We are pleased to announce that effective today, the university has changed its COVID-19 tracking dashboard transmission level from orange (high level of transmission) to yellow (medium level of transmission) for the Winona Campus. Our decision is consistent with the criteria outlined in our protocols for responses to surges in COVID-19 cases and is based on these factors:
- COVID-19 transmission in Winona County has decreased significantly since the university moved to orange in November 2020. In fact, the County of Winona changed its COVID-19 transmission level to yellow last week.
- Our COVID-19 mass testing and weekly surveillance testing have yielded minimal positive COVID-19 cases.
The following COVID-19 protocols will continue:
- No off-campus visitors are allowed in the residence halls.
- The campus will remain closed to all visitors, including significant others and family members. The trails will remain open but masks must be worn when using them.
- The kitchens and lounges in all residence halls are open.
- Seating will continue to be limited in the Cardinal Club. Patrons must observe social distancing while waiting for ordered items.
- Students and student organizations can continue to move to in-person meetings, but virtual meetings are still strongly encouraged.
- Field trips and off-campus events continue to be prohibited.
- Students should limit social gatherings to no more than two pods and 10 students indoors and no more than three pods and 15 students outdoors.
- Intercollegiate athletics will continue to follow MIAC testing guidelines.
- We STRONGLY encourage students to remain on campus.
We continue to ask students to:
- Reduce the number of friends with whom they have close contact (with 6 feet for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period of time).
- Wear their masks correctly at all times (including outdoors when walking between classes and in the plaza). Continue to wear masks, even with their teammates and the members of their family or pod, roommates being the exception.
- Observe social distancing.
- Wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
- Report for surveillance testing as required.
- Download and activate the COVIDAware MN app.
We are immensely proud of how we have started off this semester. Where we are now is a testament to our students’ good behavior, and it’s an example of character at its finest. Although we cannot let our guard down, please know what we are doing is working. We should all feel good knowing that our actions are helping to keep everyone on our campus and beyond safe and healthy.