March 4, 2021: MetroSafe Update

Posted Thursday, March 18, 2021 | Announcements to Employees

COVID-19 campus exposure update

For the week of Feb. 24–March 2, Metropolitan State has reported 2 COVID-19 cases to the Minnesota State dashboard among individuals associated with our campus. Of these individuals, none were thought to be infectious while on campus. The data reported is shown below:

Students—Week of 2/24/2021 - 3/2/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 3/2/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—3 / 312

Negative—1 / 84

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 0

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—2 / 228

Contagious while on campus—0 / 20

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—2 / 208

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 226

Employees—Week of 2/24/2021 - 3/2/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 3/2/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—0 / 17

Negative—0 / 0

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 1

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—0 / 15

Contagious while on campus—0 / 2

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—0 / 14

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 13

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.

March Town Hall scheduled for Thursday, March 18

During this live Zoom session, Metro State employees and students will have an opportunity to bring questions, comments, and feedback forward as we continue to evaluate and make plans for this semester and beyond. More details, including the link to the Town Hall, will be in next week’s MetroSafe email.

Traveling Over Spring Break

Be aware of testing requirements of where you are traveling to, and for returning—even if traveling domestically. Testing is recommended about a week before leave, and then within 5–7 day when you return from travel.

If you must travel, take these steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Wait 2 weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel—it takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
- Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before you travel. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them. Do NOT travel if you test positive.
- Check travel restrictions before you go.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public settings. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
- Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you. It’s important to do this everywhere — both indoors and outdoors.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
- Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Do NOT travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick or you test positive for COVID-19. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick.
Get Tested Before and After Travel
- If you are traveling, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip. Make sure you have the results of your negative test before you travel. Keep a copy of your results with you during travel; you might be asked for them.
- Do not travel if you test positive. Immediately isolate yourself, and follow public health recommendations.
- Get tested again with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
- You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels. Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, take these actions to protect others from getting COVID-19 after travel:
  - Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you. It’s important to do this everywhere — both indoors and outdoors. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public settings. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
  - If there are people in the household who did not travel with you, wear a mask and ask everyone in the household to wear masks in shared spaces inside your home for 14 days after travel.
  - Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  - Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness.
  - Watch your health: Look for symptoms of COVID-19.

Traveling Internationally? All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Check CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination before planning your trip.