MTest

If you test positive for COVID-19, we strongly recommend you inform your individual close contacts that they may have been exposed and should seek testing. In addition to following the CDC’s guidance for isolation and quarantine (see this chart for guidance as well), please take the following steps:

• You may receive guidance from MDH with information and a request to complete an online survey. Completing the survey will help MDH better understand the current state of COVID-19 transmission in our state.
• Review and act on guidance about how to identify close contacts so that you can notify them that you have tested positive for COVID-19. 
  
  a. 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.
  b. If you live off campus, 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.
  c. Review information on the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester campuses.
• Inform your instructors or teaching assistants (TAs) of your need to isolate and make arrangements to stay on track with your courses. Instructors or TAs may also help you identify close contacts in your classrooms or labs where close contacts can be identified. Please note: The University’s guidance is aligned with the CDC.
• Reach out to your manager or supervisor if you work on campus to arrange for time off and request assistance with notifying those with whom you have had close contact if needed.

Follow all public health or medical guidance about isolating and taking additional steps to protect others, including staying home if you are ill.

If you test positive for COVID-19, we strongly recommend you inform your individual close contacts that they may have been exposed and should seek testing. In addition to following the CDC’s guidelines for isolation and quarantine (see this chart for guidance as well), please take the following steps:

1. You may receive guidance from MDH with information and a request to complete an online survey. Completing the survey will help MDH better understand the current state of COVID-19 transmission in our state.
2. Review and act on guidance about how to identify close contacts so that you can notify them that you have tested positive for COVID-19. 
3. Inform your manager or supervisor if you need to arrange for time off or if you would like assistance identifying and notifying those with whom you have had close contact.
4. Follow all public health or medical guidance about isolating and taking additional steps to protect others, including staying home if you are ill. Please note: The University’s guidance is aligned with the CDC.

1. Continue to attend classes and fully participate in all activities, including employment, or
2. Stay home if you have symptoms. View this chart for guidance on isolation and quarantine or the CDC’s website. 
3. Without symptoms, Get tested 5 days after the close contact or as soon as possible if you don’t know when you had close contact. Visit MTest to find out where you can get tested.
4. Consider wearing a mask indoors for 10 days following close contact or until your test result is negative. Please note, the University requires masks in posted healthcare/clinical settings, where Personal Protective Equipment is required because of environmental or hazardous conditions, and in isolation and quarantine spaces. Members of the University community may choose to wear masks anywhere on campus at any time if they choose.

1. Get tested as soon as possible and 5 days after the exposure. Consider regular testing after that. Visit MTest to find out where you can get tested.
2. Stay home regardless of symptoms. View this chart for guidance or the CDC's website. 
3. Protect others in your household by wearing a mask for 10 days, staying away from others, and taking other prevention steps.

This happens frequently. All members of our community should be aware that given the suspected high level of the COVID-19 virus in some communities, one should assume there are individuals carrying the virus in all small, medium, and large settings. The risks of death, hospitalization and serious complications to those who are vaccinated is low. Many of those who are exposed and who become infected have mild or no illness. However, you are still strongly encouraged to take precautions to reduce the spread, especially to those who are at higher risk.

Continue other public health prevention and response steps including the University’s indoor mask requirements and MTest approach.