Greetings Students,     

We are excited to soon be together to start the 2022-23 academic year. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its third year, we recognize your familiarity with the virus – as well as advances in vaccines, testing, and treatment. In alignment with MDH and CDC, we are shifting our approach from previous years, to living with and managing the virus, while being ready to respond to outbreaks and surges that might arise.  As detailed below, the most notable changes in practice are with isolation and quarantine. We will continue to monitor cases on campus and in our region and adapt our protocols as appropriate. 

This email gives an overview of our plans and expectations for incoming students as well as changes from what continuing students experienced in previous years. More detailed information can be found at concordiacollege.edu/COVID and on Cobbernet.  

Returning to Campus 

Testing: All students, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to test prior to returning to campus.   

Delaying Return:  

  • If you test positive, do not return to campus until you have completed your isolation period.   

  • If you have been exposed to someone with COVID and you are not up to date with your COVID vaccine, do not return to campus until you have finished your quarantine period.   

What to Bring:  

  • A supply of at-home rapid tests. You can order free tests to be delivered to your home as well as your campus address.   

  • A supply of KN95 or N95 masks  

Campus Mask Policy 

Anyone with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask, following CDC guidelines. Otherwise, masks are optional on campus.   

Please use a KN95 or N95 mask as they are more effective at preventing the spread of COVID than cloth or surgical masks. In addition to the masks you bring to campus, there will be a limited supply of masks at the Health Services office.    

Testing Options  

In addition to the rapid tests you bring from home, there are other testing options.   

The Moorhead free community test site offers PCR and rapid tests. It also offers an antiviral treatment if you test positive. Appointments are not required, and it is located 7 blocks from campus.   

The Health Services office in Old Main will have a limited number of rapid tests available.   

Quarantine and Isolation 

Please note this change from previous years: If you test positive and live on campus, in most cases you will stay in your regular dorm room/apartment to isolate. You can also make your own plans to isolate off campus. This is consistent with how we manage other infectious diseases and is in line with current recommendations from MDH. The college will maintain a few dedicated isolation spaces to use in certain situations.   

You can see more information and instructions about Quarantine and Isolation at concordiacollege.edu/COVID, including information on requesting grab-and-go meals when in Quarantine or Isolation (if you have a college dining plan).   

COVID Helpline 

The COVID Helpline will continue to provide resources and support – once back on campus, you should contact the Helpline to report a positive test or with any COVID-related questions. You can contact the Helpline at COVID19Helpline@cord.edu or 701.730.8304. The email and phone accounts are monitored on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the resources at concordiacollege.edu/COVID are available 24/7.   

Vaccination Requirement Reminder 

Following the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC’s guidance that vaccines are one of the most effective COVID response tools, a high campus immunization rate is our primary means of mitigation. You are required to be up to date with their vaccinations by the 10th day of classes unless you have been granted an exemption.      

A vaccination/booster shot clinic will be held on campus August 30 in Knutson from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Registration links will be sent later, but walk-ins will be welcome.  

Staying Informed 

Finally, be sure to read the full campus plan at concordiacollege.edu/COVID. This is also the site where the college will post weekly case counts and other updates.   

In the weeks prior to the start of classes, we ask you take precautions to help everyone be able to participate in the on-campus Concordia experience.  

Thank you,  

 

COVID Response Group