When to get a COVID-19 Test
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call Ask-A-Nurse at 507.457.2292 and self-report. From there, you will receive further testing guidance.
Regardless of vaccination status, it is recommended to get tested immediately if you are experiencing symptoms. If you have come in close contact with someone, it is recommended to get tested 5 days after exposure, if possible.
If you are planning on traveling, several airlines even require a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding. It is recommended to get tested 1-3 days prior to traveling if you are not up to date on vaccinations. It is required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 1 day when flying back into the United States from another country.
Once you return from a trip, it is recommended to get tested 3-5 days after you return. Check out our safe travel tips for more travel guidance.
At-Home Testing
The State of Minnesota is offering a free at-home saliva test so you can get tested in the comfort of your own home!
If students have a Minnesota address, they can receive this PCR saliva test at no cost as well.
Learn more and order your mail in COVID-19 test.
- Who: Any Minnesota resident – you do not need to have symptoms
- Where: At home with mail delivery, testing conducted virtually via Zoom
- When: Virtual waiting room hours Sun–Thurs 7AM–9PM, Fri–Sat 7AM-7PM
- Cost: Free
Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Winona
WSU Health Services
WSU Health & Wellness Services offers COVID-19 tests to those who are symptomatic or have been in close contact with a confirmed case. Health Services does NOT offer weekly surveillance testing. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact, please fill out the self-report form and you will be contacted for COVID-19 testing.
It’s best to be tested by WSU Health Services because then the staff can get started to contain, trace, and stop the spread on campus faster.
You will also receive great follow-up care and guidance tailored to college students.
Please bring your insurance information with you to your appointment. Most insurances cover the full cost of COVID-19 tests.
Please call ahead by calling Ask-A-Nurse at 507.457.2292 or schedule an appointment with WSU Health Services at 507.457.5160.
Hy-Vee
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Where: Hy-Vee Pharmacy Drive-Through, 1475 W Service Dr.
Hours: Tues & Thurs 8–10AM | Sat 9–11AM
Insurance: Accepted, but not required
Cost: No cost to student.
Appointment: Required. Make an Appointment.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Walgreens
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Where: Walgreens Drive-Through, 750 Mankato Ave
Hours: Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM
Insurance: Accepted, but not required.
Cost: No cost to student or WSU.
Appointment: Required. Make an Appointment.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Winona Health
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Location: Winona Health, Urgent Care, 855 Mankato Ave.
Hours: Mon–Fri 7AM–8PM, Sat–Sun 7AM–5PM
Insurance: Accepted, but not required.
Cost: $250 without insurance.
Appointment: Walk-in only, first come first serve.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Rochester
Community Health Services (Migrant Health)
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Where: 1926 Collegeview Rd SE
Hours: Mon, Tues & Thurs 10AM–11AM
Insurance: Accepted
Cost: If insurance is not available, sliding scale is used to determine cost of test.
Appointment: Required. Call 507.529.0503.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Hy-Vee
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Where: Multiple Locations
Hours: Tues & Thurs 8–10AM | Sat 9AM–5PM
Insurance: Accepted, but not required.
Cost: No cost to student or WSU.
Appointment: Required. Make an appointment.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Mayo Clinic
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Where: 3033 41 St. NW
Hours: Mon–Sun 9AM–5PM
Insurance: Accepted, but not required.
Cost: No cost to student or WSU.
Appointment: Required. Make an appointment or call 507.293.9525.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Walgreens Pharmacy
Who: Everyone (symptomatic & asymptomatic)
Where: Multiple Locations
Hours: Hours vary by location.
Insurance: Accepted, but not required
Cost: No cost to student or WSU.
Appointment: Required. Make an Appointment.
Additional Information: Weekly testing option.
Minnesota COVID-19 Testing Finder
Wisconsin COVID-19 Testing Finder
Illinois COVID-19 Testing Finder
After Your Test
Until you get your COVID-19 test results, you should quarantine if you were in close contact or isolate if you have symptoms. If you are asymptomatic and getting a test for screening purposes, it is still advisable to do a modified quarantine to prevent further exposure from you to others or others to you and becoming infected while awaiting results.
It’s easy to get post-test glee when you get the call that your results are negative. But you have to remember that these test results represent only that moment when you took the test.
Just because you’re negative for COVID-19 right now, you could catch the virus tomorrow. In order to keep your results negative, you need to continue to lay low and quarantine before going home.
