Towards the end of the summer, COVID numbers went up again in Minnesota. The number of positive tests actually went up across the country. According to data from the CDC, it's the biggest spike we've seen across the US since January 2022.

Center for Disease Control
Center for Disease Control
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The middle to end of August and the end of December to the beginning of January appear to be when COVID positivity numbers go up consistently. That's where the highest spikes are on that chart above, not counting 2020 when everything was crazy.

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COVID is here to stay, and as long as we stay home when we're sick, get the COVID vaccines each fall (just like we do with flu shots), and test when you think you may have COVID, we can manage it just fine.

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And speaking of COVID tests, we're now able to get free at-home ones again!

How to Get Free At-Home COVID Tests

If I'm remembering correctly, the last time we were able to get free at-home tests was last fall.

Once again this fall, everyone in Minnesota and across the US are able to get free at-home COVID tests. You can get 4 free tests per household.

Negative Covid-19 antigen test kit
Michele Ursi, Thinkstock
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Here's how to do that:

Go to covidtests.gov and click 'Order Free At-Home Tests'. Fill out your information and then you'll be sent your 4 free tests. Super easy!

KARE 11 reports that the free tests should start being sent out as early as next week.

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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross