Dec. 22: Omicron COVID Message

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Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We want you to be aware of updates to our COVID response in light of the omicron variant.

Cases of the omicron variant are rising rapidly across the country, and health experts are anticipating a surge. In response, Concordia is adding to its mitigation approach with the following measures:

  • BEFORE returning to campus AND within 72 hours afterward, we strongly recommend testing for all students and staff. If you test positive, stay home and self-isolate for 10 days. Moorhead Testing Options Fargo Testing Options
  • A classroom seating chart should be in place (at least for the first two weeks of the semester) to quickly identify close contacts.
  • Planning of campus events will be closely monitored. Recommendations about adjustments or postponements will be made if necessary.
  • We encourage vigilance in mask use.

These efforts are in addition to required vaccination or testing for students and required masking in classrooms, laboratories, studios, and at events where distancing cannot be maintained.  

Expectations of Students and Staff

  • If you have any symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. This is especially important after travel.  
  • If you test positive, students must notify the Student Helpline at 701.730.8304 or COVID19Helpline@cord.edu. Employees need to contact Human Resources at 218.299.3339.
    • Notify the people with whom you were in recent close contact.  
  • Consider avoiding large gatherings. Stick with small group activities, particularly in the first few weeks back on campus.  
  • Adhere to Concordia’s mission of being responsibly engaged citizens. Take necessary precautions to minimize any spread to the outside community.

Booster Shots

Concordia is not requiring booster shots at this time, but we do encourage them after strong recommendations from the Minnesota and North Dakota health departments.

Recommendations for Safer Holiday Celebrations

Health officials have offered ideas to reduce risk during holiday celebrations. They suggest minimizing group sizes, testing before gathering, getting a booster shot or starting your vaccination series, distancing as much as possible, masking, and increasing ventilation.  

OSHA ETS

The federal mandate, OSHA ETS, that requires vaccination or testing in organizations with 100 or more employees is moving forward after a federal court decision. To be in compliance, Concordia is collecting the vaccination status of employees. In addition, knowing vaccination levels support the college’s response and planning efforts. We will continue to monitor potential Supreme Court involvement in the case.

 

An additional message will be sent out before the start of the next semester.

Thank you and be safe,

 

COVID Response Group