COVID-19 Guidance

People with symptoms of COVID-19 may get tested using a rapid antigen test, through their primary care physician (for students, this includes University Health Service), or through a community testing resource. Additional COVID-19 testing guidance can be found on the CDC website.

Rapid antigen tests

The UHS Pharmacy carries rapid COVID-19 antigen tests which are available over the counter (no prescription necessary). Rapid antigen tests are also available from health and wellness vending machines, including in the Michigan Union.

PCR tests

Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, tests are available for students with symptoms of COVID-19 through University Health Service. Employees with symptoms are encouraged to see their primary care physician or seek testing at a community resource, including urgent cares and local pharmacies.

Isolation

If you have respiratory illness symptoms (fever, coughing, sore throat, etc.), you should stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and no fever has been present (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours. Seek medical attention if needed. Students may contact UHS for care and guidance. Students can contact the Dean of Students Office or their academic deans’ office to discuss how to address missed classes, coursework, or other academic concerns. Once symptoms are improving, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as masking and/or physical distancing.

Treatment

Students and employees can access COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid, etc., the following ways:

• On campus at the University Health Service (patients only)
• Michigan Medicine Virtual Urgent Care
• Through primary care providers
• Through the Washtenaw County Health Department

Masking remains an effective strategy for personal protection against transmission of many respiratory illnesses and for added precaution following a respiratory illness, especially in crowded indoor spaces. Free masks are available at locations across campus while supplies last, including info desks at the Michigan Union, Michigan League, and Pierpont Commons.

U-M encourages you to get the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommended by the CDC. COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective. Vaccines are available on campus through on-campus clinics and, for students, also at University Health Service. 

Read the U-M Vaccination Policy here. The requirements in this policy are in addition to other vaccination requirements that may be applicable to faculty, staff, and students by their school, college, unit or third-party partners.

All U-M students residing in Michigan Housing on the Ann Arbor and Marygrove campuses are required to submit documentation showing whether or not they are vaccinated against six (6) diseases. More information on that process is available in our FAQs.

Certain units, such as Michigan Medicine, University Health Service, and the School of Dentistry, may have local-level policies requiring vaccinations under certain conditions.