Read the Weekly COVID-19 Update from August 31, 2020.

Last week, we learned of our first active cases of COVID-19 on campus. This week, I want to emphasize a few important points:

• Face coverings are required in academic buildings, and you should take care to wear it correctly. Masks should cover both your nose and mouth.
• If you choose to gather in a large group and not practice physical distancing, a positive test within that group of people could result in all present being required to quarantine for up to 14 days. Please do not gather in large groups.
• If you are not feeling well or have potential COVID-19 symptoms, PLEASE stay home or in your residence hall.
• Students who have been directly exposed to a positive COVID-19 case will be contacted by Student Health to determine if quarantine and/or testing is necessary.
• If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms, or just have questions, please contact Campus Nurse Judi Neswick at 712-274-5178.

Per President Reynders’ email last week, Morningside will be establishing on-campus testing for all undergraduate students, faculty, and staff. Testing will be offered beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8. More information about location, hours, and scheduling will come to your inbox this week.

Additionally, tomorrow we will also be launching a dashboard that will be updated weekly on Tuesdays. It will show active cases, students in quarantine, and students in isolation. It will be available on the COVID-19 page starting tomorrow. The screenshot below will give you a preview of what to expect:

OPERATING LEVEL

Morningside College’s overall operating level remains at YELLOW. You can see more about Morningside’s Operation Guidelines and our response to COVID-19 here.

LOCAL COVID-19 DATA

Hospitalization rates and active cases of COVID-19 remain steady in Woodbury County. You can see COVID-19 data for our county and all of Iowa here. 

IF YOU ARE ILL, SYMPTOMATIC, OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19

Please stay in your residence hall room or home. Should you need medical attention or assistance, please contact Campus Nurse Judi Neswick at 712-274-5178. 

QUESTIONS

If you have specific questions or topics related to COVID-19 that you would like me to address in future emails, please feel free to let me know. 

Be well,

Spicer