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
Omicron Impacts: The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is taking hold in the United States. Last week, several colleges and universities on the East Coast saw explosive growth in their on-campus case rate, and some even pivoted to online delivery for final exams. As we prepare for January Term, the COVID-19 Response Leadership Team is closely monitoring conditions in Minnesota and beyond. For those who will be on campus in January, we will begin the month at the current masking level (Level II), but may adjust depending on case rates on campus and in the region.
The COVID-19 Response Leadership Team encourages students, faculty, and staff to follow these COVID-19 mitigation measures moving forward:
- Get the COVID booster over break if you are eligible.
- Report if you test positive over the winter break.
- Test for COVID-19 before returning to campus.
- Participate in the weekly mass testing on Mondays and Wednesdays in January.
- Wear a KN95 if you want an extra layer of protection (the Book Mark will start selling KN95 masks in January)
- Practice COVID safety on campus and off campus.
College officials will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to campus regulations if needed.
COVID-19 DASHBOARD UPDATE
As of December 20, 2021
Total Positive Cases (since August 15, 2021): 95
Current Positive Student Cases: 11
Current Positive Employee Cases: 1
Total Students in Isolation/Quarantine: 11
Students in Isolation/Quarantine On Campus: 2
Employees in Isolation/Quarantine: 1
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.