COVID-19 and Prevention
We have a collective responsibility to protect one another with vaccination, daily individual health monitoring, proper handwashing, physical distancing, and wearing masks.
COVID-19 Dashboard
- The Twin Cities MTest Data dashboard shows results from ongoing COVID-19 testing administered by Boynton Health to faculty, staff, and students. This dashboard is updated weekly by the University.
Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
- View updated isolation and quarantine guidance from the University that will help our community safely maintain a high level of continuity.
Vaccination & Booster Shots
- All UMN employees and students* are required to submit proof of vaccination. View details on the University’s Get the Vax website.
- The University also asks that students, staff, and faculty get a booster shot as soon as they are eligible.
- Get vaccinated on campus or through the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector. Find information on how and where to get your booster shot through the Minnesota Department of Health
* Students who are both 1) in specific fully online or offsite programs, and 2) are not employed by the University, are exempt from the requirement; please check with your degree program for more information.
Masks
- Policy decisions regarding mask use are currently made by the University and are reflected in the Face Covering Protocol.
- Face masks are not required in any University space unless officially designated by the University as a “masks required” space (see “Masking”).
- The University expects all community members to respect those who choose to wear a mask, as well as those who choose not to wear one.
- While masks are not required in many University spaces, we know that masking is an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Everyone may wear a mask in settings that do not require them if they choose, especially in large classrooms or settings in which there are large numbers of people and potential increased risk of transmission.
- We recommend KN95 or N95 masks for greater protection. SPH has ordered KN95 masks for SPH faculty, staff, and students who will be on campus during fall 2022 semester. (See details below about mask distribution.)
- Employees and Instructors: Masks are available to all SPH faculty, staff, and instructors to pick up in the following spaces on campus:
- SPH Dean’s Office front desk, Mayo A302, (T – F, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Divisions (contact your division administrator for pick-up locations and details)
- Students: Masks are available for SPH students to pick up at the Student Services Office, Mayo A395, during regular business hours (M – TH, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
- Students can also pick up high-quality masks free of charge at the following locations: All University residence halls/apartments, systemwide; Campus student unions; Recreation & Wellness Center; Boynton Health.
- University Health and Safety Mask support program
This program is designed to help you choose a high-quality mask and provide instructions on its use and care to minimize transmission of respiratory diseases. - CDC guides: Effective mask wearing | Types of masks | Improving mask use
Events
- As of Mar. 14, 2022, SPH events indoors may be held as long as they follow University requirements and are consistent with guidance from the CDC, MDH, and the University’s own public health and medical experts (view UMN FAQs for event planners).
- Masks at Events:
- Face masks are not required in any University space unless officially designated by the University as a “masks required” space (see “Masking”).
- The University expects all community members to respect those who choose to wear a mask, as well as those who choose not to wear one.
- While masks are not required in many University spaces, we know that masking is an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Everyone may wear a mask in settings that do not require them if they choose, and SPH has ordered KN95 masks for SPH events. SPH event coordinators can request KN95 masks for their event by emailing sphevent@umn.edu.
Meetings On Campus
- Include remote access to all in-person meetings when possible.
- The air quality in many SPH spaces has been tested. See SPH Conference Rooms + Spaces: COVID-19 for details.
- Employees who feel unwell should stay home and report their absence.
- Many SPH spaces have been tested by University Industrial Hygienist Neil Carlson and/or Facilities Management (FM). See SPH Conference Rooms + Spaces: COVID-19 for details.
- If a space did not meet the minimum standards, FM investigated the issue and adjusted HVAC systems.
- Questions? Contact your division administrator or Tamara Hink at hink@umn.edu.
- The SPH student SPHere air quality was checked and met the standards.
- The space has 2 HEPA filters running 24/7.
- SPH Student Services Center staff will make sure the space has cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer.
- View more details about the SPHere Lounge.
Testing
- MTest webpage: Information about the University’s COVID-19 Testing Program, including where to test and what to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19
Hand Sanitizer and Cleaning Supplies
- Facilities Management has installed hand sanitizer stations at building entrances and high traffic areas.
- SPH will make hand sanitizer bottles available at front desks/reception areas, in conference rooms, and in other high traffic areas. Divisions will manage supplies in their spaces.
- Cleaning supplies for offices and conference rooms will be maintained by each division.
Healthcare
- For the safety of everyone, including yourself, if you are feeling sick, please stay home. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to remain flexible, understanding, and help accommodate individual needs.
- If you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact:
- Your primary health care provider
- On-campus clinics: Boynton Health COVID-19 updates
- For international students, staff, and faculty affected by the coronavirus:
COVID-19 and the Disability Resource Center
Emergency Paid Leave for COVID-19
- The University has reset the emergency leave available for faculty, staff, and student workers under the University Emergency Paid Leave for COVID-19 starting January 1, 2022.
Questions?
If you have a question we didn’t answer in these pages, please submit it online.
