COVID-19 update, March 3, 2022

Greetings Mavericks.

It’s been a great relief to see COVID positivity numbers dropping across the country and especially here in Minnesota. As the situation changes, so does the mitigation guidance from the CDC, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota State system.

The new system guidance allows campuses to adjust mask requirements based on updated CDC metrics for their counties. Blue Earth County’s community level is still high and the CDC recommendation is to continue masking in indoor spaces. However, we expect that to change in the near future. We will revisit the data after Spring Break and communicate any changes to our mitigation strategies at that time.

There is, however, a change regarding the proof of vaccination/testing requirement for students that I can share now.

Starting Monday, March 14, there will no longer be a proof of vaccination or testing requirement for students living in residence halls or other designated activities. Some students may remain subject to the MMB requirement as student employees; to NCAA or other testing related to athletic programs; or may be required to be vaccinated or to test by an internal or external organization that serves as a clinical or internship placement site.

For the time being, the MMB policy regarding proof of vaccination and testing requirements for employees, contractors and vendors remains in place. That policy will be reviewed by MMB in the coming weeks; if a change is made we will update the campus community.

On-campus testing will continue at Carkoski Commons, with a slight change in hours after Spring Break. These new hours go into effect on Monday, March 14:

Surveillance Testing: Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Exposure Testing: Wednesdays and Fridays 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Anyone needing to pick up a test outside of these hours may do so at the Health Education Office (CC 100) between 8 a.m. and  4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

It’s been almost two years since COVID first changed the way we live, learn and work at Minnesota State University, Mankato. It’s been a long haul and I appreciate the patience and persistence the community has shown throughout. Thank you, Mavericks.

I wish you all a happy Spring Break. And, as always, Go Mavs!

 

Edward S. Inch, Ph.D.
President