TO: The Gustavus Community
FROM: COVID-19 Response Leadership Team
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Weekly Update
DATE: March 1, 2022
Every Tuesday, the Gustavus COVID-19 Response Leadership Team will send out a weekly update that includes tips and reminders, policy updates, and information about on-campus COVID-19 cases. These messages are sent to all students, faculty, and staff along with Gustavus parents who have an email address on file with the College.
WEEKLY TIP
Masking Reminders: As of last Thursday, masks are required in academic buildings. Elsewhere on campus, members of the community may use their discretion in choosing to mask or not except in offices/departments that choose to require it. This policy will be in place through Sunday March 6. Beginning March 7, masks will no longer be required in academic buildings. They may still be required in classes/labs/learning spaces and in select offices/departments. Please keep a mask with you at all times and look for yellow signs indicating that masks are required in a particular area.
Masking requirements through March 6:
- Academic buildings: Masks are required in all academic buildings. (See list here).
- Non-Academic buildings: Masks may be required in non-academic buildings based on the decision of individuals or departments and will be indicated by a sign.
Masking requirement beginning March 7:
- During classes: Faculty may choose to require masks to be worn during class time. Students are expected to mask in classes that have a masking requirement. Faculty will notify their classes about masking requirements.
- Individual offices or departments: Masks may be required in specific locations on campus and will be indicated by a sign.
General masking reminders:
- Indoor athletic events: Masks continue to be required for students, faculty, staff, and other guests at all indoor competitions in accordance with Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) rules.
- Other large events/gatherings: Other large events may choose to require attendees to wear masks.
- Overnight visitors in residence halls: Non-Gustavus student overnight visitors are allowed in the residence halls.
- Vehicles: Masks are still required on the Gus Bus, as this is considered public transportation. Masks are not required in campus vehicles, including the Community Service van.
- Campus visitors: Visitors are expected to follow the same masking requirements as students and employees.
- Mask readiness: The community is expected to keep a mask with them at all times and follow masking requirements when notified or posted by a sign.
- Supporting individuals: Individuals are supported in their choice to continue to mask when masking is not required.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance for community masking. The College’s COVID-19 Response Leadership Team continues to monitor guidelines from public health officials and will incorporate updates into campus mitigation strategies.
COVID-19 DASHBOARD UPDATE
As of February 28, 2022
Total Positive Cases (since August 15, 2021): 430
Current Positive Student Cases: 0
Current Positive Employee Cases: 0
Total Students in Isolation/Quarantine: 0
Students in Isolation/Quarantine On Campus: 0
Employees in Isolation/Quarantine: 0
This data set is meant to encompass the on-campus impact of COVID-19 by counting cases where a person may have been on campus while infectious. For example, students who are living at home or employees who are working remotely and not visiting campus will not be counted in these on-campus numbers. This information, along with statistics from the 2020-2021 academic year, is also available for viewing on the College’s COVID-19 Dashboard History page.
As always, if you have any questions, please consult the College’s COVID-19 website and email g-covidresponse@gustavus.edu.