VaxTrak Update & Weekly Testing Protocol Details, Sept. 10 2021
Dear Mavericks,
I am happy to report that as of last night, just under 95% of our employees have reported into the VaxTrak system, and 90% of those report being fully vaccinated. This is well above the Blue Earth County data of 63.4% of the population reporting to have received one dose of the vaccination. Well done, Mavericks!
For employees who will utilize the weekly testing option: Thank you for your patience as the details were finalized. We are providing an on-campus testing clinic in Carkoski Commons (the old dining hall), adjacent to the Student Health Center. The testing clinic will take place from 9 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Employees who work at the University outside of those times may pick up a test from University Security Dispatch (Weicking Center 222) on Tuesday night and return it there by noon on Wednesday.
Employees who participate in the University-provided weekly testing will receive their results directly within 24-48 hours of the test. Your work status will not change from the previous week as you wait for the results. You must immediately share the results of the test with the University through the link in the test reminder email: https://forms.office.com/r/uYbE0rbfnC. If you are negative, you can continue to work as usual. If you are positive, you should follow MDH guidelines, call the Campus Reporting Hotline at (507) 389-2030 and report your absence to your supervisor.
The Employee Weekly Testing FAQ website provides additional details about what happens at the weekly testing clinic, other testing options available to employees and other related information.
The on-campus testing clinic is for professional and student employees who must complete the weekly testing process. Fully vaccinated employees who need a COVID test should utilize the free community sites or their medical provider. Student testing protocols relating to the Minnesota State Vaccination Attestation Guidelines for the general student population are still under development and will be shared with students as we approach their Oct. 4 implementation date.
Mavericks, as you have heard me say before, I wish we weren’t in a situation of requiring masks and experiencing increased COVID activity as much as you do. As we approach next week’s roll-out of the testing protocol, I ask you all to continue to be kind and respectful to your fellow colleagues.
I am proud of our University’s continued response to this pandemic. Despite many challenges, we have been able to resume in-person activities and classes. I am not exaggerating when I share that I hear daily from students who are so appreciative of being back in community together. Thank you for everything you do to support our students.
Enjoy the upcoming weekend.
Sincerely,
Edward S. Inch
President
