April 22, 2021: MetroSafe Update

Posted Friday, April 23, 2021 | Announcements to Students

Updated isolation protocols and travel guidance

Individuals who are fully vaccinated (14 days past their final dose) and test positive for COVID-19 must follow the regular isolation protocols based on their positive test date and symptoms, which include:

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home until all three of these things are true:
- You feel better. Your cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms are better, and
- It has been 10 days since you first felt sick, and
- You have had no fever for at least 24 hours, without using medicine that lowers fevers
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, you must still stay home and away from others for 10 day.

For those travelling, note the updated CDC Travel Guidance. Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States:

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine
Fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
- Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer

COVID-19 campus exposure update

For the week of April 14–April 20, Metropolitan State has reported 11 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 4/14/2021 - 4/20/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 4/20/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—11 / 356

Negative—1 / 87

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 0

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—10 / 269

Contagious while on campus—0 / 20

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—10 / 249

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—4 / 263

Employees—Week of 4/14/2021 - 4/20/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 4/20/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—1 / 24

Negative—0 / 0

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 1

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—1 / 19

Contagious while on campus—0 / 2

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—1 / 21

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 16

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.

Muslim staff and students

Ramadan begins on April 13 and ends on May 13 and is followed by the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not considered food or drink, and Muslim scholars agree that it will not invalidate your fast. If someone experiences side effects, they are allowed to break their fast to take care of themselves.

Resources:

Staying Safer during Ramadan 2021

Observe Ramadan Safer

Vaccinations

Every resident over age 16 is now eligible for a vaccine. Sign up with the state Vaccine Connector to be notified of when, where and how to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Student Health Survey: Enter to Win $25 Amazon gift card!
The Health and Wellness Department needs your feedback! Please complete this quick, 10 question Metro State Student Health Services Survey and share your thoughts on student health services at Metro State. The survey is voluntary and your responses will be anonymous.

After completing the survey, you can be entered in a raffle to win a $25 Amazon gift card (15 total winners will be randomly selected). This survey will be available until 11:59 PM on Monday April 26, 2021. Questions? Contact Health and Wellness Coordinator Rachael.Mills@metrostate.edu