Health Service

COVID-19 Weekly Update: January 11, 2022

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by

btaylor
TO: The Gustavus Community

FROM: COVID-19 Response Leadership Team

SUBJECT: COVID-19 Weekly Update

DATE: January 11, 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

Omicron Impacts: While the on-campus case rate is higher than this fall due to the Omicron variant, our community’s response has been aided by the fact that symptoms generally aren’t as severe and by the updated CDC guidance that shortened isolation time for vaccinated individuals whose symptoms have improved. These two factors, along with the diligent work of our Health Service, Athletic Training, and case management staff, have allowed Gustavus to continue to successfully manage the uptick in cases. Considering on-campus conditions and updated guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, the COVID-19 Response Leadership Team and College leadership believe that we can continue to manage the surge without making the pivot to online classes and events as long as the community recommits to diligently following the College’s mitigation strategies.

Reasons for optimism include:
  • We have a highly vaccinated campus
  • The Omicron wave is expected to be short, peaking in the next two to three weeks
  • Infections from Omicron are generally not as severe
  • We have approximately 2/3 of our student population on campus this month for January Term, which means the surge can be dealt with on a more manageable level
That being said, it depends on all of us doing the right thing to continue to manage this uptick in cases. That means wearing your mask properly at all times, self-isolating and getting tested as soon as possible if you experience symptoms, and promptly using the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form if you test positive.
Reminders: The COVID-19 Response Leadership Team encourages students, faculty, and staff to follow these COVID-19 mitigation measures moving forward:

  • Get the COVID booster as soon as possible if you are eligible.
  • Report if you test positive.
  • Participate in the weekly mass testing on Mondays and Wednesdays in January.
  • Wear a KN95 if you want an extra layer of protection.
  • Practice COVID safety on campus and off campus..
  • Keep your circle of close contacts small.
  • Move meetings and social gatherings online when possible.
  • Either don’t have visitors to campus or ensure your guests follow these measures.
  • Spread out when you are with others.
  • Stay home if you are sick and take a COVID test and self-isolate while you are waiting for your results.
  • If you have a known close contact, take a COVID test and self-quarantine while you are waiting for your results.
College officials will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to campus regulations if needed.
COVID-19 DASHBOARD UPDATE

As of January 10, 2022

Total Positive Cases (since August 15, 2021): 217

Current Positive Student Cases: 26
Current Positive Employee Cases: 5
Total Students in Isolation/Quarantine: 26
Students in Isolation/Quarantine On Campus: 18
Employees in Isolation/Quarantine: 5
 
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.

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