COVID-19 Updates for Higher Education

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Free COVID-19 Tests

Testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is especially important to get tested if you have symptoms of the virus or had close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This bulletin includes details on how Minnesotans can order free at-home tests through the State of Minnesota.

Please share the information below across your networks to help ensure that students, staff, and faculty know how to order their free tests. 

Let us know if you have questions as you continue your work to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep your higher ed community healthy and safe this spring.  

Join the IHE Call

May 3, 2023, 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Please join our final scheduled call for this spring on Wednesday, May 3. If our original IHE meeting series is still on your calendar, use that Webex link to join the call. If you don't have the IHE meeting invites on your calendar, create your own calendar appointment and watch for an email with a Webex link for the call. 

If there's a topic you'd like covered at this meeting or would like a colleague to be added to the invite list, email the MDH Higher Ed team to let us know.

How to Order Free Tests

Order tests now so you have them when you need them

Order free at-home tests through the State of Minnesota program, while supplies last. No health insurance is needed.  People ordering tests right now will get 4 test kits (2 tests per kit for a total of 8 tests).  

Hotline assistance and ordering information are available in multiple languages. 

Any Minnesotan can still order their free tests

Tests through this program are free to Minnesotans whether or not they have insurance. The tests will continue to be available and free as long as supplies last.  

This program can help provide tests to people who do not have a regular health care provider or who may not be able to easily get to other COVID-19 testing locations. 

Share This Message

MDH is asking for your help promoting the free test program to ensure people at higher risk or those who may have barriers to accessing other free testing options know this resource is available and are able to use it.  

Post flyers and social media messages in multiple languages to ensure all your community members know about the free tests.

Email the Higher Ed team to request materials in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. 

Learn about tests and testing

The MDH COVID-19 Self-testing page has information on COVID-19 tests that are done at home and are not sent to a laboratory. See tips for doing COVID-19 at-home tests, testing accuracy, and more. 

For recommendations on when to get tested and what to do while you're waiting for your results, see the MDH COVID-19 Testing page. 

Additional ways to get a COVID-19 test 

If you have health insurance, you may be able to get free tests or be reimbursed for costs of purchasing the tests until May 11, 2023, when the federal public health emergency ends. 

• Visit CMS: How to get your At-Home Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Test for Free to learn more. • Ask your local pharmacy or contact your health insurance company for more information.  • Look for free community testing sites near you at COVID-19 Community Testing Sites (mn.gov).   • Search for COVID-19 testing locations at Find Testing Locations (mn.gov).

Questions or Comments?

We welcome your input on the COVID-19 information included in this bulletin. Please contact the Higher Ed team with your feedback and feel free to forward this bulletin to others across your networks.

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