MISSOULA — The University of Montana’s Curry Health Center is reminding students they have COVID-19 rapid testing kits available for all symptomatic students.
The health center was testing up to 90 students a day last semester as case numbers exploded around the community.
Students who have symptoms are encouraged to make an appointment online. The results usually come back within one-to-three hours and students are contacted immediately.
In addition to the symptomatic tests, over the next two weeks, asymptomatic students who are coming back from winter break from areas outside of Missoula can also get tested.
“Essentially, there’s a nose swab. Members of the National Guard will do that. Essentially put it on the card, and you’ll have a test result by the end of the day,” explained Curry Health Center Medical Director Jeff Adams.
“People that are positive, we would call...and arrange for what would happen next. If you’re negative, we’ll usually notify you by secure email,” he added.
Officials hope asymptomatic testing will catch positive cases early and get them in quarantine. The testing is free and only available to students at this time.
A total of 502 COVID-19 cases associated with the University of Montana had been reported by the Missoula City-County Health Department as of Monday.