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By testing, you’re helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
Getting tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 is another crucial step to keeping our community safe. 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
|
|
Not Fully Vaccinated |
Fully Vaccinated |
|
Symptoms of COVID-19 |
Get tested immediately |
Get tested immediately |
|
Exposure to someone with COVID-19 |
Get tested immediately, and, if negative, get tested 5-7 days after exposure |
Get tested 5-7 days after exposure |
|
Work with employees, students, or guests/visitors in person or remotely |
Get tested every week |
Not required |
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Domestic travel |
Get tested 1-3 days prior to travel and 3-5 days after travel |
Not required |
|
International travel |
Get tested 1-3 days prior to travel, 1 day prior to returning, and 3-5 days after travel |
Get tested 1 day prior returning and 3-5 days after travel |
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.
The University’s guidance on isolation and quarantine is aligned with the CDC. View the CDC guidance.
Concerned about exposure
If you have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 view this chart for guidance or the CDC's website.
You should follow the full quarantine guidelines outlined by the CDC.
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].
