MTest

M Test

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When to test

For details on when to get tested for both not fully vaccinated and fully vaccinated people, visit the Office of Human Resources’ Exposure, Travel & Return to Work page.

Where to test

If you need a  COVID-19 test, University students, staff, and faculty can receive PCR testing (follow these steps on Boynton’s webpage to make an appointment) and request multiple at-home rapid test kits through Boynton's pharmacy at no out-of-pocket cost. 

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. 

We recommend the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) COVIDAwareMN app as a useful tool for receiving information from and providing information to close contacts.

What do do if you test positive for COVID-19

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Students

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, please take the following steps:

  • 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. 
    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.

Faculty/Staff

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, please take the following steps:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

What to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19

If you have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, follow the steps below, which are in line with CDC guidance. If you live in an on-campus apartment or residence hall, view the Housing and Residential Life guidelines.

Regardless of vaccination status, those who have been exposed to COVID-19 should:

  1. Continue to attend classes and fully participate in all activities, including employment, or
  2. Stay home if you have symptoms. Follow the full quarantine guidelines outlined by the CDC.
  3. Without symptoms, get tested at least 5 full 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 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 spaces. Members of the University community may choose to wear masks anywhere on campus at any time if they choose.

Additional Information

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What will happen if the person with a positive test result has no information about their individual close contacts?

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.

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