During finals week, there will no mandatory COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated students who are in testing protocol. Normal testing will resume in the new semester.
Free COVID-19 tests for students next week
As students prepare to head home after finals, those who are interested in taking a COVID-19 test before leaving campus can receive a free test on Dec. 15, Dec. 16 and Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the East Gym of the Helfaer Recreation Center, 525 N. 16th St. Access the site directly from the 16th Street entrance. No appointments are required.
Saliva tests will be performed, so do not smoke, eat, drink (including water), brush your teeth or chew gum for at least one hour before submitting a sample. If you do, it will invalidate the saliva test.
Symptomatic students and those identified as close contacts of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 should not get tested at Helfaer Rec Center. Rather, call 414-288-7184 to schedule a COVID-19 test at the Coughlin Hall testing site.
CDC guidelines for travel
If you plan to travel domestically during the break, please review CDC guidance for domestic travelers. Additionally, anyone traveling internationally should be aware that all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the United States. Review updated international travel guidance from the CDC so you’re prepared to meet requirements upon your return to the United States.
Boosters recommended
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster dose either when they are six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after their initial Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
For those eligible for boosters, please remember to update your immunization record on the MU Patient Portal with the date of the booster dose and upload a copy of the updated vaccination card.
