MARSHALL — Starting today, Marshall area residents in need of a COVID-19 test will have an additional option. On Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that Marshall would be one of four communities where new COVID testing options will be available.

A new saliva PCR testing site will open in Marshall, at the Red Baron Arena and Expo. This week, the state is also launching a new COVID-19 rapid testing site in Albert Lea with the support of the Minnesota National Guard, and rapid tests will also be offered at community testing sites in Minneapolis and Lino Lakes.

The Marshall saliva testing site will be open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Governor’s Office announced.

Testing is free at all of the state’s community testing sites. People who have health insurance will be asked for their insurance information. If a person is uninsured, or their insurance does not cover the cost of testing, the state will cover the difference, the Governor’s Office said.

“An expansive, accessible, and free community testing network is critical to making sure Minnesota families can get tested for COVID-19,” Walz said. “Testing provides clarity and peace of mind for parents, workers, and anybody heading out their front door. By expanding our community testing network, we’re making it easier for more Minnesotans to get the COVID-19 tests they need.”

“Our community testing network helps Minnesotans find COVID-19 testing in their neck of the woods,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “With more activities heading inside as the weather cools down, it’s important that Minnesotans get tested if they’re feeling ill. By expanding our testing network, we’re connecting more Minnesotans to testing options near them.”

The rapid testing at state sites is recommended for symptomatic Minnesotans, and is open to people with or without insurance. While walk-ins are welcome at state testing sites, people can also schedule a COVID test online at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp.

The new community testing site won’t prevent youth sports or events at the Red Baron Arena, said Cassi Weiss, director of Visit Marshall. Weiss said the testing site will be in the Vast club room on the second level of the facility. People being tested will have a separate entrance and exit from youth hockey players, and testing hours will also be over well before high school hockey games, she said. Cleaning will be done at the facility for safety, Weiss said.

“We’re excited our facility can hold something like this while providing a safe environment for other events,” Weiss said.

Other options for COVID-19 testing, like the drive-up testing at Avera Marshall’s Carlson Street campus, are also still available in Marshall. The drive-up testing site is open from 9 a.m to noon, Monday through Friday.