Dear St. Catherine Community,
COVID-19 cases have been decreasing across the state and we have been seeing fewer cases on campus than in the fall, and we are continuing to review how that might impact additional in-person opportunities on campus. Currently:
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Beginning Monday, March 8, Butler Center will be available for use by all students. Additional details and sign up information will be provided later this week. As with previous reopenings, we will continue to monitor data and determine the possibility of additional access in the coming weeks.
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Tier Two courses are on-track to return to an in-person format following spring/Easter Break. Additional information will be provided to students and faculty via email soon.
While this is promising news, please remember that it’s important remain diligent with our mitigation measures, including:
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Wearing a mask that includes at least two layers, completely covers the nose and mouth, and fits snugly
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Maintaining social distance
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Limiting contacts
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Washing hands
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Staying home when sick
Spring/Easter Break Guidance
Travel Information
If you are planning travel, please be sure to follow the guidelines listed above to help limit potential spread during your trip and upon your return. You’ll also want to review any COVID-related travel requirements before you leave.
Pre- and Post-Break Testing
We are again working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to offer free saliva testing to all students, faculty, and staff on the following dates:
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March 24-26
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April 7-9
We encourage anyone planning to leave for spring/Easter Break, as well as everyone returning after being away, to get tested. This will help us identify potential asymptomatic infections and limit spread.
Sign up for a saliva testing appointment
Ongoing COVID-19 Testing
On-campus saliva PCR testing is available for students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing symptoms, have been identified as a close contact, or need to be tested to participate in a clinical placement or athletic competition.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continues to offer free saliva testing at community testing sites and through the Test at Home program.
Vaccine Information
Post-Vaccination Guidance
We continue to review and update our COVID policies and procedures based on the latest data and guidance. As we learn more about the vaccine and more of our community becomes vaccinated, we recognize that some may experience side effects that mimic symptoms of infection. Please review this guidance to determine whether or not to come to campus and/or attend class if you are experiencing any symptoms following vaccination.
Reporting Vaccinations
Students in the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are asked to upload their documents into EXXAT. Additional information will be provided by each program.
We are also asking all members of the St. Kate’s community to let us know when they have received the second dose of the vaccine by completing the COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting Form or entering the information in the patient portal on the Health and Wellness Clinic web page. This information will help as we plan for the months ahead.
Vaccine Connector
The State of Minnesota recently launched a tool designed to help individuals learn when, where, and how to get vaccinated. To learn more, visit check out the Vaccine Connector.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our community.
Sincerely,
Safely Returning to Campus Committee Co-Chairs
Amy Kelly, MD, MPH, Director, Health and Wellness Clinic
Matt Goodwin, PhD, Associate Provost for Student Affairs
Pat Pratt-Cook, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Equity and Inclusion
Lynda Szymanski, PhD, Associate Provost