MTest

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Testing is an important part of a comprehensive, layered public health plan to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses and across Minnesota. However, testing does not prevent transmission and is not a replacement for consistent physical distancing and wearing face coverings.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, isolate yourself from others, find a testing option, or contact your healthcare provider.

Students living on and off-campus can use this decision tree (PDF) if exposed to COVID-19 or have received a confirmed positive test.

MTest: Testing through Boynton Health

• MTest is aimed at testing, identifying, and isolating people with COVID-19., including those with or without symptoms.
• Boynton Health provides testing at the Recreation and Wellness Center to students for any reason, including when:
  • clinically recommended;
  • any concerns arise about a person’s COVID-19 status;
  • currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms;
  • there’s been close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, described as being within six feet of a positive case for at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period;
  • students enrolled at University of Minnesota campuses outside the Twin Cities seeking testing prior to returning to their campus or who meet other criteria for testing while in the Twin Cities;
  • a COVID-19 test is required before certain medical procedures;
  • a test is required before being allowed to work or learn in a clinical setting; and
  • an international student requires a COVID-19 test before traveling to their home country.
• Students can schedule a COVID-19 testing visit through the Boynton Health Patient Portal. If you need to be evaluated for severe symptoms, please call Boynton Health at 612-625-3222.
• Students enrolled at the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, or Rochester campuses, but are in the Twin Cities, can schedule an appointment through boynton.umn.edu/myboynton throughout the spring semester.
• Employees who have Boynton Health as their primary care provider may be tested for COVID-19 at Boynton Health under the same parameters above. 
• All students and employees may also seek testing at other, off-campus facilities.

MTest: Clinics for Students Living On-Campus

• In the days leading up to the beginning of the Spring 2021 semester, MTest facilities at RecWell will host four testing clinics for new and returning students who seek testing. The clinics, held on the following days, are appointment-only through the Boynton Health Patient Portal.
  • Friday, January 15
  • Saturday, January 16
  • Sunday, January 17
  • Monday, January 18
• Additionally, with testing recommended five to seven days after a potential exposure, four additional testing clinics will be held starting a week after students begin moving into on-campus residence halls and apartments.
  • Friday, January 22
  • Saturday, January 23
  • Sunday, January 24
  • Monday, January 25

Testing is available on other days for students, faculty, and staff through the Boynton Health Patient Portal.

MTest: Quarantine

• Quarantine occurs after a student, faculty member, or staff member is exposed to COVID-19. 
• A 14-day quarantine after a known exposure to COVID-19 is still the best and safest option for reducing the risk of transmission.
• However, the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allow for shorter quarantine periods if certain conditions are met.
• For individuals living in on-campus housing, including residence halls, these are the University’s guidelines:

On-Campus Quarantine Guidelines

• For off-campus residents, including students and employees, public health officials recommends:

Off-Campus Quarantine Guidelines

MTest: Isolation

• If you test positive for COVID-19,  you may be contacted by the Minnesota Department of Health, the University of Minnesota, or other city- or county-level contact tracers.
• If you are a student living in an on-campus residence hall or apartment and have tested positive, Boynton Health and Housing & Residential Life (HRL) will provide guidance on isolation spaces. Students should fill out this form and review these steps to take if exposed to COVID-19 or receive a confirmed positive test. Please also review additional guidance provided by HRL.
• If you live off campus, such as in apartments not owned by the University, please view these steps students take if exposed to COVID-19 or receive a confirmed positive test and visit the Office for Off Campus Living for resources and support. Students who do not live in University-owned housing will need to make a plan in case they are instructed by public health officials to isolate or quarantine in their residence.

Community Testing Resources

• There are a variety of community testing resources available across the state that are provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, other public health entities, and hospitals.
  • Find a provider.
  • Find a community testing site.
  • Order a saliva testing kit from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Have a question we didn't answer? Email the University of Minnesota at [email protected].