Campus COVID regulations relax

Students, staff and faculty are weary of COVID. The pandemic has taken a toll on our physical health, mental health, social life, relationships, activities, classroom environment and the list goes on.

Nearly three years from the onset of COVID in our daily lives, we have learned to make adjustments to coexist or simply survive. Through all the hardship and patience, we are finally as close as ever to normalcy. For many, COVID is no longer dictating our lives. This is very evident on campus this fall. COVID regulations are relaxed in a way we have not seen on campus since 2020, at least in an official capacity.

The most up to date guidelines from the CSB+SJU pandemic planning committee have been greatly revised from previous guidance. Gone is the vaccine requirement, mandatory masking and masking by request, mass testing, contact tracing, capacity restrictions and guest restrictions. We are truly responsible for our own health and safety in a new way this year.

The CSB+SJU Pandemic Planning Committee, led by Casey Gordon, Chief Information Officer, were thorough and considerate in their decision to institute these new regulations. The PCC met every two weeks last year to review data and guidelines for the CDC as well as the Minnesota Department of Health.

The changes made in campus policy reflect similar recommendations by the CDC and MDH to lift mask mandates and ease up on other restrictions. The committee is also aware that COVID is a dynamic illness, and they continue to meet frequently to discuss the infection trends on campus and in the state. Should we see a rise in cases, they are prepared to consult with the MDH and make plans to protect our safety.

Current numbers for positive cases were not available at the time of print, but there is ample capacity in the isolation spaces. Many students are excited and welcoming of these relaxed measures. After five semesters guided by varying levels of precautions and protocols, the sense of freedom is an exciting change. Campus life reflects this, with events and activities in full swing, in-person classes and guest speakers talking on a stage, not a screen.

The class of ‘22 is the final cohort to have any COVID-free college experience, with only one COVID-year semester under their belts. The subsequent years have been spent crawling back toward normalcy. Still, students have varying reactions to the updated protocols, with some expressing concern over just how relaxed things are.

“I think we still need more precautions,” SJU senior Aaron Crema said. “We’re not out of [danger] yet; being too relaxed could come back to bite us. But it’s nice being semi-normal.”

CSB senior Katie Brewer reacted with a sense of relief to the guidance.

“It’s good that the restrictions are relaxed,” she said.

But, she noted, there still seems to be some loose ends in the regulations.

“I wish there were quarantine dorms still,” she said.

She added that the elimination of the vaccine requirement was also a point of concern. While the official PCC statement does mention that quarantine housing is avaliable upon request, many students, especially those in apartments, have remained in their own spaces. Their roommates are at risk for infection and may feel unsure of their responsibilities to the community in terms of masking and quarantining.

Some first-years said they were used to masks from their high school experiences coming into college.

“We had to wear masks for nearly 3/4 of high school, so I was excited to go to college and maybe not wear one. But, with the recent surges in COVID cases its the same as it was last year” CSB first-year, Rachel Olinger said. “People should continue to wear masks if they feel sick at all so we can try and resume normal school life as best as possible.”

The intersection of the college experience and COVID is a concern among first-years as well.

“There have been some cases of COVID near me, and I’m worried we will have to go back to mask at practice or even having our cross country season canceled. I just want to have a normal college experience and not miss out on things because of COVID,” CSB first-year Brooke Verkinnes said.

Staff too have experienced both reprieve and confusion with the new guidelines. Alexa Evenson, a professor in the nutrition department said that the message regarding Zoom classes is opposite compared to last year. Whereas hybrid learning was encouraged in previous semesters, the accepted practice has now shifted back to a strict in-person policy for most professors. Balancing Zoom and in-person lessons was a difficult multitask, and many faculty are glad to have one fewer thing to worry about.

Evenson also emphasized the importance of staying home and resting when you are sick, so removing Zoom class from the options allows students to truly take a day off to rest and recover. Gordon echoed this statement on the importance of health. As classes have started up again and students and faculty are gathering in common places, there is potential for colds and influenza.

“We want to make sure students and employees know that they should stay home when ill, regardless of whether they have COVID or not. Staying home when ill is the best way to take care of yourself and your community.”