Minnesota “Stay Safe” Order and Campus Mask Guidelines

TO: Gustavus Employees and On-Campus Students
FROM: President Bergman
SUBJECT: Minnesota “Stay Safe” Order and Campus Mask Guidelines
DATE: May 15, 2020

On Wednesday evening, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota is transitioning from our “Stay at Home” order to a new “Stay Safe” order as of Monday, May 18. While we celebrate this milestone, I ask that members of the Gustavus community continue to be leaders in public health practices as we move forward together.

At this time, Gustavus employees who have been working at home should continue to do so unless asked to return by your supervisor or Divisional Vice President. Campus continues to be restricted to a limited number of employees whose work is required for on-campus operations. In the coming days, the College will announce Phase 1 of a return-to-work plan for designated employees. We will also announce the formation of a College-wide leadership group that will begin long-term planning for the safe reopening of campus this fall.

Effective on Monday, May 18, and in accordance with guidance from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health, Gustavus is requiring employees and students entering buildings on campus to wear a mask. Masks must be worn any time people are within six (6) feet of one another, indoors or outdoors. Full expectations about mask usage are available online.

If you are currently an on-campus employee or on-campus student who wishes to receive a Gustavus-issued mask, please complete this form. Gustavus will have washable masks available for employees as they return to on-campus work.  

To learn more about proper technique for placing/removing a mask, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/yLuEwwGhBxI.

Our goal is to continue to follow best practices and minimize risk to our community. Wearing masks is one way to do this, however, it is important to remember that face coverings are simply an additional health precaution. They do not guarantee stopping the spread of this virus, and they do not replace the most important steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Always follow the 6-20-100 rule:  

1. Whether at work or elsewhere, practice six (6) feet of social distancing whenever possible.

2. Regularly wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.

3. If you have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, stay home. 
   

If you have specific questions, please reach out to Director of Health Service Heather Dale (hdale@gustavus.edu). 

Gusties, I am grateful for your ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community. As we prepare for our phased return to on-campus work and plan to welcome students this fall, I ask that we continue to model good health behaviors. I remain confident that together we are well-equipped to face this great challenge of our time. 

Yours in community,

President Bergman