Call for Help

COVID-19 Holiday and Travel Guidance

Traveling with this level of spread is always a concern. Everyone who travels should assume that they have come in contact with the virus and should help us by following the guidance below to support reduced transmission.

Testing options on campus
and in Madison

COVID-19 Testing

Travel Guidance

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Before you go

If you are traveling, strictly limit your activities starting 10 days before your departure to help limit your chances of getting sick and passing the virus to loved ones. This means staying home as much as possible and not getting together with people you don’t live with.

  • Schedule a COVID-19 test and then self-quarantine until you travel. Wisconsin residents can now request a no-cost home collection kit. A test is just a snapshot in time and should not be used in place of other preventive measures, like wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distance from others.
  • Monitor your symptoms. Don’t travel if you are sick, in isolation, or in quarantine.

While traveling and at your destination

  • Travel in a personal vehicle with limited passengers if possible. Wear face coverings if traveling with people outside your household. If using public transportation, check the carrier requirements for testing or otherwise well before travel. Please review the CDC’s site for up-to-date information: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
  • Keep practicing safe behaviors – frequent handwashing, face coverings, and physical distancing.
  • Strictly limit the number of people you see in person – this year it is not safe to get together with all your friends and family.
  • Self-monitor for symptoms – if you develop symptoms, consult a health care provider regarding testing at your current location. You may find local testing options here: hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html

If you stay in Madison or Dane County

  • Review the public health order limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings.
  • Limit your risk of exposure by limiting your close contacts. This may require declining invitations for gatherings with friends or family. These may be uncomfortable conversations, but we encourage each family to do what is best for them and their communities.

Campus testing information

UW–Madison will begin offering saliva-based tests the week of Jan. 11 at selected sites. These fast, accurate tests ultimately will be available seven days a week (Students in residence halls will continue to undergo nasal swab testing at sites at Ogg Hall and Frank Holt Center).