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By testing, you’re helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
Testing for COVID-19 continues to be a key way public health experts can identify and respond to COVID-19 cases in our community. Even though there is an effective vaccine, no vaccine is 100% effective. As a result, cases may still occur in isolated situations. Timely follow-up in those instances is important, just as it has been for many other infectious diseases on our campuses for decades. Here you’ll find information about MTest, which provides guidance to the University community on when and where to get tested, as well as what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
When to test
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Do you have symptoms? |
If you’ve been close to someone who tested positive. |
Did you go to an event where you were around many people who were unmasked and not distancing? |
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Regardless of your vaccination status, please seek testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms. |
If you are not fully vaccinated and were in close contact with someone who tested positive, seek testing immediately, and if negative, get tested 3-5 days after your last contact with them. Don’t test too soon, as the test may not detect the virus within the first few days of infection. If you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your final dose of the vaccine), you do not need to quarantine however, you should be tested 3-5 days after exposure or if you develop symptoms. You should also wear a well-fitted mask for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result. If you develop symptoms you should get tested again. |
If you are unvaccinated, public health officials ask you to seek testing at least 5 days after the event. High-risk events, whether indoors or outdoors, can lead to the virus spreading. If you are fully vaccinated, seek testing if you develop symptoms. |
Other reasons to seek testing:
- You have concerns about a possible COVID-19 exposure.
- You work in healthcare.
- You need a COVID-19 test prior to travel for documentation purposes.
The Minnesota Department of Health also encourages regular testing — regardless of symptoms — of those who work in positions where they have a high level of contact with a large number of people. This includes those working in healthcare, retail, and educational settings.
Where to test
If you need to be tested for COVID-19, Boynton Health provides free testing to University students, staff and faculty at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the East Bank of the Twin Cities campus.
Follow these steps to make an appointment at Boynton. Alternatively, find testing locations in the community and other resources across Minnesota or connect with Crookston, Duluth, Morris or Rochester campuses to locate community-specific information.
- Book an appointment through Boynton Health’s Patient Portal.
- If you need to be evaluated for severe symptoms or need help with the Patient Portal, call Boynton Health at 612-625-3222.
Testing positive
If you live in an on-campus apartment or residence hall on the Twin Cities campus, your isolation will be guided by Boynton Health and Housing & Residential Life.
If you live off campus, such as in apartments not owned by the University, please visit the Office for Off Campus Living for resources and support. You will need to make a plan in case you are instructed to isolate or quarantine in your residence.
Review information on the Crookston, Duluth, Morris and Rochester campuses.
Concerned about exposure
If you have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated, you should be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until receiving a negative test result. If you are not fully vaccinated, you need to quarantine for 14 days and get tested 3-5 days after exposure. You should follow the full quarantine guidelines outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health.
If you live in an on-campus apartment or residence hall, view the Housing and Residential Life guidelines.
Glossary
Quarantine
Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.
Isolation
Isolation is used to separate people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from people who are not infected.
Have a question we didn't answer? Email the University of Minnesota at [email protected].
