Why take a rapid antigen home COVID test?
1. Use of COVID-19 self-tests is recommended when you feel sick, 5-7 days after you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or immediately before an indoor event or gathering. In combination with vaccination, masking, and distancing, rapid self-testing is very effective at reducing the risks of transmitting COVID-19. You may also be asked to complete a rapid antigen COVID-19 test during your isolation period to discontinue your isolation early, should you become infected with COVID-19. Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
Knowing this, it is recommended to keep a few rapid COVID tests at your place of residence.
You can obtain rapid COVID tests by:
- Pick up free COVID19 rapid antigen home test kits at the COVID PCR test site in Ellison Campus Center, Counseling & Health services, or Human Resources.
- Request free COVID19 antigen home tests from the federal government
- You can order and pickup home antigen COVID-19 tests at the preferred pharmacy of your health insurance company or submit for reimbursement through your health insurance. Students with the BCBS school health insurance plan can find more information here. Those with other insurance plans will need to inquire with your individual policy.
2. Resources
When and how to take your rapid at-home antigen COVID test:
- Self-testing guidance
- If your test result is negative, the test did not detect an infection. However, this does not definitively rule out an infection and you should repeat your test in 48 hours.
- If your test result is positive, this indicates that you have COVID-19 and you should initiate isolation for a minimum of 5 days. The day that you test positive is you day 0 of isolation. Isolation guidance here
How to read your results and document them?
1. Once the appropriate time has passed, typically 15 minutes for most tests, look at your test results.
2. If you see one line under the "C", your test is NEGATIVE.
3. If you see one line under the "C" and one line under the "T", your result is POSITIVE. Even if the second line is very faint, your test is POSITIVE. Review your test with good lighting.
4. Take a photo of your test, no matter what the result it, so that you have this documentation should you need it. The photo you take needs to include your test result, a photo ID (such as a clipper card or license), and the date/time (such as in front of a computer or phone).
How students can share their positive test results with health services?
1. ONLY upload your results if your test was POSITIVE (two lines), or if you were instructed to upload a negative result by health services. It is recommended that you keep a photo of your result, whether positive or negative, for your own records.
2. You can share your results by logging in to your student health portal, choosing "message" > "new message" > "I have a COVID concern, such as symptoms, an exposure, or have tested positive". This will get sent directly to our COVID support team in health services.
3. You can also call our COVID/public health support line, 978-542-3240. Please leave a voicemail if no one answers and we will return your call within 1 business day.
Resources
Salem State University Counseling and Health Services
352 Lafayette St
Salem, MA 01970
978-542-3240 (COVID support and questions)
978-542-6413 (main office)
Salem State University Health and Safety COVID-19 Campus Guide
Student Health Portal login