Fall 2022 COVID-19 Protocols

Posted By: Ann Merchlewitz On: 2022-08-16
Posted On: 2022-08-16

As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are closely monitoring information and guidance about COVID-19 as we approach fall 2022.  As you prepare for a return to the Winona campus, you  should plan to bring the following items with them to campus this fall:

  • 5-7 N95 or KN95 masks.  We will have very limited supplies of masks on campus..
  • At least 5 at-home COVID tests. You can order free tests from the federal government herePlease note that individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized, cleared, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be able to have those test costs covered by their plan or insurance. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month.

We are not mandating COVID-19 testing before you return to campus. However, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please test before you come to campus.  You should remain home if you test positive. Please report your positive test result to covid@smumn.edu.

Based on information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are moving forward for Fall 2022 as outlined below.

  • Masking:  Masks are not required on any campus with the following exceptions:
    1. During classes: Faculty may require students to wear masks during class and lab time. Faculty will be asked to notify their classes about their requirements. Students must respect and comply with masking requirements from faculty.
    2. In individual offices or departments: Masks may be required in individual offices, at the discretion of individual employees.
    3. At other large events/gatherings: Masks may be required at events in university theaters or other large events or gatherings when community transmission levels are high as determined by the Centers of Disease Control.
    4. In the Wellness Center on the Winona Campus.

We reserve the right to require masking on any campus when transmission rates in the community or on any campus are high as determined by guidance from CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health.

You are expected to keep a mask with you at all times and follow masking requirements when notified or when indicated by signage.

We support everyone who chooses to wear a mask even when it is not required. Everyone is expected to respect individual choices about masking, remembering, for example, that people may choose to mask because they are simply uncomfortable without a mask, they are immunocompromised, or they have small children at home who cannot be vaccinated.

  • Reporting a positive COVID-19 case:  If you live, work, learn, or are otherwise on campus, you must report if you test positive for COVID-19. 
    1. Students at the College should report this information (with appropriate dates) to covid@smumn.edu. 
    2. Students at SGPP should report this information (with appropriate dates) to studentcentral@smumn.edu. 
    3. Faculty and staff should report this information (with appropriate dates) to hr@smumn.edu
  • Contact tracing:  We have ceased all contact tracing investigations for students and employees who test positive for COVID-19. We recommend that you alert people with whom you had close contact to let them know they may have been exposed to COVID-19. 
  • Isolation and Quarantine: Saint Mary’s will follow CDC guidance on isolation and quarantine. New guidance from the CDC recommends that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear a high-quality mask (N-95 or KN-95) for 10 days and get tested on day 6 (after exposure)  if they have been exposed to COVID-19.  Quarantine is no longer recommended.  Isolation is still required for those who test positive for COVID-19.  Saint Mary’s will have isolation spaces available on its Winona campus as needed. 
  • Testing (Winona campus):  We will only test students on the Winona campus if the student is symptomatic and has no transportation to off-site testing.  Testing will occur in the Wellness Center when it is open.  Mass testing events will be considered  only if a surge on campus occurs.

Remember to stay home if you feel sick,

  • Vaccination:  We expect all students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated, unless a medical or non-medical exemption is filed. Information on the process for proof of vaccination or for filing an exemption are posted in the health portal. 
  • Physical distancing:  Classrooms and conference rooms will return to their normal occupancy limits. 
  • Dashboard:  We have removed the COVID-19 dashboard from the COVID-19 website.  COVID-19 positive test results will still be collected so that COVID-19 cases on all campuses can be monitored.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we will be steadfast and resilient. Together, we are Saint Mary’s.