TO: The Gustavus Community
FROM: COVID-19 Response Leadership Team
SUBJECT: Campus COVID-19 Adjustments
DATE: January 10, 2022
As the nation, state, and region deal with a surge of COVID-19 infections due to the Omicron variant, Gustavus has also seen a significant uptick in on-campus cases. In response to updated CDC guidance, Gustavus is implementing the following changes to the College’s COVID-19 response effective immediately.
1) Gustavus is now following the updated CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine for all students, faculty, and staff. This means that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must fill out the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form and go into isolation for at least five (5) days regardless of vaccination status.
2) IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC, you must self-isolate, get tested as soon as possible, and use the report form IF you test positive. You should not complete the form until you test positive, but you must self-isolate while you test and await your results.
3) IF YOU ARE A CLOSE CONTACT, you must self-quarantine unless you: A) completed one dose of Johnson & Johnson in the last two months; B) completed two doses of Pfizer or Moderna within the last six months; C) received the full initial course of the vaccine AND a vaccine booster; or D) tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days. Visit the College’s COVID-19 “Next Steps” web page for more detailed information.
Members of the campus community are also strongly encouraged to practice the following mitigation strategies:
- Get the COVID-19 booster as soon as possible if you are eligible. Local pharmacies Hyvee and Family Fresh have appointments available. You can also find additional options using the State of Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector.
- Participate in the weekly mass testing on Mondays and Wednesdays in January.
- Wear a KN95 if you want an extra layer of protection.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick.
- Keep your circle of contacts small.
- Practice COVID-19 safety on campus and off campus.