
COVID-19 Updates
Be well. Be prepared.
Last updated: September 2022
We know there is no way to ensure full protection from COVID-19, but we are in this together. Students, staff, and faculty have all stepped up to take vital prevention measures seriously and slow the spread of COVID-19. We welcome residents and guests to join our continued commitment to the health and safety of everyone on campus. Visit the Safe Campus website for more details.
Please note
- Masks are not required inside University-owned facilities (except for certain environments). Individuals are welcome to wear a mask if they wish, but residents and guests are not required to wear masks unless they are completing isolation on campus.
- We have N95-type masks and rapid test kits at the Information Desks at the lobby in all of our buildings. Residents can stop by the desk to ask for one or more at any time.
What should I do?
Here are some helpful steps and resources for students living in on-campus housing.
We strongly encourage you to get tested for COVID-19 either through Boynton Health or another testing location to confirm whether or not you have COVID-19. Rapid test kits are available at the Information Desks in our residence halls and apartments.
Minimize interactions with people until you can be tested. Please wear an N95-type mask until you have a negative test result. Our Information Desks have N95-type masks available if you do not have a supply.
If you test positive, follow the instructions in the I just tested positive for COVID-19 accordion.
You should isolate and follow public health guidance.
Take the following steps:
- Inform your individual close contacts that they may have been exposed and should seek testing including (if applicable) your roommates.
- View Boynton Health's COVID FAQ for guidance about isolation.
- Decide whether you will isolate on campus or off campus.
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If you do not share a bedroom, you can isolate in your own space. You should only leave your bedroom to use the bathroom, obtain or prepare food, or seek medical attention. You must wear an N95-type mask whenever you leave your bedroom and keep as much distance as possible from others when outside of your bedroom. Our Information Desks have N95-type masks available if you do not have a supply.
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If you share a bedroom with someone else, and they are currently positive or have had COVID in the last 30 days, you may stay in your room.
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If you share a bedroom with someone who does not test positive, you and your roommate should discuss if one of you has another place to stay for a few days (for example, a friend or family member who lives nearby). If neither of you has an alternative space available, the person needing isolation should contact their building's Information Desk or the staff person on duty to see if an emergency space on campus is available. (Note: The emergency space may be in a different residence hall or apartment building)
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Contact your healthcare provider or Boynton Health for any medical questions related to isolation.
Close contact is defined as being within six feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more while they were infectious. You may be informed by the person directly, or through the State of Minnesota COVID Aware App.
Take the following actions:
- Read Boynton Health's COVID FAQ and contact your healthcare provider or Boynton Health for any medical questions.
- Review the CDC's guidance.
- Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 6.
Health and Safety
Community safety remains a top priority. Maintaining your vaccination status, wearing masks, getting tested, and practicing other healthy behaviors are pivotal to reducing the spread of COVID-19. It is up to each of us to continue to take precautions to keep our community safe and reduce transmission on campus.
Isolation
Note: N95-type face masks are still expected for individuals who are completing isolation on campus whenever you are outside of your bedroom.
If a resident needs to complete isolation on campus, they will either stay in their own space or request the use of an emergency space.
If you need to use an emergency space, we recommend students bring enough supplies for up to 10 days. See our packing list for more suggestions.
Staying In Your Space
During your isolation, you must remain out of public places. This includes lounges, lobbies, study spaces, the information desk, hallways, and other common areas. The only reason to leave your space is to go to your assigned bathroom, to be tested for COVID-19, to retrieve food or critical packages, or to go to a critical medical appointment. N95-type masks are required at all times you are outside of your isolation space.
Do not interact with others in person. People with active COVID-19 need to physically separate from others to ensure mutual health and safety. You should not use public transportation or ride-sharing.
Dining Information
Students in Isolation are not allowed to consume food in the dining halls. Students in isolation must coordinate their own food until their isolation period is completed (for example, using the M Food Co. “To Go” program and asking a friend to drop off their food).
Deliveries
If a package arrives that you need before ending isolation, you need to wear an N95-type mask to and from the pick-up location. You should not linger in any public spaces.
If you are not feeling well and are concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to get tested for COVID-19 either at Boynton Health or another testing location to confirm whether or not you have COVID-19.
Minimize interactions with people until you can be tested.
- You should be tested at least 5 days after the day you were exposed and watch for symptoms.
- Wear a mask for 10 days from exposure or until test results come back negative. Our Information Desks have N95-type masks available if you do not have a supply.
- You do not need to isolate unless you develop symptoms or receive a positive test result.
Schedule a COVID-19 test 5 days from the point of exposure.
If you have questions about any of this information, our staff will be happy to help.
- During business hours, you can reach out to the Residence Director or Business Operations Supervisor (BOS) of the building.
- On evenings and weekends, you can reach out to the CA On Duty.
- Our Information Desks are open 24 hours a day (the Contact Us webpage has the phone number/email for your building).
Health Support
If your symptoms worsen or you have other health concerns, please call Boynton's nurse line at 612-625-7900 for further instructions (or your personal healthcare provider). Call 911 for emergency transportation to a hospital.
Respecting Mask Usage
Mask usage is common around the world to prevent illnesses from COVID-19 to common colds. While indoor masking is no longer required at the University of Minnesota, some individuals are likely to continue wearing masks for a number of reasons. Remind yourself and others to respect mask usage and to slow the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses by practicing good health habits.
Disease does not discriminate. Xenophobia, racism, and other forms of bias are not tolerated. We will not tolerate any type of bias or intimidation towards individuals who continue to wear masks.
Our Behavioral Standards reflect a respect for the rights and responsibilities of all community members. If you experience harassment or discrimination, reach out to your Community Advisor or your building’s Residence Director. You can also report to the Bias Response and Referral Network.