Message from the Office of the President: Governor Walz “dials back” COVID restrictions

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

Governor Walz announced today a significant “dial back” of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. This is a day we have all worked toward by taking the right precautions and getting vaccinated. But we also know that we need to hold the course on a few more precautions as the spring semester winds down. Let’s do all we can to close out our semester safely.

In the meantime, we will be working through the Governor’s announcement along with the guidance of our own medical and public health experts and state and federal agencies as we begin our next chapter. We already know that some of today’s announced changes affect our campus communities as soon as tomorrow, which is very exciting. Below we provide some details:

What Remains the Same for the Time Being

As students living on-campus begin their move-out processes as early as this weekend, it is important that we maintain the same level of safety and caution that has served us well over the last two semesters. As such, all indoor residence hall dining centers will maintain their current seating guidelines until the end of the semester.

The University continues to require all members of our community wear a face covering indoors. Wear a mask outdoors if you are unable to maintain physical distancing from others.

May 7 Changes for Our Campuses

As of tomorrow, outdoor dining venues will not have seating limits. Likewise, outdoor events and get-togethers will no longer have capacity limits, nor will our outdoor entertainment and sports venues.

For indoor venues, limits will increase to 25% of capacity if the venue can hold more than 500 individuals. Gyms and recreation facilities can operate at 50% of capacity.

May 28 Changes for Our Campuses

On May 28, all internal venue capacity limits will be removed.

Face coverings will remain required in all University buildings on our campuses. The Governor indicated that he will offer new guidance when 70% of those 16 and older are vaccinated, and we will reassess our requirements at that time.

Your personal commitment during the past year has protected you, your family, and our entire University community. We are clearly in the last few weeks of these restrictions, but COVID-19 continues to circulate across our state and country, so we ask for your continued attention and care. Continue to wear a face covering, wash your hands, and, when possible, avoid large crowds. And of course, get vaccinated if you haven’t done so already. Please continue to do your part for the benefit of all. Thank you for everything you have done thus far—it has made all of the difference.

Continue to stay healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel