TO: The Gustavus Community
FROM: COVID-19 Response Leadership Team
FROM: COVID-19 Response Leadership Team
SUBJECT: Campus Masking Update Beginning Monday, March 7
DATE: March 4, 2022
Greetings, Gusties! Thank you for your flexibility and understanding over the course of the last week as we adjusted to a new level of masking on campus. We are pleased to report that the College continues to have low COVID-19 infection numbers with seven current active cases, and that Nicollet County is now in the “low” category according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As communicated to students, faculty and staff in President Bergman’s message on February 23 and in this Tuesday’s COVID-19 Weekly Update, our community will take the next step in loosening masking restrictions beginning on Monday, March 7.
As of Monday morning, masks will no longer be required in the public areas of academic buildings. They may still be required in classrooms, laboratories, and other learning spaces. The updated masking guidelines beginning Monday are:
- 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.
- In individual offices or departments: Masks may be required in specific locations on campus and will be indicated by a sign.
- At 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.
- At 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 as long as all other visitation rules and regulations are followed.
- In 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 COVID-19 Response Leadership Team will continue to monitor case numbers and public health metrics on campus and in our local area. If conditions remain the same or improve over the coming weeks, we envision a further loosening of restrictions in early April. If you have any questions, please visit the Gustavus COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about the College’s rationale and decision-making metrics. As always, watch for the COVID-19 Weekly Update email on Tuesdays for on-campus case numbers, tips, and reminders.
Keep up the great work, Gusties!
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