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January 28, 2021: MetroSafe Update

Posted Thursday, February 4, 2021 | Announcements to Students

COVID-19 campus exposure update

For the week of Jan. 21–Jan. 26, Metropolitan State has reported seven COVID-19 cases to the Minnesota State dashboard among individuals associated with our campus. Of these individuals, two were thought to be infectious while on campus. The data reported is shown below:

Students—Week of 1/20/2020 - 1/26/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 1/26/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—12 / 292

Negative—0 / 76

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—5 / 6

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—7 / 210

Contagious while on campus—0 / 19

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—7 / 191

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—3 / 205

Employees—Week of 1/20/2020 - 1/26/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 1/26/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—0 / 14

Negative—0 / 0

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 1

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—0 / 12

Contagious while on campus—0 / 0

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—0 / 13

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 13

As a campus with many students and employees studying and working offsite, if a positive case does not trace to an exposure/contact on campus, the campus may not be notified. Data may not be comprehensive or in real-time​ due to testing and reporting delays and are subject to change. Individuals, particularly those that have been at one of our locations, are also encouraged to report any COVID-19 health updates through our reporting form. As part of the Minnesota State system and in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health, Metropolitan State posts a link to the Minnesota State COVID-19 dashboard on the website.

Community testing

Testing remains available to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or for any reason insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains available at no cost to everyone.

What does no-barrier access mean?

  • You do not need to show identification
  • Tests are at no cost to you, and insurance is not required (but please bring your insurance card if you have one)
  • Appointments are recommended, but you may walk in

Community Testing sites for nasal and saliva testing can be found at the community testing page of the MDH website.

Vaccination update

The state’s pilot programs to target vaccine continue to develop, as the appointment-based vaccination program for adults 65 years of age and older moved into its second week, with a more robust sign-up system. There were a limited number of appointments available for eligible Minnesotans.

According to the state’s Find My Vaccine page, individuals in the following groups are eligible to make appointments for vaccination:

  • Minnesotans aged 65 and over
  • Pre-k through grade 12 educators
  • Child care workers

Educators and child care workers are, however, asked to work with their employers to determine eligibility and registration timing. The Find My Vaccine page has more details on steps for eligible Minnesotans.

For general information on how Minnesota’s vaccination programs are going, visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine data page, and for specific questions on state agency employees’ vaccination plans, Minnesota Management and Budget’s COVID-19 vaccination information for state agency employees bulletin remains the most up-to-date and reliable source of information regarding access to vaccine for state employees. This information is updated frequently.

Hand Sanitation Protocols for Classrooms

We are asking all employees and students who have in person instruction this semester to use hand sanitizer protocols when entering the classroom and leaving the classroom. Use of hand sanitizer is a safer practice to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Hand sanitizer is available in the sanitation bins in each classroom. Hand sanitizer stands are also located in hallways where classes are scheduled. Signage has also been installed on classroom doors as a reminder.