The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person–that is, between people who are in close contact with each other–through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes.

Symptoms can include:

• fever or chills
• cough and shortness of breath
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• vomiting and diarrhea

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness for confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

Take these steps to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy:

• Keep yourself informed about local COVID-19 situation.
• Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. COVID vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death.
• Wear a mask. We recommend wearing a mask; when indoors, in crowded spaces, while isolating and quarantining, if you are at high-risk (immunocompromised), and in required spaces.
• Physical distance yourself from others when indoors and in crowded spaces.
• Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol content is recommended.
• Avoid touching your face, such as your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are feeling ill, stay home. Fill out the self-report form and contact Ask-A-Nurse.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows within your home or gathering outdoors with others.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Get your flu shot. WSU Health & Wellness still has shots available for students. Getting your flu shot is essential this year because it can help providers differentiate between illnesses such as flu vs. COVID-19.

Winona State’s COVID-19 Planning and Response Team works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and follows CDC guidelines to ensure our campus community is safe from COVID-19.

We have developed protocols for a number of scenarios depending on campus and community case load. We continue to monitor COVID-19 caseloads and variants and will take immediate steps per CDC and MDH guidelines.

We continue to offer isolation and exposure guidance through our Ask-A-Nurse Message Line to contain those who are ill or at risk of becoming ill.

Health & Wellness Services has COVID-19 testing available to WSU students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

Please call ahead by calling Ask-A-Nurse at 507.457.2292 or filling out the self-report form.

We bill through insurance first, before the charges are placed on your student account. Please bring your insurance information with you to each visit.

If you have insurance, we will apply what we can to your insurance first. Your health insurance company will be billed as follows:

• Cost of Test: $180
• Administrative Cost: $50

Any remaining charges will be placed on your student account.

If you do not have insurance, then you can expect to see the full cost placed on your student account.

Seek Care at Off-Campus Clinics

If it is on a weekend or after hours, we recommend going to another local clinic such as Winona Health Urgent Care and Gunderson Urgent Care.

If you have been tested for COVID-19 at an off-campus clinic, please fill out the self-report form.

We recommend getting essential needs through online delivery services to limit the spread of COVID-19.

If you need prescription medication, there are several pharmacies in the area. These pharmacies offer pick-up or delivery for the medication.

Faculty are to work with students on their specific needs. We recommend reaching out to the instructor to discuss any concerns.

If the professor is unable to make appropriate accommodations, you should reach out to the department chair, Dean of Students, or dean of the course’s college.

While living with someone who is isolating, take precautions to keep yourself safe and limit the spread of COVID-19.

• Designate a zone for the person(s) isolating.
• Wear a mask when in common areas such as shared bathroom or kitchen.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows and/or turning on fans that blow air out.
• Disinfect frequently touched surface areas.
• Wash or sanitize hands often.
• Share a bathroom safely with others.
• Designate a separate set of household items for those who are ill, such as towels, dishes, and utensils.
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

If symptoms develop, please get tested. If you have any questions regarding sharing a home with others who are isolating, please contact Ask-A-Nurse.

The CDC recommends delaying travel until you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Whether you are flying, driving, or riding – traveling poses a risk for getting COVID-19.

Do not travel if...

• You are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19.
• If you are waiting results for a COVID-19 test.
• If you have been in close contact.

If you are traveling...

• Be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and be prepared to show proof of vaccination.
• Follow state, local, tribal, and territorial health recommendations regarding traveling and COVID-19 policies.
• Masks are recommended when using public transportation. This includes airports, planes, buses, trains, and ridesharing.
• Wash or sanitize hands often while traveling.
• Get tested before and after travel.
• Consider laying low before and after traveling.
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms after traveling.

For more specific guidance regarding testing recommendations and additional travel safety information, read our blogs on how to prep for travel and how to travel safely during a pandemic.

When do I have to isolate?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as a cough, fever, or shortness of breath or test positive–stay home and start isolating.

If you test positive, please notify Health Services.

• Self-Report Form
• Ask-a-Nurse Message Line: 507.457.2292
• Ask-a-Nurse Email Address: AskANurse@winona.edu
• Appointment Line: 507.457.5160

From there, you will receive further guidance on testing recommendations and how to isolate safely.

If you are in isolation

When in isolation, you should take these steps:

• Do not hesitate to seek medical attention when symptoms develop or worsen.
• Stay in your bedroom or designated isolation zone.
• Wear a mask whenever you leave your room or isolation zone, such as to go to the bathroom.
• Do not go to class or work until your isolation period is over.
• Stay home and do not go out into public, except when receiving medical care or to get a COVID-19 test.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or turning on fans that blow air out.
• Avoid sharing personal household items such as towels and dishes.

What do I do if I have been exposed? 

If you have been in close contact (exposed) with someone who has COVID-19 or might have been exposed, please get tested and monitor for symptoms. 

For questions regarding exposures or to schedule an appointment for a Covid-19 test, please contact:

• Ask-a-Nurse Message Line: 507.457.2292
• Ask-a-Nurse Email Address: AskANurse@winona.edu
• Appointment Line: 507.457.5160

You may still go to work during the pandemic. Telework, or working from home, is recommended if and when possible. We encourage you to talk with your employer about working at home options.

If you have come in close contact with COVID-19, please follow guidelines regarding exposures. Contact Ask-A-Nurse for additional questions.

Do not go into work if you have tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19. Please stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others, and contact Ask-A-Nurse.