Jan. 6: COVID Message - Masks and To-Go Meals

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome back and happy New Year. We hope you had a restorative break.

As we return to campus, the college is preparing for an increase in COVID cases with the highly transmissible omicron variant.  

In response, we are expecting everyone to increase mask use. In addition to requiring masks in classrooms, laboratories, and studios, we are expecting use in public areas as well. This includes hallways, meeting rooms, while getting food in Anderson Commons, in common areas, and in dorms outside your rooms.  

Masks should be high quality, multi-layered material, and tight-fitting. N95 and KN95 masks are some of the best options. An alternative would be a disposable mask covered by a cloth mask.

Dining Services will offer a to-go option starting Friday. Students can fill containers to be eaten outside of Anderson Commons. This will be available through January 31.  

In regards to the CDC’s new guidelines on isolation and quarantine, we continue to await further guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health that’s specific to institutes of higher education. 

As we await MDH guidance there are important actions we can take:

• Get vaccinated and if eligible, schedule an appointment for a booster shot;
• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces both on and off campus;
• Social distance;
• Avoid crowds;
• Wash your hands often;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Clean and disinfect; and
• Monitor your health, daily watching for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms. If you are sick, stay home.  

Thank you, 

COVID Response Group