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June 10, 2021: MetroSafe Update

Posted Tuesday, June 22, 2021 | Announcements to Students

As the pandemic evolves, we are beginning to see loosening of restrictions in public spaces. Metropolitan State is committed to maintain a safe environment even as we begin to adapt our operations to new modes and practices. As we have from the beginning of the pandemic, Metropolitan State has aligned campus requirements with guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Governors Executive Orders, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota State system office. We will continue to use these guidelines as we manage our response to COVID-19.

COVID-19 campus exposure update

For the week of June 2–June 8, Metropolitan State has reported 1 COVID-19 case to the Minnesota State dashboard among individuals associated with our campus. This individual was not thought to be infectious while on campus. The data reported is shown below:

Students—Week of 6/2/2021 - 6/8/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 6/8/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—1 / 385

Negative—0 / 91

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 0

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—1 / 294

Contagious while on campus—0 / 21

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—1 / 273

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 293

Employees—Week of 6/2/2021 - 6/8/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 6/8/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—0 / 25

Negative—0 / 0

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 1

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—0 / 18

Contagious while on campus—0 / 2

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—0 / 22

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.

Student telehealth vendor feedback due June 14

Metro State is selecting a new telehealth services provider for students! We need your feedback to help us decide which vendor will best meet your needs. Please review the recorded presentations from Teladoc and Virtual Care Group here: Student Telehealth Finalist Vendor Feedback

All feedback must be submitted by Monday, June 14 to be considered in the final selection decision.

Mask/Face Covering Update
Per state and municipal guidelines, people are not required to wear a face covering at any of our campus locations. However, people who have not been vaccinated, for whatever reason, are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering. Anyone choosing to wear a face covering for personal reasons are encouraged to continue to do so. In fact, we strongly encourage everyone to continue wearing face coverings especially when in groups of people and/or when physical distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained.

Important reminders:

  • The pandemic is not over.
  • Get vaccinated.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Practice physical distancing when possible.
  • Stay home if you are feeling ill.
  • Get tested if you experience symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus.
  • Be supportive and respectful of those who continue to choose to wear a face covering.

Minnesota State has provided FAQ’s concerning changes in the face covering requirements on its coronavirus information page, under General Campus Operations.

COVID-19 Vaccination Know the Facts
Metropolitan State’s Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center has put together an informative flyer answering frequently-cited concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines with the facts about the vaccines and vaccination.

As a reminder, all Minnesotans age 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage all Minnesota State staff, faculty and students to get vaccinated. Minnesotans can use the online vaccine locator map to find vaccine locations near them and contact those health care providers with questions.

Campus Scheduling for Summer

  • Internal Meetings: If you are planning a department internal meeting, please submit your request as normal through the virtual event management system in the service portal. Space requests will be reviewed by the scheduling team and approved or adjusted for physical distancing.
  • Events on Campus: Metro State will continue to limit outside group events this summer while we have limited staffing on site. We are focusing on return to campus planning and preparations for fall semester.

Campus Access
As the campus health screening tool is no longer being used when you arrive on campus, students and employees will need their ID card to access the Saint Paul Campus buildings. The Fine Art Studio, ICES, and the Grow IT Center will be opened by request only during summer semester. Staff can contact security for access to the ICES building. Information about acquiring an ID card can be found on the library’s website.