to get tested.”

Laura Goulding of Bloomington was one of about 100 people to get a free COVID-19 test in Brooklyn Park on Thursday.

Thursday at the Zanewood Recreation Center, more than 100 people came out for a free COVID-19 test, which is administered through a nasal swab.

This event is one of several that Hennepin County and Brooklyn Park have planned in an effort to reach people who might otherwise have limited access to testing.

Anyone can get tested

County health officials say the test is open to everyone, regardless of whether they have symptoms. But they especially encourage people with symptoms, or those who believe they’ve been exposed to someone who’s tested positive, to get tested.

“Being in a pandemic, it’s just really rewarding to be helpful and kind of show up for people when they need us,” said Danielle Thornton, of the Hennepin County Health Department. “So yeah, just happy to be helping out and be helping in any capacity that we can to keep people safe and healthy.”

Anyone who was tested on Thursday will get their results back in three to five days.

Zanewood will host two more testing events on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brooklyn Park