Testing, screening, and COVID support

COVID-19 testing

There are multiple ways to get tested for COVID-19.

The Student Health Center provides COVID-19 testing for students at no cost. The diagnostic test offered may either be a PCR-NAAT or antigen test obtained by a nasal swab. Typical turnaround times are same-day to one to two days, depending on the test performed.

The Student Health Center also has a supply of free Everlywell COVID-19 PCR-NAAT test home collection kits for student and employee use. Learn how to get a free Everlywell COVID-19 test home collection kit. Typical turnaround times are two to three days for Everlywell test kits.

Over-the-counter at-home antigen test kits are available in retail pharmacies, including the Student Health Center Pharmacy. These tests provide same-day test results.

The state has an online tool that allows you to search by ZIP code to find testing options near you.

Free rapid at-home tests from the federal government can be requested at covidtests.gov. The US Postal Service will deliver four tests per residential address. Some people living in residential addresses with multiple units, like apartment buildings or college residence halls, have not been able to order tests because the system says their address has already been used. Make sure to use your unique apartment or residence hall room number when requesting tests. If you are still running into issues, file a service request with the Postal Service or call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).

While awaiting diagnostic test results, students and employees are advised to self-isolate and avoid close contact with others. After receiving test results, students and employees should follow guidance from the university and their health care provider regarding the duration of their isolation or quarantine.

Testing for individuals who are up to date on vaccinations

Those who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations do not need to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID-19 and have no symptoms. The CDC recommends they wear a mask when around others for 10 days and be tested at least five days after exposure. The CDC recommends that those who test positive isolate for five days and wear a mask when around others for an additional five days.

Learn more about staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Testing for individuals who are not up to date on vaccinations

The CDC recommends that individuals who are eligible for a booster but have not yet received one, or who are not fully vaccinated, quarantine for five days if they are exposed to COVID-19 and be tested on day five after exposure. The CDC recommends wearing a mask while around others for an additional five days.

Find booster eligibility information.

Testing for individuals who have had COVID-19

According to the CDC, people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and completed their isolation do not need to self-isolate or be tested again for up to three months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. They should continue to monitor their health, stay home when they do not feel well, and consult a health care provider if they develop COVID-19 symptoms again.

COVID support

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, students and employees are encouraged to monitor their health and stay home when sick.

Complete the COVID-19 support form if you test positive for or have symptoms of COVID-19. Complete the form if you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and are a close contact of someone who tests positive for the virus. Completing the COVID support form initiates a response from the COVID support team for guidance.

Their role is to check on the situation of a student or employee who has (or may have) COVID-19 or been exposed, inform them about support resources, provide guidance about whether they should self-isolate, and help contact others who may need to take precautions.

Anyone who submits a COVID support form will receive guidance from the support team. The response time is generally within 24 hours but can vary depending on case loads. Responses may come by an email, text or phone call. Students and employees are asked to promptly respond to communications from the support team.